Friday, May 25, 2007 Island for a Day By Jojie Alcantara Witerary
WHAT would you do if you own an island to yourself for just a day? Answer: do as little or as much as you please.
Several years back, when Island Buenavista Resort was simply called Small Ligid (because a Big Ligid isle is not far away), the Ayala family of Davao regularly retreat to this private hideaway with amenities that only catered to its owners.
Opening it to the public stemmed from an idea that maybe there are those who harbor fantasies of owning the whole island while being pampered in solitude. How many would love that if they can afford it?
Now, a first class resort dubbed as Davao's version of Amanpulo, the Island Buenavista can be reached within an hour from Davao City.
Its jump-off point from Samal Island is Ana Marina Resort (also owned by the Ayalas), where a boat awaits to transfer guests across the isle within view in 10 minutes.
Once you step on the four-hectare isle, the expanse of powdered white sands and aquamarine sea sparkling under the sun lulls you into a very relaxed tropical state of mind. You either want to immediately explore or just find a nearby hammock and step into dreamland. Laziness and serenity beckon.
While the sight of air-conditioned villas, open beach huts, suites, pavilion and a secluded swimming pool provide material comforts and luxury, very friendly waiters in soft sarongs hover unobtrusively, bringing you the island refreshment of newly opened buko juice served with straw. Food is locally prepared by the staff according to your preference.
Private individuals, corporations, foreigners and celebrities have visited this little paradise gently surrounded by sapphire blue waters of the Davao Gulf. And nothing, not even celebrity buzzes, have reached curious mainland ears.
"Owning the island" gives you an overwhelming sense of privacy where you live an exclusive indulgence away from a stressful civilization.
With the island to yourself, you can sleep anywhere: in the comforts of your air-conditioned room, in a tent, or bare-naked on the shore. The soothing music you can only hear are waves rushing to shore, and the cries of exotic peacocks strutting around the isle.
You get up in the morning with breakfast waiting at your table. You can snorkel with the fishes, go kayaking or exploring the underwater delights of the deep blue.
For the more adventurous, arrange for a short intro dive course with a professional dive master. Drinks are also available at the well-stocked bar in the Pavilion or Poolside. The island is well-lit in the evenings having two generator sets on stand by.
An exclusive use of the entire island, facilities, food and accommodations, sports amenities including boat transfers for an overnight stay will cost a minimum of ten persons a rate of US$215++ per night for each guest. A day tour package will cost you US$100++ per person for a group of 10.
For more information, visit http://www.buenavistaislandresort.com, contact Buenavista Travel Agency (+6382 298-0193) or email jmestepa@gmail.com.
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