Archival to build "wellness center" in Compostela

CEBU, Philippines - As Cebu capitalizes on the wellness and eco-tourism market, a five-hectare “Wellness Center” will soon rise in Compostela, northern Cebu to provide a total wellness accommodation alternative for the growing health-conscious market.

Environmentalist and former Cebu City councilor Nestor Archival announced that he has already started developing his five-hectare property in Compostela to give wider options for tourists, especially those seeking total wellness environment.

“As we are embarking into eco-tourism, it is important also to provide facilities that support this campaign,” said Archival, who earlier announced that his eco-house is already open for viewing for local and foreign tourists to appreciate the eco-friendly living lifestyle.

Archival said that the “Wellness or Healing Center,” will provide about 30 to 40 Cabanas or cottages for tourists to stay, and enjoy an eco-friendly lifestyle. The Cabanas are purposely designed equipped will all amenities from basic necessities, to food, environment, and even introduce alternative herbs to boost one’s well-being.

This kind of facility is what Cebu is needing, he said, as more capitalists have also started to build other eco-tourism facilities in the province. So far, he said there is still no accommodation service in the province of this kind.

Aside from the exclusive eco-cottages, Archival also plans to establish a chapel and organic garden to aid the production of the organic food that will be prepared for guests, as well as abundant ornamentals and flowers.

A “healing garden” will also be built, that will grow different kinds of herbal plants, he added.

After his stint as Cebu City councilor, Archival focused on his passion to promote eco-friendly lifestyle, traveled to different countries, and attended conferences on eco-living.

This big project, although he did not divulge the estimated investment, is part of Archival’s other plans to create more eco-tourism facilities aside from his plan to open up two organic restaurants within Cebu City.

A certified organic restaurant will soon be opened at his “House Close to Nature” in his residence in Talamban, and the other one may be opened in the Cebu Asia Town IT Park.

Archival is also working with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) tourism committee to strongly promote eco-tourism destinations in Cebu.

The thrust now of the CCCI tourism committee is to push eco-tourism for the province, highlighting the different eco-friendly sites in different towns in the Island province.

Recently, CCCI launched the “Eco Tourism and Heritage Program”, which is also supported by Department of Tourism (DOT), Cebu City government and the Provincial Government of Cebu.

The program will highlight the ecological attractions in Cebu, being established by environment-friendly businessmen and entrepreneurs including entrepreneurial Local Government Units (LGUs).

Archival added that he might is also consider developing his properties in Camotes Island to build more eco-friendly facilities in the future. (FREEMAN)