Living The Charmed Life At Amorita Resort (Part 2/2)

LIVING THE CHARMED LIFE AT AMORITA RESORT (Part 2/2)

Click here to read Part 1 and more photos


One of the most endearing feature of each Villa is an outdoor “plunge pool,” with its own sun deck and lounge chairs, ideal for those intimate moments or just to enjoy a cold dip after a hot day of touring or enjoying the beach.

Each villa has a king-size bed, where a couple and small child can comfortably fit, a day bed for another family member or guest, plus all the usual resort accoutrements – and more. The “extras” include a wide-screen LCD TV, iPod docking station and a set of toiletries from the French company L’Occitane.

The latter complements the remarkably designed toilet and bath, which are located outdoors, artfully concealed from the outside world yet fully in-touch with the elements. It’s a novel way of going about one’s private business, but refreshing nevertheless – rarely has the term “rest room” seemed this appropriate.

As their names imply, the Garden Villas, which are located “inland,” away from the cliff edge, have their own private garden with flowering plants and tropical foliage, while the Ocean View Villas are perched near the edge of the cliff, giving the guest what is surely the most impressive amenity in the resort – a splendid view of the Bohol Sea and the craggy outlines of islands far off on the horizon.

It’s a scene rivaled only by the view from Amorita’s signature facility, the curving infinity pool located at the very edge of the cliff, where the unobstructed vista of azure water, white sand, verdant mountains and colorful boats all come together in a breathtaking panorama.

Adjacent to the pool is the resort’s Saffron Restaurant, named after the glorious color of the sunset, best viewed while lounging in the restaurant. Saffron boasts of innovative breads and desserts that highlight the amazing medley of flavors of Bohol products and ingredients. One must try their light-as-air Ube Mousse, Peanut Kiss Sans Rival and Turon de Bohol.

Private, air-conditioned function rooms are available for small, private meetings and break-out sessions. For larger gatherings, there’s a ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Off to the side of the resort’s main building is a dive shop and the diving pool, where aspiring scuba divers are trained before they venture off to Bohol’s world-famous dive spots, including the Alona Beach house reef just steps away from Amorita.

For guests who want to enjoy KTV facilities while they enjoy their after-dinner drinks, a private air-conditioned room is available.

Rounding off the facilities is the forthcoming wellness spa operated by the internationally known Mandala Spa brand, which, along with 40 luxurious suites, will banner Phase 2 of Amorita’s expansion, both much-anticipated additions to the resort’s myriad guest offerings.

Finally, recognizing that the physical infrastructure is only as good as the human factor, and to this end, the resort management continuously invests in staff training and human-resource development. A key focus of these efforts is the further enhancement of the efficiency of the staff to complement their natural warmth and hospitality.

All of these thrusts are succeeding for Amorita, as evidenced by strong repeat bookings, robust word-of-mouth endorsements and glowing reviews circulating through the blogosphere.

Indeed, Amorita offers the total vacation package: unrivaled location, fabulous views, stylish amenities, striking design, and heartfelt, warm hospitality. It is a resort where life is beautiful.

Amorita Resort is on Alona Beach, Barangay Tawala, Panglao Island, Bohol. For more information, call (63 2) 914-0585 and 914-1728 in their Manila office, email inquiries@amoritaresort.com, or visit www.amoritaresort.com.

Source: Living The Charmed Life At Amorita Resort (Part 2/2)

Living The Charmed Life At Amorita Resort (Part 1/2)

LIVING THE CHARMED LIFE AT AMORITA RESORT (Part 1/2)


IN THE Philippines’s famous province of Bohol, there’s a new resort that can stake a legitimate claim to be among the most beautiful and sophisticated, a world away from the generic beach-resort genre found throughout the country.

Amorita Resort, in Bohol’s Panglao Island, boasts not just world-class amenities and an eye-catching design, but also a spectacular location that’s unequaled by any other property in its area. It sprawls over 1.8 hectares of lushly landscaped gardens high up on a windswept cliff overlooking Panglao’s famous Alona Beach, the Bohol Sea and the islands beyond.

It’s a view at once stunning and soothing, dramatic yet tranquil – a great vantage point for promenading and picture-taking or, simply, a private spot for reflection and contemplation. Either way, this view, unique to Amorita, is a balm for the tired urban soul.

For the typical beach bum, however, Amorita is also ideally situated. The fine, white sands and palm trees of Alona Beach are mere steps away via a short, paved footpath down the cliffside.

As such, here, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: the privilege of an elevated perch given to sweeping views and the lively bonhomie of the beach scene.

The Amorita experience starts from the moment the guest enters its gates. The distinctive design alone speaks volumes. The resort’s owners and design group have created a delightful spread of gardens, pools and beautiful structures, all in harmony with nature and the resort’s matchless cliff-top location.

The cobblestone driveway ushers guests to the reception area, a cozy nook where they are warmly welcomed with sincere smiles, a refreshing drink and a cold towel.

