Top 10 luxe destinations in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has what it takes to become Asia’s top luxe destination.

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa), an organization that has been actively promoting inbound and domesic tourism for the past 25 years, recently unveiled the Philippines’ most luxurious destinations during the celebration of their 25th year in the tourism industry.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim and host Boy Abunda unveiled The Top 10 Luxe Destinations for 2011. The selection process for this was based on each property’s product packaging excellence, world-class facilities and for showcasing the best of Filipino hospitality. 

“Philtoa has primarily been focused on providing budget travel deals for the market,” explains Cesar Cruz, Philtoa president. “But this year, we decided to do something different. In addition to highlighting the beauty of our culture by way of the various destinations that we have been promoting for the past couple of years, we also wanted to show everyone that the Philippines has what it takes to become Asia’s premier luxe destination.”

Abunda presided over the unveiling of these exciting destinations.

The country’s top designers such as Rem Divino, Shanon Pamaong, Johnny Abad, Jojie Lloren, Fanny Serano, Edgar Madamba, Gerry Katigbak, Renee Salud, Randy Ortiz, and Dita Sandico-Ong staged a fashion show that featured the stylish and functional brands of the Primer Group of Companies that caters to the travel market.

The 2011 List of Top Luxe Destinations in the Philippines include:

• Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque. With its white Santorini–inspired architecture on rolling terrain contrasted with the azure blue of the sky above and the clear water below, the luxurious Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa offers a fantastic experience unlike any other place in the Philippines and across South-East Asia. This is especially ideal for couples that are on their honeymoon. Among the many activities at Bellarocca, newlyweds can have a private outdoor movie screening or they can opt to have a picnic lunch on a private beach. They can also cruise on the resort’s power boats and island hop or book a local tour around Marinduque all arranged by Bellarocca’s lifestyle and recreation activity consultants. This world-class resort ensures exclusivity, privacy and luxurious pampering for a most relaxing stay for everyone.

• Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu. Nestled amid 13 hectares of lush greenery, landscaped gardens and with a 350-meter exclusive white-sand beach, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu is the quintessential modern-day paradise. It is an exciting refuge for nature lovers and a favorite among holidaymakers since it combines rustic surroundings, modern conveniences and genuine Asian hospitality that are distinctly Shangri-La.

• Shangri-La Boracay in Aklan. It is the first international deluxe resort on Boracay Island and has been included in the Conde Naste Hot List 2010 and the Travel + Leisure “it” list of 2010. Here, beach lovers will not only be able to enjoy the scenic beaches during their stay, they can also use the resort’s recreational facilities such as a health club, one of the country’s largest free-form swimming pools, a marine center, and many more.

• Misibis Bay Resort in Bicol. This tropical sanctuary provides an escape for travelers who are looking to relax after a stressful time at work. Misibis Bay Resort is Bicol’s most prestigious location and guests can go on an adventure ride using an all terrain vehicle (ATV) around Cagraray Island or they can enjoy a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing, and more. For something different, travelers are invited to go on an interactive whale shark adventure.

• Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan in Cebu. The Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan in Cebu was master-planned by world renowned resort Architectural and Interior Design firm of Wimberly Allison Tsong and Goo (WATG) from California and the Landscape Architecture of Belt Collins from Hong Kong. Nestled in one of the country’s most prestigious tourist destinations, guests can also enjoy an array of water sports available at the private beach or they can get pampered at the resort spa.

• Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in Bohol. This world-class resort nestles amid 16 hectares of lush tropical gardens on Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines and is made up of 15 private villas and a superb spa, which is why it is the perfect place for indulgent privacy and seclusion. Guests will have countless choices to achieve calm and recreation. They can choose to have a delicious meal while enjoying the scenery or they can bask in the privacy of their own private swimming pool in the midst of this serene beach hideaway.

• El Nido Resorts in Palawan. Known as the vacation spot where holidays are turned into distinctive lifestyle experiences, guests will appreciate the scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, and relative isolation this luxurious resort offers. The resort offers a wide range of activities, from soft adventure sports to more leisurely pursuits. Travelers can go kayaking or go on a guided tour to some of the area’s most breathtaking tourist attractions.

• Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa in Cebu. This five-star hotel takes leisure to a whole new level by being the only waterpark in Cebu. With five different themed pools such as the Amazon River Pool, the Wave Rider, Beach Pool, the Captain Hook’s Pool, and the Toddler Pool, families will surely have a fun and memorable stay at the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa.

• Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay. A proud recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award, this luxury bed and breakfast is part of the Kiwi Collection, which is the most comprehensive listing of luxury lodges, inns, and resorts in the world. Guests can visit the many quaint shops of this lakeside community or they can visit nearby attractions and go on nature trails. This is also the ideal vacation spot for couples on their honeymoon, and whether or not you’re talking a romantic stroll or you and your significant other are off enjoying the delicious wine and cheese at this cozy bed and breakfast, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation in this lavish Tagaytay accommodation.

• Discovery Shores Boracay in Aklan. This resort emphasizes privilege, luxury and indulgence. Guests are treated to top of the line accommodations, services and amenities as they enjoy the fantastic white sand beach of Boracay. The resort is also known for the Sandbar, which is a bar that serves delicious and refreshing cocktails as well as sumptuous dishes.

“I hope everyone will visit these world-class destinations,” says Cesar Cruz. “These vacation spots are ideal for people who want to treat themselves to a lavish and relaxing getaway.”

In addition to the unveiling of the top luxe destinations, Philtoa also provided everyone with a sneak peek of the upcoming 22nd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM). It is the only travel expo in the country that exclusively promotes inbound tourism, and this year’s PTM promises to be bigger and better than the previous ones. PTM is slated from Sept. 2 to 3 at SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia.