SOLANA XP

Scouting for a relaxing weekend getaway destination, we chanced upon this little-known (at least in my circle!) gem in the dive-crazy town of Anilao Batangas ...

Getting there was a rough understatement ... narrow lanes, cement mixers and sedans simply do not mix! Despite the tough roads, the scenic drive afforded tantalizing glimpses of the deep blue sea ... we're pretty sure though that the roads are asphalt-smooth and stress-free by now ... ;-)

As we trekked down the steep mountain path to the beach, we felt as if we were entering an enchanted forest, time seemed to stand still as our senses were suddenly permeated by nature's distinct sounds and scents. Manila (and real life) seemed so far away ...

Off the beaten path ...

If you're looking for a wide expanse of sandy white beach and shallow waters for swimming, Solana is not the place for you - the shoreline is rocky and barely there, the water - deep, clear and coral-strewn. Rather, Solana is a diver/snorkeller's paradise - with 5-star service and amenities thrown in for a comfortable, worry-free stay.

The main reception hall (cum lounge and relaxation area) was quaint and pretty with an eclectic selection of magazines and books, all the coffee, tea or juice you can drink and specacular views 24/7 - my dream vacation house!

The main hall ...


The Patio ...


Here's the best place to read a book or just daydream ...

Another cozy nook ... but it's already taken by Solana's resident diva ... :-)

Front-row seats to Discovery Channel Live ...

Early morning view from our cottage window ...

Come away with me ...

More sureseats@solana.com ...

The relatively steep rates include full meals and snacks which all looked too pretty to eat ... well, almost! :-)

And where there's food ... there's always the effortlessly charming "Oh! Lala!"

After each meal, I couldn't resist going for a brief swing (I want one exactly like it!) ...

I also had a brief sojourn inside the meditation hut (yes, those cushions are really really soft and utterly huggable!) ...

and a little lounge act with a good book before the evening cruise ...

we shared a sunset toast by the boat at the end of a blissfully relaxing day ...

After dinner, we couldn't resist getting a massage (with the most divinely scented oil I've ever slathered on myself!) and with the sound of gently rolling waves lulling us into sweet oblivion ...

One of the many aspects of Solana that I really like is its unwavering commitment to local crafts, designs and products. Everything (from the buntal-covered cushions, to the rattan and abaca-hewn chairs up to the local manghihilot with the divine hands) is distinctly, proudly 100% Filipino. The only concessions to the presence of Caucasian tourists are: air-conditioning, salad, bread and cereals at the buffet tables and of course, state-of-the art diving and snorkelling gear (the use of the latter is included in the fee :-) )

Here's a preview of the interior of our very comfy cottage ...

The ornate native bathroom mirror ...

Cute twiggy clothes hooks ...

Shell lamps exclusively handcrafted for Solana's use ...

Sunbathing turtle ash trays ...

Clay bowls with native flowers (replaced daily with fresh pickings from the garden)...

And charming seashell chandeliers (that's a class A tongue-twister!) ...

The following day was spent frolicking under the sun and playing peek-a-boo with Nemo and the rest of the gang (a pity we didn't have an underwater camera). As I said earlier, Solana is really a great place for diving and snorkelling. The fish-abundant corals are a stone's throw away from the shore - you don't have to rent a boat (guests from other resorts are even taken to Solana's shores for snorkelling) and a little further away is a nice group of secluded islands for the more advanced divers - next year, we promised ourselves to try our hand at diving. (I need to get over my fear of drowning in deep water first!) :-)

So I contented myself taking amateur pictures, trying to capture some of nature's palette for the day ...

There was the Fisherman (not man-made, the resort's denizens assured us) ...

And the Warrior in the Sky ...

God looking down at us (I'm thinking He looks a little sad at the unwitting destruction of the fragile corals) Area for improvement: all resorts should inform guests to have a care with the corals - crushing them with your feet - even accidentally should be a punishable offense ...

And lastly, we spent some quality time with Solana's best kept secret - canine wonders Toby and Snoop! (Toby is the rust-colored doggie and the black one is his mother Snoop)

Wondering what they did with those coconuts? - Presenting the four-fanged coconut demolition team (Grrrr! These coconuts never new what hit them!)...

"Please Sir, I want some more..."

"Awww, take us with you, sniff, sniff"

At the end of it all, we were both loathe to leave ... and eager to return :-) Every peso we spent was worth it - just remembering how the place made me feel has a calming effect on my senses. Kudos to the Management and the super-friendly staff :-)

Namárie, an sí, Solana! :-)