Summer and blue water
MANILA, Philippines - Anticipating longer days and the inevitability of heat, we set off for Cebu to jumpstart this year’s summer fun. Our destination that weekend was Maribago Bluewater in Mactan. The seven-hectare beach resort is highly recommended by friends for its first-rate yet unobtrusive service, and we looked forward to lazing around and basking in the sun.
But trust the weather to turn fickle. A depressing drizzle greeted us as the plane touched down in Cebu. As this strengthened into sheets of rain, the thought crossed my mind that the weekend plans were ruined. However, upon arrival at the resort, and after being warmly welcomed by general manager Rhyz Buac, public relations officer Ruben Licero and the rest of the staff, our glum mood brightened up.
A treatment at Maribago’s well-appointed spa would dispel the moment’s rainy day blues. Of course, the goodies waiting in our rooms also helped cheer us up. While waiting for our spa appointment, we snacked on the yummiest, chewiest white chocolate chip cookies baked by pastry chef John Marollano, while sipping on a cold kalamansi and honey drink. Sarap. Never mind the wayward crumbs on the bed. We were going to sleep on that other ironwood bed anyway.
Amuma in Visayan means “to pamper, indulge with every attention, comfort, care and spoil.” And we soon found out why the Amuma Spa is aptly named. Choosing to try out the facility’s signature “Hilot Journey,” we were soon purring with contentment as the trained masseuse unknotted tense muscles. The treatment incorporated native rituals such as pausok or space cleansing through medicinal herbs and mineral smoke; dasal or prayers; and an orasyon of blessings, chants and spiritual invocations. With an overacting attendant, the rituals could have easily turned really weird and laughable. But all I seem to remember was the soft and soothing hum of what seemed to be a lullaby. The aroma of coconut oil, kalamansi and heated banana fronds was lovely, and the thought that crossed my mind before I dozed off was that I smelled so good — just like a rice cake. A human suman.
It was time for a scrub in a hot tub. The treatment was the three-hour hilot journey, after all, and it would not do to conk out after the preliminary massage. The bath water was scented with kalamansi and ilang-ilang flowers and I soaked until the skin on my fingers and toes turned pale and wrinkly. Only the prospect of another massage convinced me to come out of the tub.
Expectedly, the rubdown was delicious. As all the remaining kinks were straightened out, I could only imagine that my muscles were now being slowly turned into what approximates Kobe beef. Remember those cows that are massaged regularly so that the fat is incorporated with the muscle before the slaughter? Perish the thought! I made a mental note to do something really active the next day.
At dawn, we joined the group of DOT Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion for a boat ride to catch the fluvial parade. Later on, we saw for ourselves what general manager Rhyz O. Buac said was true. “Maribago is one place where every detail of your stay is carefully thought out,” he said, and the attention to detail was truly commendable. The resort staff on the boat was efficient in anticipating our every need. The group’s diverse food preferences were taken into account. The sweetest lansones and rambutan fruit were packed for our enjoyment. Fluffy towels were handed out to wipe off the ocean spray.
The drizzle did not let up on this visit, but the genuine and cheerful hospitality at Maribago Bluewater resort more than makes up for the not-so-perfect weather. In good spirits on that relaxing weekend, we thoroughly enjoyed the swimming pools and the beach.
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Log on to www.bluewater.com.ph or e-mail maribago@bluewater.com.ph for information and reservations.
