The view from the top

SUMMER is in the offing. And with this season of the year, the question for most is: where would you go this summer?

For those with wanderlust who can afford the luxury of plane rides and visa fees, summer would mean an out-of-the-country vacation. For us ordinary Juans, the “it’s-fun-to-be-in-the Philippines” tagline spells an airplane, a ferry, a bus or a shuttle ride in one of the greenest nooks or cool springs in the country. And for the locals, a trip to a one must-place-to-visit site in this island is one of the splurges we can give ourselves as a summer treat.

So if my and your option falls on the third category, why not pack up your swimming gear and overnight luggage and take one bus or van ride early morning to San Carlos City via the trans-link highway? After a 45-minute ride, you’re sure not to miss the sign of La Vista Mountain Highlands Mountain Resort at Brgy. Prosperidad, San Carlos City.

Having arrived, you’ll be surely mystified by the architectural layout of the place. As the haven of a place is neatly carved out of the mountain, going to the reception area means descending a flight of concrete steps bedecked by well-manicured shrubs and vines of greens.

To greet you are the two swimming pools, one for adults, the other, for kids. And if you had only coffee and buns for breakfast, the cozy yet spacious restaurant next to the reception area is but ready to serve your gustatory needs.

The view from the resto is very pleasant to the eyes. Curvatures of the mountain range separating the highlands from the plain are picturesque scenes to behold. More, the white clouds meeting the blue spectre of the sea evoke poignant emotions. The nearby gazebos are also pretty inviting for intimate tete-a-tete’s. But of course, the visit to the resort is not complete without a dip in the pool, a zip ride and an overnight stay in the cabanas and the villas.

The path down to the villas is again arrayed with an overgrowth of green ornamental plants and miniature man-made pools. Bedecked by terra cotta pots and Asian–inspired statues, the way down is strewn by decorative concrete tiles.

The villas are very cozy, comfortable and our homes-away-from-home. Complete with LCD television, refrigerator and ceiling fans, one wouldn’t mind not having an air conditioning unit in this part of the world. With the gentle breeze coming in, you surely would experience the cold early morning spell that you’d want to close the glass window jalousies.

The hot and cold shower separated from the toilet is another comfy feature of the villas. The balcony, with its hammock and well-crafted native chairs, is also a niche for easy rest and relaxation.
At night, the guest can choose whether to belt his heart out in the videoke, play billiards or just snuggle in his pillow, allowing the cool mountain breeze to lull himself to deep sleep.

The morning rays of the sun will just take a soft peck on your cheek to wake you up. No need of an alarm clock or a ringing phone to cut off your slumbers.

With your good night’s rest, your guts and limbs are ready to dare the challenge: taking a zip at the mountain resort’s zip line. With your gear on, and your fear mustered, the view from the top would indeed be amazingly breathtaking. Such would be your experience if you make a visit at La Vista Mountain Highlands Resort.

Tired of the view down here? Why not go up La Vista Mountain Highlands Resort?