ELEGANT BEACH RESORT: IN NAME, IN EXPERIENCE

In the country of the Philippines, made up of a wide archipelago, an island in its central part can be found that is known as Cebu City. The island of Cebu is connected to the Visayas group. It is bordered by the Tañon Strait to the west, Bohol Strait to the south, Camotes Sea to the east, and Visayan Sea to the north. Each of these places is magnified by beautiful features that attract a lot of tourists from different countries, and when we ask about the place it borders—Cebu—well, an hour wouldn’t be enough to discuss its magnificence. But, I have found a place that would best encapsulate the richness of Cebu in a single setting, and while it is only a single place, this blog will give you a sneak peek of what our island is as a phenomenal destination.

Home to long and famous shorelines and beaches, Cebu City is rich in tourist spots and attractions, such as the Magellan’s Cross and Tumalog Falls. The city of Cebu is home to famous traditional practices like the Sinulog Festival while also embracing a modern lifestyle. It is called the Queen City of the South and is one of the richest and oldest cities in the whole country. In its northern part lies a wide, healthy province known as Cebu Province, which rests its culture and landscape in the most sublime way. It has beaches that stretch to infinity, and many of them are popular and well-visited by tourists.

One of the municipalities in the northern part of Cebu is San Remigio, which became known for its famous and longest shoreline on the island named “Lapyahan sa San Remigio,” where “lapyahan” can be translated as “shoreline.” Mixed with vibrant tourists and their feet caressing the fine white sand, the place is too beautiful not to be visited, as it also has crystal-clear water, home to rich marine creatures that serves as food and source of income for the San Remigiohanons, and sometimes tourists search for sea urchins and other edible during low tide.

I have been to Lapyahan sa San Remigio many times, and it is truly mesmerizing. But, it is not the content of this blog. I found a resort hidden in the same municipality known as Elegant Beach Resort, and as its name suggests, it is truly elegant—not because of the luxurious beds and pools but because of the experience and beaches.

It was not a plan to visit Elegant Beach Resort this summer. I only had a month to spend my summer at beaches, but when July came, I had to dedicate it to my paperwork and other responsibilities, which meant I wasn’t going outside for recreational purposes. My friend, whom I hadn’t seen in two years, called me and asked if I could grab some outfits and spend our day at the resort. From the central part of the municipality, tourists have a 40-minute travel before reaching the resort, which is located in Anapog, San Remigio, Cebu. It is so hidden that while traveling, you only see towering hills and flat farms, not expecting a beach by the end of the path. When we arrived, a big gate with the word "Elegant" greeted us, and when you go inside, a counter and a staff member welcomes you like it is your home.

We booked a premium room good for two, and it had two queen-sized beds, a complimentary TV, and two free breakfasts. We paid $73 for the check-in. It is also air-conditioned and has a big comfort room that was actually comforting when we bathed. Beside the room is a mini balcony that allows you to look at the rest of the resort, such as its garden and swimming pool. The first pool you can find is the one nestled in the center of the resort, favored by both adults and kids, but the deepest they offer is 5 ft. It was worth spending time in that pool because it is bordered by natural plants and graceful landscaping. In the building where all rooms are found, it has a hallway that guides you to the other side, which is the beach. But before you go down to the beach, an infinity pool does its best to make you notice it. The infinity pool is so good and refreshing, alongside the view of the blue ocean, and it is 10 to 12 ft deep, I believe. I preferred swimming in the infinity pool because it was near our room and the shower was accessible.

Other than rooms and pools, they also have outside jacuzzis, a restaurant, beach volleyball, a children’s playground, a basketball court, and a beachfront. It is a full-package resort even though they charge you less, still recognizing the idea that tourists should enjoy their paradise even with low prices. Not only are the visitors who check in allowed to use the pool and beach, but also those who just want to chill at their beach and avail a cottage. Day use is from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, and the entrance fee depends on the age and kind of pool you want to access. Adults are charged $2.60without access to the pool and $4.30 if they want to chill in the infinity pool. Kids aged 4–10 are charged $1.30 for entrance, and if they want to dip in the pool, their parents have to pay$3.00. Children under 4 years of age are free. They also have cottages ranging from $26.00 to $43.00, depending on the size, and a picnic table good for 4 pax with an umbrella. Beside the picnic tables are native huts good for 8–10 pax, charged at $17.00 per hut.

As of the last visit, those were the prices we found in the resort, and it is not pricey for the quality of their amenities. We spent the rest of the day capturing photos on the beach while having fun swimming around, and yes, I preferred their beach over their infinity pool. The weather was perfect at that time—not too sunny but not too cloudy—a perfect weather for me to avoid sunburn. They also have hammocks aligned along the shores, and some are big enough to let you rest and relax after a tiring day of swimming.

We were so happy with our experience that even though the amenities we availed weren’t elegant, the experience was top-tier and one of the best beach experiences I’ve had. But I’m not surprised because Elegant Beach is nestled in the longest shoreline of the town, which means the Lapyahan and Elegant are connected to each other. Isn’t it wonderful?

After a long, tiring, and relaxing stay at Elegant Beach Resort, we left with hearts full of gratitude and blessings. Indeed, the resort was elegant not only in name but in experience. Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you in my next blog!