Samal: dream destination
November 4, 2001 | 12:00am
Even as the new 737 Air Philippines plane taxied on the runway, I could hardly believe we were in the Land of Great Promise. Despite the travel advisories, Davao is still truly a tropical paradise. My group of travel writers had a marvelous time and we all got back safely to share our wonderful stories.
Davao, whose land area is 244,000 hectares, is the world’s largest city. The warmth of its inhabitants complement its unique charm and character. On the slopes of Mt. Apo abound the famous waling-waling, "the queen of orchids." The Pygmy Mountain, with acres of rainforests and flora "bonsai-ed" by nature, is a must-see!
From the Waterfront Insular Hotel, where we had a sumptuous continental lunch buffet, we took a 45-minute ferry to the exquisite Barcelo Pearl Farm on the Island Garden City of Samal.
"Several decades ago, a secluded cove on the west side of Samal Island housed a pearl farm. Today, this serene setting has been transformed into a world-class beach resort," enthused charming Steven Tan, director of communications of the Barcelo Group. As we toured the fascinating island, we were amazed by the crystal-clear turquoise waters that surround the 83 air-conditioned deluxe rooms and cottages, some on stilts above the water and others firmly set on land with panoramic views.
"The resort has succeeded in blending modern and comfortable accommodation within nature, creating a haven of pleasure and beauty. A jar of water and a coconut shell dipper are placed near the entrance of each house so that guests may wash away the sand after a day of barefooting on the beach. In local custom, this gesture is also symbolic of the cleansing of the spirit," added Steven.
A most exciting development in a move that is certain to elevate the standards of the hotel industry in this part of the country to world-class level was the recent signing of a management contract between Pearl Farm and the Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, an international chain based in Spain. At a welcome dinner of the freshest seafoods, gracious Barcelo GM Alec Groizard shared that "Barcelo Hotels is among the largest Spanish chain with 116 hotels in 19 countries." It is a division of Barcelo Group, a leading group in the world of tourism sector particularly in Europe, the Americas and with a presence in more than 30 countries.
Barcelo has already established its foothold in Asia with its presence in China and in the Philippines. It was very inspiring to listen to Groizard who emphatically said that they chose to manage the Pearl Farm in Samal because of its magnificent natural beauty. He declared, "I believe in the Philippines. In a few years, the tourism industry here will boom once again. The situation in the Carribean was worse than in this country; there we started with a single resort and that has multiplied tremendously."
On our last day, we were given a special tour to Isla Malipano just a short speedboat ride from the Pearl Farm. Malipano Island stands a few hundred meters off Samal Island and is the site of seven gorgeous villas, owned by each of the illustrious Floirendo family members. The Island offers three holes of pitch and putt and a west- facing white sand. Staggered along the island’s coastline, the constellation of seven houses borrows from Maranao and Samal ethnic influences in both materials and forms. The shape of their roofs is inspired by the traditional Philippine hat, the salakot. They are individually decorated with exquisite antiques and local handicrafts.
The Malipano Gardens also offers the perfect setting for a delighfully romantic tropical wedding. The staff will be pleased to make arrangements for either a traditional or tribal wedding ceremony. On the other end of the island is the Malipano Gazebo where luau dinners are held. Sunken tables provide a different ethnic experience to the guests’ delight.
For more info, call DAX travel and tours at 825-87-43, 826-03-55, cell 0919 6776681 or e-mail pearlmnl@mkt.weblinq.com.
Davao, whose land area is 244,000 hectares, is the world’s largest city. The warmth of its inhabitants complement its unique charm and character. On the slopes of Mt. Apo abound the famous waling-waling, "the queen of orchids." The Pygmy Mountain, with acres of rainforests and flora "bonsai-ed" by nature, is a must-see!
From the Waterfront Insular Hotel, where we had a sumptuous continental lunch buffet, we took a 45-minute ferry to the exquisite Barcelo Pearl Farm on the Island Garden City of Samal.
"Several decades ago, a secluded cove on the west side of Samal Island housed a pearl farm. Today, this serene setting has been transformed into a world-class beach resort," enthused charming Steven Tan, director of communications of the Barcelo Group. As we toured the fascinating island, we were amazed by the crystal-clear turquoise waters that surround the 83 air-conditioned deluxe rooms and cottages, some on stilts above the water and others firmly set on land with panoramic views.
"The resort has succeeded in blending modern and comfortable accommodation within nature, creating a haven of pleasure and beauty. A jar of water and a coconut shell dipper are placed near the entrance of each house so that guests may wash away the sand after a day of barefooting on the beach. In local custom, this gesture is also symbolic of the cleansing of the spirit," added Steven.
A most exciting development in a move that is certain to elevate the standards of the hotel industry in this part of the country to world-class level was the recent signing of a management contract between Pearl Farm and the Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, an international chain based in Spain. At a welcome dinner of the freshest seafoods, gracious Barcelo GM Alec Groizard shared that "Barcelo Hotels is among the largest Spanish chain with 116 hotels in 19 countries." It is a division of Barcelo Group, a leading group in the world of tourism sector particularly in Europe, the Americas and with a presence in more than 30 countries.
Barcelo has already established its foothold in Asia with its presence in China and in the Philippines. It was very inspiring to listen to Groizard who emphatically said that they chose to manage the Pearl Farm in Samal because of its magnificent natural beauty. He declared, "I believe in the Philippines. In a few years, the tourism industry here will boom once again. The situation in the Carribean was worse than in this country; there we started with a single resort and that has multiplied tremendously."
On our last day, we were given a special tour to Isla Malipano just a short speedboat ride from the Pearl Farm. Malipano Island stands a few hundred meters off Samal Island and is the site of seven gorgeous villas, owned by each of the illustrious Floirendo family members. The Island offers three holes of pitch and putt and a west- facing white sand. Staggered along the island’s coastline, the constellation of seven houses borrows from Maranao and Samal ethnic influences in both materials and forms. The shape of their roofs is inspired by the traditional Philippine hat, the salakot. They are individually decorated with exquisite antiques and local handicrafts.
The Malipano Gardens also offers the perfect setting for a delighfully romantic tropical wedding. The staff will be pleased to make arrangements for either a traditional or tribal wedding ceremony. On the other end of the island is the Malipano Gazebo where luau dinners are held. Sunken tables provide a different ethnic experience to the guests’ delight.
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