As the saying goes, an ocean breeze keeps one’s mind at ease. I remembered that as I stared at my laptop hoping that Zoom meetings would just go away and everything would go back to normal. We needed to get away again, somewhere isolated and yet safe and easily accessible from Manila. For us, a visit to Pico Sands Hotel is the moment we were waiting for; time to head for the beach and enjoy some fun under the sun. All is well with the new normal, at least for a few days.
The drive to Pico de Loro is about two hours from Manila. The route that we took brought us via Cavitex to Kaybiang tunnel and the views along the winding roads are pretty as a picture. From Kaybiang, the trip took about 20 minutes. We then found ourselves ready to explore Hamilo coast, with its 13 majestic coves situated along the coastline.
We were provided an itinerary for our stay for three days and it was delightful. I have no doubt in my mind that what looks good on paper, will be much more pleasurable once we experience it in real-time.
Pico Sands Hotel
The drive was easy and we got there without having to double-check the directions. The check-in was a breeze and we were already in our corner deluxe room in just a few minutes. The wraparound balcony provided stunning views of the lagoon and the whole property. The place was peaceful and quiet.
Lunch was served for us in a cabana fronting Pico beach. The food was good and the views were even better. I felt that this would be a great start to our scheduled escape from the burnout of everyday pandemic life. There was even a slight ocean breeze that made the meals taste even better.
Afternoon delight
Our late afternoon schedule brought us back to the beach. This time, we’re aboard a speedboat with a front-row view of the stunning sunset on a cruise with cocktails. This experience brings you to different nearby coves while you sip red wine and enjoy the party snacks from the charcuterie board.
The day culminated with a private dinner at the beach, under the stars. The full-course meal is delightful and really fancy. What follows after dinner is our Awaken the Senses massage at The Rain, the spa at Pico Sands. Truly, it’s a perfect first day for this summer getaway. Tomorrow will be another fun-filled day of adventure and excitement.
Picnic lunch at Santelmo Cove
The next day was spent at a private beach at Santelmo cove. Hotel guests like us took the resort’s speedboat to get there. The trip only took about five minutes. Another way to get there is by hiking for an hour from Pico de Loro’s beach.
Santelmo Cove is a marine sanctuary and a no-fishing zone. It was named after the weather phenomenon, St. Elmo’s Fire. The locals avouch that a “ball of fire” was seen in the surrounding areas of the cove. Our experience, however, was entirely pleasant. We were assisted by the hotel staff along the way who prepared a picnic lunch for us. They were there to attend to our needs every step of the way. For lunch, we had grilled chicken, shrimps, pansit, and fruits for dessert. We even got the chance to hike up Santelmo’s view deck which only took a few minutes. We saw plenty of juvenile black-tip reef sharks along with the rock formations on the beach. Behind us is a jungle where we also noticed several monkeys moving around. There were no other guests around and we had the beach all to ourselves, a rare experience to be cherished. How can a place so natural, provide the comforts of home at the same time?
Water activities included paddleboarding, kayaking, and of course, swimming. You can also go bird watching everywhere at the resort. Guests can also just lounge around the white-sand beach with a cold drink in hand.
Private dinner by the lagoon
The evening festivities included a private dinner that was set up for us at Pico Sands Hotel’s Spanish steps. Meals were served under a dome close to the lagoon. We had seafood Paella, Gambas and Salpicao. A culinary and visual treat of the lagoon views, background bossa nova music, and friendly banter makes this a night to remember.
Tourism and the community
It is great to see businesses opening up and the economy starting to recover. I got the chance to talk to the staff of the hotel and many of them are from the surrounding towns of Batangas. Pico Sands Hotel and other businesses are providing work to these individuals and their families. Again, it is the community providing support and collaboration to the tourism industry. Businesses, the people, and the tourism industry are making it happen in the new normal.
Image credits: Ardee P. de los Angeles