Granada a weekender getaway

CEBU, Philippines - Perched atop a cliff, overlooking the tranquil sea where a throng of whale sharks or "butandings" swim by, is a Tuscan-inspired resort poised to be a weekender getaway and fashioned for either that long-overdue family reunion or that tropical dream wedding.

The address affords a vista of the lush mountain sceneries, as well as the horizon that turns breathtakingly majestic at sunset. Granada Beach in Boljoon is a boutique hotel at the south side with eight well-appointed air-conditioned rooms, all with the picturesque view of the sea. Each en suite double and twin bedroom is furnished with toilet & bath, and a private balcony sans a television set to ensure a restful vacay.

Washed in immaculate white, the eight rooms are spread over two floors, each with wooden swing doors that screams “Tuscan.” The interiors are minimalist by design, without the fancy furnishings. Guests can proceed to the roofdeck, an ideal venue for private cocktails and other intimate gatherings at dusk under the stars, to laze at the sun lounges, offering a scenic 180 degrees view of the Boljoon coast and rolling hills.

The swimming pool instantly catches attention as it is in middle, overlooking the sea. Sun lounges are set on the sides to lie around while sipping a refreshing fruit juice ordered at the pool bar.

If you fancy another activity to while away your time, take a quick trip to the Baluarte, the Spanish stone watch tower built in the 1600s which is just a short walk from the pool area. Resort owners, couple Baby & Stu Gould (yes, the parents of the former Azkal member and currently England’s beach soccer player Chad Gould) launched restoration efforts some years ago to make this tower an additional attraction to their guests. On the first floor, old bottles and other vintage items are all over while a fertility totem has a dedicated spot at the second level. Climbing the steep stairs, the top deck opens up to a spectacular view of the whole property dotted with towering trees and ornaments and the placid sea, plus the cool breeze that is so inviting for an afternoon siesta.

It was my birthday week when I visited Granada recently. I've been there twice. My first visit was an overnight at the then newly built R&R enclave three years ago. And during the second time around, I made sure I was beach-ready.

Like most places in Cebu, Boljoon is not on the back seat when it comes to underwater attractions. And Granada is blessed with a coral fringed marine sanctuary which guests can freely enjoy, either for scuba or snorkeling.

Since the property is set on a hill, guests need to go down to the white sand beach area to commune with the underwater settlers. Stu, who mans the independent dive shop, is a certified PADI instructor who offers diving lessons and guided dives.

I spent the afternoon snorkeling, simply marveling at the sightings of diverse schools of fish and multi-hued corals, reason that I didn't want to get off the water too soon. I made a few more strokes until I reached the 100 feet deep coral wall drop off that is utterly fantastic. It is covered with a wide variety of corals and sponges in vivid colors – simply teeming with life! According to Stu, large turtles are often seen in this area as well as the whale sharks. You should not miss it!

The resort offers Asian and Continental cuisines. For other preference, prior arrangements must be made. .

Granada Beach beckons. Its seclusion and privacy are noteworthy, ideal for family reunions and tropical dream wedding, simply away from the hurly burly... close to the sky and sea.

The boutique hotel is located at the Granada Peninsula in Boljoon.

(Some photos are grabbed from www.granadabeachph.com)   (FREEMAN)