Summer life at SOL Y Viento

MANILA, Philippines - Think Pansol in Laguna and thoughts of private pools and roadside resorts come into play. However, Sol Y Viento Pansol is unlike any of them. It breaks the stereotypical Pansol resorts: the rented house and its sad swimming pool or the highway “hot springs” resort and its overpopulated pools.

Sol Y Viento is perched atop a hilltop, a good seven-minute drive up from the national highway. So when one reaches the resort, the reward is a 360-degree view of Laguna: Laguna de Bay and its neighboring towns on one side, the mountain and forests in another. The 12-hectare property boasts of a hot spring pool, three outdoor Jacuzzis, a six-foot basin of natural spring water, and a host of other amenities.

“We offer more than the usual Pansol resort experience. Sol Y Viento has the complete resort experience, from swimming to dining, from leisure to business. That is why we took great steps in ensuring that guests will enjoy themselves here,” says Sol Y Viento general manager Eva Sembria.

Sembria says their rooms and accommodations have so far earned praises from their guests. “Our cabanas are most sought-after. The Cabana Executive Suite is an air-conditioned room with an indoor natural hot spring Jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pool. The other cabanas are overlooking the bay and mountain ranges. Each room is equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning units, hot and cold shower, cable TV, and a private Jacuzzi.”

Sol Y Viento’s Team Rooms are just as popular among barkadas and groups coming from schools, government institutions, and companies. Every team room has dormitory-type beds, a commanding view of Laguna de Bay, hot and cold shower, flat-screen television, air-conditioning unit, and can accommodate four to 10 people.

“We can assure them of pure comfort and excellent accommodations at very reasonable rates,” Sembria says. “Usually, these are booked by groups coming in for retreats, workshops, seminars, conferences, and social occasions like wedding, debut, baptism, and others.”

Speaking of gatherings and occasions, the Sol Y Viento experience would not be complete without sampling, nay, enjoying a meal or two at the resort’s food and beverage outlets. Café Sabroso, the resort’s main restaurant, specializes in local and international cuisine. The portions are quite huge, so sharing a variety of dishes with family and good company is always an appetizing idea. Among the local fare, order the all-too filling seafood sinigang in all its sour and chunky glory. Must-try, too, are the mini tenderloin with brie sauce and the grilled prawns with risotto.

“Watch out for our summer daily buffet where we will showcase the best of Sol Y Viento’s cuisine,” Sembria declares. “The buffet will be offered during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It will also welcome other guests, not just our in-house guests.”

Sembria adds that their other F&B outlets will soon open. The Fabero Bar, for example, will open in April, complete with a live band nightly. Three pool bars are opening: Mallorca, Talavera, and Porto, all of them designed to offer a refreshing range of drinks and light food items. Guests who prefer the comfort of their own sanctuaries can simply call up the 24-hour room service.

Aside from the swimming areas, guests can also find plenty of amusement from Sol Y Viento’s zipline. For guests more interested in roughing it up, the resort has its own campsite called Campo de Aragon, located at the upper highland.

“Anybody can bring his own camping equipment and set-up. The idea is for them to really feel and be one with nature,” Sembria says. “The area has its own hike trail. We have scout rangers to escort the campers and hikers to ensure their safety and security. Soon, we will come up with a family getaway package that covers camping.”

She notes that those without camping equipment can count on the resort to help them rent the necessary tools. Also in the works is the 200-person capacity Alta Ballroom that is expected to draw in big events such as wedding receptions and debut parties.

Businesspeople also have a place at Sol Y Viento Pansol. There are seven function rooms, including two boardrooms — Marbella Uno and Dos; three function rooms for up to 70 people — Toledo, Ibiza, and Valencia; and a ballroom with removable partition for 300 people — Sierra de Grados. All rooms are equipped with modern audio-visual equipment.

“We take our corporate tagline ‘Your business is our nature’ seriously. We want each event to succeed, so we go all-out in making it happen for our clients,” Sembria says. “We pride ourselves for being a value-for-money destination. Even if one has a limited budget, one can expect a top-notch event that does not compromise on quality.”

And, of course, what would a Laguna holiday be without touring the province’s tourist attractions? Sol Y Viento Pansol will happily arrange for a province-wide or citywide tour for jolly holiday-goers. Meanwhile, summer is already becoming a searing presence around the concrete jungle. So if cooling off and heading south is in the agenda, then speed off and drive up to Sol Y Viento Pansol for a summer well spent.

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Sol Y Viento Mountain Hot Springs Resort is located at Kilometer 55, Makiling Heights, Pansol, Calamba City, Laguna. For more information, call (02) 874-8515 local 667 or 0917-5684294, e-mail at reservations@syvhotelsandresorts.com or visit www.syvhotelsandresorts.com. Photos by Fernan Nebres