Tags: Beaches and Water Activities, Hotels and Resorts, Natural Wonders, Vacation
By Anna Valmero
BUENAVISTA, MARINDUQUE— From afar, the dreamy landscape of Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa is like a painting of Santorini Island in Greece that came to life.
And stepping into that painting, I had to pinch myself with the child-like awe that such a piece of heaven is here in the Philippines.
“Bellarocca,” which literally means “beautiful rock,” is an island resort run by Genesis Hotels and Resorts, and employs 150 Marinduque locals, who are famous for their warm hospitality and putong tradition.
The resort is built on Isla Elefante, a part of the quiet town of Buenavista in Marinduque. The island was named as such because it looked like an elephant swimming in the sea, according to town councilor Florentino “Tony” Pinaroc.
The island looks like a giant elephant submerged in water and adorned by the white-wash structures of the resort complex. It took three years to finish the taverns and villas on the island that seem to float above the lush greenery of the mountain when viewed from the shore.
And traveling to this destination is one of those rare occasions when you found joy in both the adventures of the journey and in reaching the destination. For one, going to the island is an adventure that will require travel by air, land, and sea – lest you opt to get a private chopper to land straight at the resort’s helipad.
Do enjoy the scenery of the country-side during the 45-minute land travel from the airport. Once you reach the small seaport, take some time to take snapshots of the island resort from the boardwalk made of thick bamboo poles.
Up next is a five-minute ride by rubber boat. Although short, the boat ride is special on its own because it intensifies the excitement of getting closer to the destination island as the buildings slowly loom large before your eyes. The island (and its details) looks simply fantastic in contrast to the azure sky and the aquamarine waters.
Once the boat docked, we rode golf cars to reach the receiving area. Passing by the iconic white houses, open flower gardens and cobble stone-inspired road evokes a feel of entering a Mediterranean village. Only the towering peak of Mount Malindig in the background serves as a reminder that this is the Philippines, not Greece.
At the building, a zen pool at the entrance helps relax your mood after travel. The resort offers Filipino and fusion dishes and you can opt to eat al fresco to better enjoy your food alongside the breath-taking view of Mount Malindig, a once active volcano.
The hot springs that locals and tourists enjoy in Malbog is testament to the activity of the gentle mountain centuries ago.
Here’s an insider’s tip from the locals: If you want a good photo of Buenavista’s Mount Malindig, take it from the veranda of the reception’s dining hall on a bright afternoon. The colors of the 1,157-meter high mountain come to life and are highlighted by the bluest skies of Marinduque and the shimmering waters of the sea.
The building with the reception area also sits atop the other taverns so you could get a bird’s eye view of the domed and angular white structures.
The establishment of the resort complex on the island has gained the attention of more foreign and local tourists to visit the area more often, not only during the iconic Moriones festival during the Lenten season, according top Mang Tony.
More needs to be done, however, in terms of securing more low-cost flights to the province from Manila because the usual travel route by bus and ferry takes about 12 hours. Mang Tony is optimistic that in time, the city council would be able to lay the groundwork for this and create a long-term tourism master plan for the town and province.
Looking at the softly colorful hued mountain and the crystal clear waters surrounding Isla Elefante, one can see the big potential of Marinduque to be a top tourist destination.
Our short trip to Bellarocca highlighted that more than the modern-day amenities provided at the resort, the best part of our stay is summed up by the sight of the majestic natural attractions and hospitable hosts, who are very open to share their simple life, culture and heritage to travelers like us.
Get more information about Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa
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