ACCOMMODATION options for the Northern Palawan traveler seeking world-class facilities and services vastly improved with the recent opening of the 153-room Seda hotel in the Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido municipality.
Prior to Seda Lio’s soft opening in August, visitors to this scenic town with globally renowned natural attractions were confined mostly to boutique hotels and family-run inns clustered at the center of town. At the other end of the spectrum were plush accommodations in the exclusive island resorts accessible from the mainland only by boat.
Meeting groups, foreign and domestic tourists have since been quick to book rooms at Seda Lio, the hotel carrying the homegrown Ayala Land hotel brand, according to group general manager Brett Hickey. “We are within the Lio Tourism Estate, a new development with its own community. Seda Lio is the most complete facility in El Nido that offers accommodations, an all-day dining restaurant, inter-connecting swimming pools, a spa and function rooms. We have the only indoor ballroom in El Nido that can comfortably seat 150 guests,” he said. Since it opened, the hotel has been a favored venue for meetings, seminars, and large celebrations of groups coming from Manila.
Hickey points out that the 4-hectare
property with its own 400-meter ivory beach, likewise, offers to couples and individual travelers many quiet spots with views of the emerald bay, the scenic swimming pools or the lush mangroves. At day’s end, all are richly rewarded by the picturesque sun dramatically setting behind Cadlao island and painting the sky an array of hues. Cadlao is just across the water from the sprawling, low-rise hotel.
Hickey points out, nevertheless, that because Seda Lio is in Palawan—recently adjudged one of the best islands in the world—visitors will also want to venture to explore the world-famous Big and Small Lagoon, secret caves and beaches on Bacuit Bay known for its marine biodiversity. Seda Lio endorses its guests to reliable island-hopping tour operators that enrich the experience with interesting facts and trivia during the boat ride.
Closer to the hotel is a snorkeling site teeming with marine life like the rest of Bacuit Bay. In fact, Seda Lio’s guests are encouraged to do a one-hour snorkeling session courtesy of the house and packaged with snorkeling gear and life vests. Other available water sports are kayaking, paddle boarding and pedal boating. Just a stroll away is Kalye Artesano, an artists’ village that can also easily be reached in a few minutes by bike which can be rented from the hotel. Past these stores of arts and crafts, fashion and souvenir items, is a range of dining options at Shops@Lio, where sports and musical events are held regularly.
But guests who just want to stay in the hotel grounds have many options, as well. They can laze in the poolside cabanas or enjoy the pool with a water feature kids will love, lounge at the Pool Bar sipping fresh coconut juice or their favorite drinks, hit the gym, dine in Misto with a choice of indoor or al-fresco seating, or simply relax in Seda Lio’s well-appointed 45-square-meter deluxe rooms with strong complimentary Wi-fi and cable TV. A popular attraction is the Seda Spa offering a signature Filipino hilot treatment in private villas surrounded by lush gardens.
“Seda Lio offers a full-resort experience with something for everybody,” said Hickey. “When the weather takes a turn for the worst, families can entertain themselves in our Game Room with Xbox and Playstation games and, soon, kids will have their own play areas to romp in. No one likes being confined indoors because of the weather. But when it does, Seda Lio is amply prepared to keep its guests engaged as it is ready to simply be a nurturing launch pad for great adventures.”
www.sedahotels.com