MANILA, Philippines – Puerto Galera has always been a popular go-to destination for the stressed young and not-so-young professionals who just want to get away for awhile from the urban chaos that is Manila.
Considering its three- to four-hour distance from the metro, it makes a perfect refuge to the traveler who wants to break away without getting a little too far.
Sabang and White Beach are two of the more popular spots that locals and tourists mostly frequent due to the active night life they offer. The sections have been subjected to a lot of business developments in the past years with bars and restaurants popping all over the place, making Sabang and White Beach almost always busy and crowded specially on peak seasons.
However, when you go a little farther, past White Beach, there’s a place that dares not to offer what its neighbors are known to be popular.
"The main advantage of the resort is privacy. The place is very quiet and you can't find any infinity pool like this in Puerto Galera," Architect Rommel Dionisio explains.
With the waters of the Verde Passage welcoming you at your arrival at Infinity Resort, you'll then be stopped by the sight of the lovely infinity pool that renders the boundary of the water and the horizon almost invisible. Also at the left end is a jacuzzi that guarantees to relax your tired body and worn out muscles.
It's also impossible not to notice the main building of the resort, The Brae, or the restaurant whose design is inspired by modern Asian architecture, with a roof that depicts the form of a butterfly, and whose interiors consist of fine woodworks and walls of glass.
The resort also makes a perfect sanctuary as its villas were designed for travelers to still enjoy the view even if they're inside their rooms. The walls have transparent glass strips that allow for natural lighting to enter the room while allowing a peek of the different parts of the resort. The veranda overlooking the sea and the pool also makes the perfect summer scene as one can sit back and relax while sipping some iced tea while feeling the summer breeze.
Aside from bodies of water surrounding the area, you'll be indulged by a variety of scenery, with a magnificent view of the mountains of Malasimbo, Talipanan and Alinbayan of Oriental Mindoro being present at the back of the resort.
View and accommodation aside, you're in for more luxurious treatment as The Brae serves you country cuisine led by world-class Chef Hans Peter Eckstein.
All water ranging from the tap to the pool and shower are also purified, making its water sanitation process one of a kind.
They also made sure that there's always something for everyone as there are a lot of activities available like parasailing, banana boat riding, yacht cruising, Mt. Malasimbo hiking and a trip to the Mangyan village for those of the outdoorsy type.
"I've never once thought that a product of my imagination and wild dreams will one day materialize into something like this," recalls owner Mr.Ephraim Morillo.
Seeing a place close to perfection and tranquility would always invite envy. But hearing a story carved from a family's hard work and humility would make you appreciate it more as a place where visionary imagination and random reveries are welcome – and infinite. (Video by RP Ocampo)