Atop the Mall

CEBU, Philippines - A 37-storey, distinctive residential tower rising above Ayala Center Cebu has recently been introduced to the public by luxury developer Ayala Land Premier (ALP). Called The Alcoves, the residential development would include the 1-bedroom Zen unit, as a way of tapping into Cebu's growing Japanese market. The Zen unit is 58-73 sq. m. in size, with a large a Japanese-style bathroom.

According to the Department of Tourism, Japanese tourists are now the fastest-growing arrivals in Cebu. They are also the third largest tourist spenders among visiting foreign nationals. Many Japanese visit Cebu for the climate, cosmopolitan culture and for leisure-and-recreation activities like golf, diving, snorkelling and other aqua sports.

Cebu is an ideal second-home destination complete with education, health facilities, direct flights and city-to-sea conveniences. Some even choose to reside permanently in the region.

The Alcoves is ALP's third residential project in the Cebu Park District. The company's previous successes in Cebu have been 1016 Residences, launched in 2010, and Park Point Residences in 2012.  "What is special about The Alcoves is the unique unit offerings geared towards the Japanese market. These features are not present in existing ALP projects in Cebu," said Leya Moya, Project Development Group Head of ALP.

The Alcoves is a mixed-use tower with a retail podium and high-rise residences. Two residential blocks are connected by a shared elevator core. Retail and dining establishments are on the second and third floors, while a private access to Ayala Center Cebu provides residents with even more options.

Along its facade are six levels of distinctive Alcove Gardens, 40-sq. m. soothing green spaces with a green wall three storeys-high, and restful seating where residents can relax and take in views of the city and beyond.

There are two amenity levels. The fourth floor Amenity Deck features 2,500 sq. m. of landscaped gardens, a kiddie pool and lounge pool, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, function rooms and a veranda.

On the 35th level is an impressive Sky Pavilion overlooking the city skyline. "Residents can work out at the fitness gym and lap pool, or unwind at the pool bar and lounge, all while enjoying magnificent views of the city," Moya said.

There are also the Alcove Suites, 112 sq. m. bi-level residences with two bedrooms, a powder room, en-suite bathrooms and maid's room. Six units of these well-designed residences are available. Another exclusive residence is the Sky Alcove, a unit that's one of a kind, perched on the 36th level with grand views of the city and the Sky Pavilion. This 153-sq. m. unit has two levels and comes with two bedrooms, a galley-type kitchen, en-suite bathrooms, utility area and maid's room.

Another type is the 1-bedroom Classic at 58-69 sq. m. and the 2-bedroom Classic at 106 sq. m. And the Grand Corner Suites at 134-136 sq. m. are 2-bedroom corner units with large balcony areas. On the 35th level are the only three Sky Suite units in the building. These are residences 131-136 sq. m. in size, with two bedrooms, a walk-in closet for the master's bedroom, en-suite bathrooms, maid's room and powder room. The Sky Villas, on the 36th and 37th floors, offer huge living spaces at 250-259 sq. m., with three bedrooms, Asian-style gourmet kitchen, utility area, two dining areas and balcony area.

The Alcoves is expected to be completed by 2020. (FREEMAN)