If one is in a real, serious rush and has mucho dinero to spare, it is simply a quick 20-minute hop by chopper from the Mactan International Airport. But for those who are starting from the center of Cebu City, it is well worth the little over two-hour scenic drive down south. A motorized boat awaits guests at the pier which will take the holidaymakers on a mere 15-minute crossing to the enchanting isle.
Upon disembarkation, a dozen or so ever-smiling singers, accompanied by an accomplished rondalla, all resort and spa employees I later learned, serenade guests with the islands’ beguiling songs. Soon thereafter, under the shade of swaying palm trees, everyone enjoys a refreshing glad-to-have-you-with-us fruit drink. Oftentimes, hands-on owners-partners Maria Catral and Hartwig Scholtz lead the welcome party.
One becomes slowly conscious of the beauty of the surroundings that escalates and magnifies with each passing moment, and that the friendliness and the warmth of all who are present are truly disarming. And thus begins this property’s therapeutic effect on its guests.
A stroll around the eight-hectare estate will quickly acquaint you with its facilities. One notices that the cabaña suites are built strategically above the sea by the edge of a portion of a rocky coastline, while the rest of the villas are harmoniously nestled around the restaurant, with a panoramic view of a blossoming tropical garden.
Conveniently located at the beachfront, where cozy bonfires and exciting volleyball games are held, is the popular game room adjacent to the dive center, which is equipped with the latest diving and watersports equipment, such as aqua cycles and windsurf boards. A glass bottom boat is readily available to enable guests to appreciate the underwater coral gardens and colorful marine life and, with a little bit of luck, to view a school of yellowtail barracudas.
Located just a stone’s throw away is the island’s newly inaugurated spa, a sanctuary where one can forget, even if only for some precious moments, the daily routine and maddening hassle of everyday urban life. For starters, all products used are homemade with natural ingredients. Aroma and color therapy, as well as herbalism, are combined for every treatment depending, of course, on one’s particular desire. One may choose from a selection of revitalizing essential oils for the massage that would best suit one’s needs.
All treatments begin with a soothing foot bath and gentle foot peeling. The aroma massage is designed to alleviate back and shoulder pains, muscle aches and headaches. Skin rolling, deep kneading strokes administered from head to toe, and friction on the skin are known to relieve sore points.
The most luxurious of all the treatments is the relaxing massage, which gives deep internal relaxation with its long rhythmic movements that open the body’s subtle energy centers. This massage is the perfect indulgence because of the harmonious work of two qualified therapists; in other words, four hands work in synchronized movement on one’s body. It is truly an unforgettable experience that follows Asian traditions, a real treat for one’s body, mind and soul.
Activities are not limited within the resort and spa. On land, guests can have a leisurely walk around the orchid gallery, where the widest selection of exotic orchids and vibrant colorful flowers may be found. Or, they may visit nearby quaint villages and have a picnic at Kawasan Falls, where the water is at its best. They may also take a less than an hour’s outrigger boat ride to watch whales and dolphins at play.
What is it about this site that makes it so hopelessly appealing? Is it the sense of being in your own private universe? Perhaps being removed from the rest of the world? Or, perhaps...
Whatever the reasons are, Badian Island Resort and Spa is simply the place to aimlessly indulge in life’s little pleasures and small blessings.