Easy getaway

By Maripet L. Poso, Staff Writer

09/11/2008

It maybe the ber months already, but instead of being snugly wrapped in comfy sweaters and trendy jackets, we find ourselves still wearing light clothes and yearning for the beach. Blame it on the global warming — the weather can be sweltering sometimes that it still feels like we’re still in the middle of summer. We can’t help but dream of going back to our favorite summer destinations to enjoy the sun, the sand and the cool blue waters.

But with Christmas fast approaching and the shopping list getting longer (Gasp!), we all know that going to Boracay or Palawan or anywhere fancy to get away from the city is already out of the question. The option? Batangas, baby!

Forget about going to exclusive resorts; the idea is to have a fun, easy and spontaneous weekend. So, pack your swimsuits and head on to Nasugbu where the newly renovated Canyon Cove Beach Club, formerly called White Cove, literally “awaits you.”

Livingston Kofi Quashigah, general manager of Canyon Cove, says, “Although this place is basically a condotel, we are open to the public.” And open they are. People come in throngs. Families, company groups, barkadas and even honeymooners flock to the “suddenly new” place, thankful for its accessibility and impressed by its posh, new look.

The resort that was formerly owned by a well-known developer is now owned and managed by the same company that operates Canyon Woods in Tagaytay, hence the name and the new look.

“Since this is a condotel, people own them already,” says Quashigah about the Mediterranean-inspired villas that surround the resort. “We operate their units for them. When they buy a unit they’re automatically enrolled in our management group. And the contract is at least 15 years. We share the net profit 70-30 percent.”

With condotels reigning supreme in the resort and hospitality industry all over the country, Canyon Cove also promises to offer its clients a worry-free vacation while enjoying their investment.

Although the company has just taken over the resort, the operations are smooth and sailing already for the condotels. “The south wing is already sold out, except for one unit. Even the ones that are not opened yet, people own them already,” laughs Quashigah.

The resort, albeit unassuming on the outside, actually boasts of a good view of the China Sea, not to mention the sloping hill that serves as the backdrop of the picturesque architecture. For those who had visited the place a year ago, they will find the transformation pleasantly surprising.

A couple of years ago, although it had continuously operated as a beach resort, the only thing that it offered was the beach. Now, under its new management, the resort has the makings of a mini-resort in Miami with a Greek feel to it: the blue of the pool and the ocean blends well with the white of its buildings and other structures.

It now has a coffee shop and a restaurant that offers al fresco dining, a pleasant lobby and reception, convention hall, kids’ fun center, game room, plus a spa and wellness center that’s soon to open. The resort is a far cry from its days of dilapidated walls and plastic chairs.

Outdoors is no different — the changes are simply amazing. The once plain beach front now houses a playground and lush gardens, a huge infinity pool, a kiddie pool, a beach volley court with spectator bleachers, two-tier beach area lounge chairs. But one of its best views remains to be the lighthouse tower.

To complete the experience, however, a wedding chapel and a wedding reception area are underway. “It’s going to be perfect for resort weddings,” smiles Quashigah. For those who dream of having their wedding at a resort, and Shangri-La Mactan—with all the raves they hear about it being the best resort hotel to get hitched in—is just way too much for their budget or too lavish for their modest sense of style, then Canyon Cove is a very good alternative.

How about water activities, you ask?

“Right now we have a sports concessionaire that offers jetski, banana boat ride, kayaking, etc.,” adds Quashigah. “But we just bought our own water equipment and it will be delivered this month. So, we will launch it by first week of October.” By next month, expect an array of water activities such as sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, kayaking, jetskiing, banana boatriding and even glass boating to be available.

More than the launch of the all-new water activities, Quashigah is more excited about the Miss Earth competition that will be held at the Canyon Cove.

“That’s something we all look forward to. That’s why we are doing our best to make the resort ready for them by then. It’s going to be an exciting event for all of us,” he gushes.

With affordable roomrates even for its luxe suites, accessibility via roadtrip and great food courtesy of Skyline, Canyon Cove provides an easy, no fuss and fun-filled getaway for those summer yearnings in the middle of the rainy season.

Canyon Cove is located at Far East Road, Piloto, Brgy. Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas. For inquiries and information, call (632) 5206400, fax. (632) 5206413 or visit www.canyoncove.com.ph.

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