Secluded slice of paradise

AS one moves away from the bustling metropolis, Cebu becomes a rural idyll, moving to a slower rhythm.

Not too many people may be aware of this, but in-the-know locals travel for two hours from the city to the secluded five-star resort north of Cebu—Alegre Beach Resort and Spa.

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Foreign tourists travel much farther to get to this resort which some have dubbed as “Cebu’s best-kept secret” with majority of them from Kazakhstan, Russia, Korea, Hong Kong and Japan.

Seclusion is one of the attractions of the seven-hectare resort and with the combination of sea, mountains and gardens; it is the ideal escape for relaxation and recreation.

Recharge

Life is at one’s own pace while in Alegre.

Each cabana has a panoramic view of the ocean so staying in can be a treat in itself. The bathroom with a tub at the center gives one an excuse to soak away stress and worry. Or one may opt to laze or snooze at the chaise lounge at the terrace to revive one’s spirit.

Relish

When it’s time to eat, one may head over to the resort’s main restaurant, The Pavilion, with its view of the sea or dine on the beach at The Cliff Seafood BBQ and Bar. Its kitchen is run by Martin Przewodnik—a German national who concocts delightful international cuisine. Known for being modern and innovative, he finds inspiration in local fruits or vegetables and creates imaginative dishes out of them.

During our first dinner, he whipped up culinary delights like green jackfruit mousseline and rock lobster spring roll served with a balsamic reduction; truffle and boletus essence; grilled duck breast with tisa lemon grass sauce on ube puree and osiman leaves; green mango granite with coconut punch; calamansi-scented Chilean seabass on a spicy banana blossom served with coconut rice and orange sauce and red wine and Bailey’s ice cream in a chocolate cup.

Explore

Wear a laid back and carefree attitude and walk or bike around the resort.

Follow the sweet scent of flowers and it will lead to a large orchid farm located at the back of the property.

Going there, one will pass by different sports facilities like a tennis court, basketball court and putting green. The resort also has a 47-meter swimming pool and two children’s pools.

End the tour by marveling at the long stretch of white sand beach with three all-natural private coves.

Rejuvenate

Alegre’s spa makes visiting the place even more relaxing.

Have a much-needed massage outdoor by the beach and try their signature treatment called Alegre orientale, a massage that combines shiatsu, Thai, Javanese and the indigenous Filipino “hilot.”

Follow the light

One may also visit other tourist destinations in the north while staying at the resort. Sending its in-house guests to these places is Alegre’s way of fostering local tourism.

Capitancillo Island, southeast of Bogo, is a favorite destination as it is only a short boat ride away from the resort. It is a must-visit because it is a heritage site that houses one of the world’s oldest solar-powered lighthouses built on top of a ruin.

Around Capitancillo Island is a 22-hectare marine sanctuary which boasts of beautiful coral formations and a wonderful dive spot.

Other places to explore near the resort are the Mainit Hot Spring in Catmon and horseback riding stable in Tuburan.