Rustic design, local fabric rule Balesin in Baguio
MANILA, Philippines — Property developer Alphaland Corp. considers itself unique because of the projects it undertakes, focusing only on high-end and top-of-the-line properties.
And, its dictum is: "We do not intend to be, and will never be, all things to all people."
The latest addition to its posh portfolio, the Balesin Pines, situated within the Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges, is as exclusive as it gets.
Part of the covetable Balesin Key, members get to enjoy the soothing vistas of the Cordilleras.
Less than 20 minutes from Baguio City via the scenic Ambuklao Road, it offers much-needed respite from the frenetic urban pace.
The developer's vice president for marketing and special projects Emerald Banares-Torres noted that the flagship development Balesin Island is a household name to both the target market and the general public, inspiring the extension of the "Balesin" name to other properties as a result.
The upscale Baguio sanctuary boasts of 18 sumptuous one-bedroom suites, each room meticulously designed with local and rustic elements and offers luxurious comfort and amenities.
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Whether it's a king or single bed configuration, the plush mattresses are complemented by the pillow menu that will be rolled out soon.
The warm colors, certain fabrics, and design elements from Balesin Island are echoed in the property, such as warm-toned upholstery and the handwoven accent pillows made with T'nalak abaca fibers.
Most rooms include a Japanese soaking tub made of wood. The developer's late chairman, Roberto Velayo Ongpin, felt it complemented the design and would be a unique feature to have in the log homes. The traditional wooden construction also allows the water to stay warm longer.
Acqua di Parma was chosen for the bathroom amenities to match the quality and look of a five-star property. The bathrobes and room slippers are also thicker compared to hotels in Manila to match the cool climate of Baguio.
Local handwoven fabric adds splashes of color, texture, pattern, and culture to Balesin Pines. These are sourced from Narda's Handwoven Arts & Crafts known for reviving traditional Cordilleran Ikat weaving and its innovative designs.
"They use Inabel fabric, a traditional handwoven fabric. T’nalak handwoven cloth, made by the T’boli people of South Cotabato, is also used to decorate the Pines and the Mountain Lodges," Banares-Torres added, expressing support for local creative communities and their emerging artists and artisans.
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All wood carvings in Balesin Key properties are done by Ifugao woodworkers, and iterms are sourced from Red Slab Pottery in Tarlac.
Staff uniforms designed by Renee Salud also mirror the local homage to the North's rich culture, with striped details based on a design found in Mountain Province.
Besides lounging at the lobby or relishing the comforts of the rooms, members can go hiking, play sports, and visit the chapel.
"We'll have wellness activities such as yoga sessions as well as family-friendly activities. Members and guests can also look forward to seasonal offers, and the opening of our Asian restaurant Yum Cha, the Leea Spa, an indoor heated pool, and the gym," said Banares-Torres.
She added that establishments in the property use local produce as much as possible from the Baguio market, especially vegetables, fruits, and spices, and the Arabica coffee is farmed inside the Alphaland Baguio property.
Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges security personnel enforce exclusive access to the property, and there are standard emergency procedures for earthquake or fire incidents.
Banares-Torres assured that there are on-call nurses and a 24/7 transport service for medical emergencies. There are also plans to open a clinic on the ground floor.
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