Right on Big La Laguna Beach in a small sheltered cove, this resort is managed by Australians Michael Donaldson and his partner. The resort as 33 rooms tightly laid out, without any green spaces, but nonetheless pretty and well-maintained. Its location in the middle of a nice white-sand beach where snorkeling is great is definitely and advantage. The area is considered one of the best sites for snorkeling and one of the rare places where you can do that right in front of your resort.

Walking on the sandy portions to avoid the flowering corals at low tide, you will efforlessly descend into crystal-clear turquoise waters to observe the enchanting display of fish and corals in all shapes and colors. On condition that you take certain precautions and you keep watch of the comings and goings of bancas, the shallow waters and undisturbed beach is perfect for children.

Most of the rooms are located behind the beach in a two-story bamboo and wood structure with capiz windows. The facade is decorated in a rather lively way with many hanging plants. The rooms look out to the pool surrounded by grass and a few coconut trees.

No particular effort has been put in the rooms interior decoration and the amenities are simple. There is bamboo furniture and the bathrooms are tiled in checkered black and white. Some rooms are in cottages with only the basic necessities. These have the added inconvenience of being too close to the restaurant.

The bamboo restaurant is right in front of the beach and offers simple but tasty meals at reasonable prices. If you want to have an extra choice, good eating places are not lacking in the area: the Italian restaurant of Portofino on the same beach, El Galleon on Small La Laguna and the Atlantis on Sabang.

The diving club is reputable. You can rent kayaks, a pleasurable way indeed to visit the cove before going on a discovery tour of the coastline and — perhaps — a river trip. The resort can likewise organize treks to the countryside.

How to get there

By land, sea and land, 3 hours by car/van from Manila to Batangas harbor. The resort can arrange fir a private vehicle to pick you up from the airport or your residence/hotel in Manila, or you can take your own car. The route is via South Superhighway. Get off at Exit 50A to Lucena, turn right to the Star Tollway, to Batangas get off at Lipa/Tambo exit, turn left to Batangas. At Batangas harbor, leave your car at the parking area.

Resort banca, one hour from Batangas harbor.

Rates:

• Standard single/double rooms with one double bed

Rooms 101-107, 110-112, 201-207 & 210-212. Good for 2 pax  -65.00USD

• Triple rooms 108 & 208

One double bed & one single bed (3 pax)      – 70.00USD

• Family standard rooms 109 & 209

One double bed & one bunk bed (4 pax)           – 75.00USD

• Family Deluxe rooms 309 & 310

Two double beds and one bunk bed (6 pax)     – 85.00USD

•  Family Suite room 307

One double bed & one bunk bed (4 pax)        – 90.00USD

• Superior Twin room 308

One double bed & one single bed (3 pax)         – 85.00USD

•  Deluxe Beachfront rooms 301 & 302

One double bed (2pax)                                            – 80.00USD

•  Deluxe seaside suite room 303

Two double beds (4 pax)                                       – 110.00USD

• Deluxe Suite rooms 304, 305 & 306

One double bed (2 pax)                                         – 80.00USD

Deluxe Beach Wing

• Deluxe Beachfront Suites rooms 401 – 405

One king-size bed (2 pax)                                          – 110.00USD

• Deluxe Family Beachfront Suite 407

One king-size & one single bed (3 pax)                – 130.00USD

• Deluxe Beachfront Suite 406

•  One king-size bed & Jacuzzi (2 pax)                      – 170.00USD

• Extra beds / mattresses                                             – 10.00USD/night.

Amenities & Services:

• Kanyon Bar

• Function Centre

• Wi-fi

• lounge area

• satellite sports TV

• pool table

• book exchange library

• local and international telephone facility

• Scuba Diving