MANILA, Philippines – This was not to be another one of those run-of-the-mill retreats. No yoga retreat ever is. But this was especially remarkable in that we were privileged to have ashtanga yoga “Master of Masters” himself, John Scott. He and his wife Lucy Scott were flown in from New Zealand to conduct this rare week-long experience.
Combining the fact that John Scott is considered a superstar in the ashtanga world, and the fact that it was being held in Boracay’s latest five-star superluxe Asya Premier Suites made for a truly unique experience we were all looking forward to.
From the moment you step on Asya, at the southernmost tip of the island, you know this will be totally different from all the previous Boracay vacations you’ve had in the past! Not only in terms of the yoga retreat, but also because of this arrestingly beautiful resort you are about to step into.
From the private beach cove, you are led into a van that takes you on about a 10-minute drive to the main resort. You circle the driveway around a low minimally-designed water fountain, the sound of water trickles on the river stones as you get off and are welcomed with a cold towel and a fresh fruit drink by the Asya staff standing on the off-white sandstone steps. Behind is the pristine wall to the entrance, also in off-white, that is broken only by two giant Filipino carabao jars sitting on both ends. You are then led into the warm wooden high ceiling and cool limestone floor of the Entry Pavilion that is vaguely reminiscent of a giant Filipino nipa hut.
And the magic begins... The front desk is to the side, all is open; no walls to hinder the view of lush tropical greenery. Looking ahead it is still the sound of water that leads you as you gaze down and see even more sandstone steps, water trickling in-between them, cascading down the middle towards a huge round swimming pool, the center of the resort. As you look ahead toward the horizon, your line of sight takes you to the pool’s edge in line with the sea water in the horizon. Totally breathtaking! I was already looking forward to the sunset cocktails ahead of us. Yogis are, after all, human, too!
And then the suites... Totalling only 20, each individual suite strategically situated into the natural architecture of the hillside, surrounding the circular main pool. The four presidential suites even have their own private dipping pool! Fashioned in a clean minimalist Filipino theme, the spacious suites indulge you with your own wide veranda that opens into your living/dining room that opens into your bedroom. From your bed you actually awaken and can see the breathtaking view of the sea. This was the one requirement resort owners, the very friendly and accommodating Choy and Marisa Cojuangco, insisted on from the outset that they had conceived of their magical paradise.
Behind your bed that is situated in the center of the room, frosted glass sliding doors reveal the spacious bathroom, freestanding bathtub in the center, rainshower and double sinks to further indulge in. The bathroom is enclosed in glass doors that open to a pocket garden behind so that you really feel you can soak and shower in nature. What a treat!
And then the food... Asya Premiere boasts of being the island’s best-kept secret when it comes to food — both regular menu and healthy menu. For breakfast, sample the resort’s Filipino breakfast of garlic rice with Spanish sardines and spicy tuyo in olive oil and scrambled egg, scrambled tofu eggs on wheat toast and the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on wheat toast.
Our lunch and dinner entree favorites would include the miso clam soup with soft tofu and wakame, mahi-mahi baked in parchment, fish and chips with chargrilled lemon handcut chips with spicy vinegar and mayo dips. Healthy menu faves were the hummus with tahini lemon dressing, the detox nutty salad, the vegetable curry with papadum rice and the gratin vegetable cannelloni.
It goes without saying that there were complementary wines to choose from and suggested by owner Choy Cojuangco. We were lucky to be hosted by him at almost every meal, being an avid yoga practitioner and having to follow the workshop schedule himself!
Needless to say, the week went by too quickly. Challenging early morning ashtanga yoga practice left you hankering for the delicious breakfast treats punctuated by Asya’s distinct special blend of Italian coffee. Soon after, the relaxing massage awaited you back in your suite. If not that, a bit of beach strolling, swimming or shopping. Thoroughly recharged after the ensuing rest/siesta (or shopping), you come down for a sunset cocktail drink by the pool and an early dinner, in order to make time for evening meditation and/or a short talk by our inspirational ashtanga master guru John Scott. This caps and completes a perfect day. Imagine six glorious days of pure unadulterated bliss!
Truly, your heart overflows with humility and gratitude. You couldn’t ask for more. We are filled with the Energy, the Divine, the One. And, even if only for a split second, there you find exquisite Stillness.