Nothing but blue skies and sea at Bluewater Maribago

Under the shade of the centuries-old acacia trees, one can simply be still and feel God. If only the mighty trees could speak, they would narrate all the heartwarming moments and memories created here for the past 23 years.

In this charming seven-hectare tropical paradise, Bluewater Maribago Resort, eco luxury is espoused with a very distinct contemporary Filipino theme created by multi-talented furniture designer Benjie Reyes, described as a “silent but pivotal figure in the Philippine woodworking community.” His functional pieces of sculpture are integrated in the resort and encourage visitors to savor tropical living and southern hospitality.

Here at Bluewater Maribago, you will embrace a relaxed, tranquil lifestyle that is as temperate as its climate. Against nature’s spectacular backdrop, you will also appreciate the resort’s fine epicurean cuisine and soothing and invigorating spa treatments. Gracious owner Julie Alegrado-Vergara sent her spa managers and staff to the Netherlands to train under expert spa connoisseurs and the result is worth trying.

Allegro Restaurant offers an expansive buffet adjacent to the swimming pool.

It is in this ambience that winsome Kay Rodriguez, a19-year-old photography buff, a travel blogger and a cognitive science freshman at Rice University in Houston Texas, recalls her memorable growing-up years. She was born and raised in Virginia but spent priceless summers of her childhood in Bluewater Maribago. Kay nostalgically recalls how her family spent many reunions here since she was a toddler. She remembers swimming with her cousins in the same pool that she wades in right now. Some fabulous renovations have taken place since then but the essence of the resort, which is to shower its guests with the southern Filipino hospitality, still resonates impressively. Kay, waxing nostalgic, looked around at every corner that reminded her of a significant milestone in her life.

And now, coming back to Bluewater, the memories flood back to Kay — the shark pool, the comfortable beach cottages, and the relaxed environment. Although there have been improvements and changes, Kay notes, one thing remains the same: Bluewater Maribago will always hold many of her most wonderful memories from all of her visits to the Philippines.

This is the spirit of Maribago. It becomes part of your lifestyle, as it celebrates and toasts to each milestone of your life — from baby baptisms to celebrating wedding anniversaries.

The Amuma Hilot Pavilion features native tidings at its finest. Get pampered in this round native thatched-roof area made of indigenous materials and enjoy exhilarating spa treatments.

The Amuma Spa is a hedonist’s dream destination. Amuma is the Cebuano word for “to pamper or to spoil.” It is essentially how each guest will feel once they enter the spa, the sweet scent of lemongrass verbena wafting in the air as it embraces your senses. With the spa’s soothing candles, one is transported to a wonderland of exhilarating choices from the spa’s wraps, massages, body scrubs, and facials using all natural concoctions applied by the most gracious therapists.

Try the Amuma signature massage, which uses long hilot strokes after being wrapped in heated banana leaves with virgin coconut oil that soothes weary muscles. It also has another treatment that uses pure honey as a wrap. I tried the cooling treatment for my sun-drenched skin after swimming with the whale sharks in Sumilon Island, where Maribago’s sister resort is located. This ice-pack treatment was truly refreshing as a mixture of banana, cucumber, and mint is applied on your skin before the gentle ice-pack pounding. Kay was in seventh heaven as she tried the Amuma scrub where her body was lavished with a refreshing concoction of fresh mangoes and calamansi then virgin coconut oil was massaged into her scalp. The treatment ends with a soothing warm bath of sea salt, lemongrass, calamansi and flowers. Our dear friend Carlo Rojas indulged in the Makisig treatment using coffee and chocolate scrub after a steam shower and bubble bath fragranced with extracts of ylang ylang, goat milk and orchids. He absolutely loved it and highly recommends this treatment.

The well-appointed rooms at Bluewater Maribago will certainly entice guests to keep returning as they create memories to last a lifetime.

The cuisine at Bluewater Maribago is definitely one of the main attractions. Try the grilled seafood at the Cove Seafood restaurant, an open-air restaurant with its tanks filled with the fresh catch of the day from the nearby seas. We sampled the delightful halaan soup, sushi and sashimi platter, fresh oysters, and scallops in lemon butter and garlic sauce, steamed lapu-lapu, stonefish in oyster sauce. Other dining options include the Allegro Restaurant serving buffet and à la carte specialties while nearby is the Oyster Bar, the best bet for cocktails and refreshments or just watching people pass by.

Maribago GM Rhyz Buac and chef Allan Mathay shared that their occupancy rate of 93 percent is constant since guests have made Bluewater Maribago a part of their itinerary.

Over the delightful dinner, we learned that this month, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort is celebrating its 23rd anniversary as a premier resort destination with a distinct “very Filipino” brand.

Margie Munsayac, VP for sales and marketing, said, “With this milestone, we are launching special events that promote Filipino hospitality and lifestyle, beginning with ‘Northern Exposure 2012: The Best of Manila Restaurants & Chefs’ series.’” It is a culinary adventure that aims to bring to Cebu, a taste of Manila’s Best Restaurants. This is a great opportunity for locals to experience cuisine by Manila’s celebrated chefs. The series will run for three weekends, with each dedicated to the creations of a featured chef and sampled fare from their restaurants. Another special treat, for the whole month of July book one room and get another absolutely free.”

Enjoy the cuisine at Molto Italiano in Bluewater Maribago. Their pizza margarita with anchovies is simply divine.

As we retreated to our suites facing the beach, we thanked the good Lord for travelling blessings. Our dear family friend who lovingly arranged this memorable trip Pete Dacuycuy and his son JP showed us around the resort as we viewed some of the eight Royal Bungalows, the resort’s suites, 34 deluxe rooms facing the beachfront and 68 more deluxe rooms in the Garden Wing. Since they frequent this paradise quite often, they pointed out certain impressive features like the resort’s “floating bed” in their well-appointed suites.

Next day, adventurous threesome Kay, Carlo and JP checked out the aqua sports center that caters to divers and those wishing to go for day trips to neighboring islands. Recreation area and clay tennis are on hand for guests as well as jet skis and parasailing. Exploring the resort’s stunning white sands is a blessed treat. Bluewater Maribago has three beachfronts, including the adjoining island located 110 meters away from the main island. The very private Alegrado Island is accessible via a five-minute walk during low tide or by a glass bottom boat during high tide. Here at this isolated haven, Julie shared with us the story about the seven dolphins in the logo of their resort brand, which is narrated in the children’s book that she penned. Legend says that during the time of Lapu-Lapu, there was a singular dolphin named “Dolpo” who shared a secret swimming spot off Maribago Bay. With magical, warm, blue waters that were home to gray dolphins, Dolpo summoned six of them to join him. These seven friendly mammals apparently helped Lapu-Lapu win the Battle of Mactan.

At Bluewater Maribago Resort, timeless traditions have been unfolding for the past 23 years. (From left) Carlo Rojas, Kay Rodriguez, Bluewater Maribago owner Julie Alegrado-Vergara, author Christine Dayrit, Pete and JP Dacuycuy

On our last sunset in the resort, we toasted to good times and excitedly anticipated even better ones.

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Bluewater Maribago Resort located at Buyong Maribago, Mactan Island, Cebu can be reached at (032) 492-0100 or 232-5411. Send e-mail to [email protected] or log on to www.bluewater.com.ph. Philippine Airlines flies to Cebu daily. For reservation please call 855-8888.

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E-mail the author at [email protected].