Acuatico Beach Resort: Getting a high five

MANILA, Philippines - Acuatico Beach Resort has become one of the most instantly recognizable resorts in the country. Its infinity pool, Balinese-inspired villas, and floating bar have practically given the resort its signature look. Ask guests who have made the resort their choice getaway and they will always cite its personalized friendly service. This instant recognition is no small feat, considering that Acuatico opened its doors to the public only five years ago.

So how did they do it? “We have a very good product in our hands,” begins Acuatico resident manager Noel Brania. “We complement our facilities with service. In fact, travelers on TripAdvisor have been consistent in praising us for our service. Guests come here and when they leave, they always remember how good the staff treated them throughout their stay. It is about handling customers and taking care of their needs.”

Brania also credits social networking as a big factor to their success. “People post pictures of the resort in their accounts and naturally, their friends ask where it is. So they decide to come and check us out. It’s word of mouth in action.”

It also helped that the resort has become more accessible now, unlike before when the road network made it difficult to even pass through the back road. Now, the path linking the resort from the main road is clearer and more comfortable.

Of course, there are great reasons why guests continue to keep coming back to Acuatico. The atmosphere is laid-back, classy, exciting, relaxing — descriptions that sound conflicting on paper but make complete sense once one steps into the resort.

Aside from the infinity pool and the wonderful Acua floating bar, there is the beach where guests can indulge in water sports such as kayaking, pedal boats and jet ski; the kiddie pool; the outdoor Jacuzzi; Oceano Restaurant where Chef Oddy Chua whips up some local and international creations; and the Simona Spa which offers full body massage treatments.

For those who prefer basking in dry land, the resort has a children’s playroom, a basketball court, a game room, and a particularly strong Wi-Fi, which makes posting instant photos on Facebook and Twitter doubly rewarding.

The 21 rooms speak nothing but comfort. Brania says, “It is a complete room set-up. We are beginning to install Smart TVs in our rooms. Our toiletries are now from Crabtree & Evelyn. We also ensure that our guests get to use new and fresh linen.”

Indeed, Acuatico has come a long way. General Manager Simonette Gusi is still incredulous at the success the resort is currently enjoying.

“It is unreal. Our humble beginnings were really humbling. We were not yet known, and we opened five years ago when summer was about to end,” Gusi remembers. “There were few staff members back then but all of us were determined to deliver. So five years on, seeing how much the resort has grown, it all seems incredible. Our only purpose then was to please our guests. It is still our purpose.”

For this fifth anniversary, they decided to invite the first five guests Acuatico ever had for a free overnight stay, full board meals including a beachfront dinner. “They told us that when they first tried us out, they thought that we were just putting our best foot forward since we were new. They thought that we would not be able to sustain this quality through the years. Well, they were happy to tell us that it is still the same. That kind of recognition gives meaning to what we do,” Gusi says.

“Guests are also enjoying live acoustic performances during Fridays and Saturdays at the beachfront where we raffle off gift items from Fit Flops Philippines, The Body Shop, Deal Grocer, Le Soleil de Boracay, including overnight accommodations at Acuatico and Acuaverde,” she adds.

The treat also extends to their loyal staff. The pioneers will soon be treated to a fun holiday in Hong Kong. She shares, “We want to give something back to our loyal staff. It is the staff and the guests that make it worthwhile. Looking back and looking at us now, Acuatico has become a brand that meets expectations and creates memorable experiences.”

In the coming months, the staff will be donning new uniforms while the guests will be enjoying a higher level of security and exclusivity. Random just-dropping-by guests will now have to book their visit so that stay-in guests will be able to appreciate their private moments more.

In the five years that it has existed, Acuatico Beach Resort has proven itself as an ultimate getaway that provides all the essentials of a truly unforgettable holiday. It is, after all, more than just a resort. It is an experience.

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Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel is located in Barangay Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. For more information, call (632) 408-8383 or (632) 892-7577 to 79. E-mail at reservations@acuaticoresort.com.ph or visit www.acuaticoresort.com.ph.