The reception building also houses a boutique stocked with resort essentials as well as a small but functional business center.

As guests are escorted to their accommodations past manicured gardens and luxuriant greenery, a sense of exclusivity and well-being pervades. This is a resort where you can be yourself – or find yourself – for, here, privacy is paramount.

This is evident once guests step inside any of the resort’s 20 Deluxe Rooms, two Sky Suites and 14 single-detached Villas, facilities of world-class stature.

First is the premium on space: each deluxe room, situated in a two-story structure set amidst manicured gardens, is 35 square meters, large enough to accommodate two queen-size beds with room to spare for an extra single bed.

Amenities include hot and cold shower, hair dryer, mini bar, in-room safe, coffee/tea service, cable TV, and air-conditioning.

The elegant, modern interiors are enhanced by fine furniture produced by local craftsmen whose products are much in-demand in the international market.

Each room has a veranda that opens up to either the gardens (for ground-level units) or a balcony (for second-level units) that looks out to the greenery and the rest of the property.

It is in the Villas, however, where Amorita’s designers really get to showcase their creativity. The eight Garden Villas and six Ocean View Villas are each 150 square meters large (including the pocket garden in each unit) and contain enough special amenities to delight the most fastidious guest.

Click here to read Part 2 and see more photos

Source: Living The Charmed Life At Amorita Resort (Part 1/2)

Cyprus the Perfect Holiday Destination (Part 2/2)

Where To Travel: Cyprus (2/2)
The weather is but one factor that makes this beautiful island so appealing to the countless people who return year after year

Click here for Part 1

For people who just want to relax without being hassled Cyprus is the perfect holiday destination. With miles of sandy beaches and delightful secluded bays you are sure to find somewhere to chill out whilst you enjoy all that Cyprus sun. The island is steeped in centuries of rich cultural history so there is more than enough to keep even the most enthusiastic culture vultures occupied. If you want to see more of Cyprus whilst on your holiday be sure to check out the many excursions that are on offer to all those places of interest. Or even better, you could take advantage of some of the excellent Cyprus car hire deals and enjoy the freedom of seeing Cyprus at your own pace.

However you decide to enjoy your holiday in Cyprus whether it's relaxing on the beach or taking in the vibrant night life of the many bars and resturants the island has something for everyone. From pretty little coastal resorts tucked avoiding the hustle and bustle to the thriving holiday towns with every possible amenity. Until you experience Cyprus for yourself you can never completely fathom why so many holiday makers return to her beautiful shores year after year. In fact some of those visitors have so fallen in love with her that they have purchased a home of their own there but that's another story. Enjoy Cyprus!

Source: Cyprus the Perfect Holiday Destination (Part 2/2)

Cyprus the Perfect Holiday Destination (Part 1/2)

Where To Travel: Cyprus (1/2)
The weather is but one factor that makes this beautiful island so appealing to the countless people who return year after year

By: Kev Moore

Cyprus is just about as far south as Greece extends before you reach the Middle East and Egypt. This is why the island is blessed with over 320 days of glorious Mediterranean sunshine every year and the temperature seldom drops below 18c even in winter. That's if you can call December to February a winter at all. So if it's sunshine holidays you are after then perhaps you should consider taking your next vacation in Cyprus. The weather is only one factor however that makes this beautiful island so appealing to the countless people who return there year after year for more of the same.

Once you arrive in Cyprus you could be forgiven for thinking that you have in fact landed back in the U.K. but in some alternate reality because Cyprus as often been referred to as England with the sun. Most Cypriots speak excellent English as a second language and it's taught in all the schools even at primary level. They drive on the left and all the road signs are in English as well as Greek so getting around is much the same as back home but without all the congestion or hassle. perhaps this is why so many ex pats settle in Cyprus to enjoy their retirement in the sun.

There is good reason why Cyprus is so "English" and why so many Cypriots embrace English culture so readily in fact there are two factors that have influenced Cyprus in this way. The main reason Cyprus is so English is due to the British occupation of the Island from 1923 to 1960 after which time Cyprus became a stand alone republic although an agreement was reached allowing Britain to keep several military bases as sovereign or crown property. Another strong influence has come from the large Anglo Cypriot community which established itself in the U.K. during the years of British rule especially around the London area. As many of these "English" Cypriots have returned home they have brought the British influence of business and culture with them too. Despite this European influence Cyprus still retains its own culture both in language and customs which is what makes it so unique.

There aren't many places left in the world where you can leave your doors unlocked or walk the streets in the dead of night without fear of molestation but Cyprus is one of them. The island boast one of the lowest crime rates in Europe which makes it a great place to live. Sure there are "bad apples" where ever you go and Cyprus has its share too but they are a minority and the Cyprus authorities have been known to permanently expel some criminals from the island altogether. If you are one of those people who also hate being accosted by street vendors forcing their tat onto you and your family take heart because the authorities are pretty strict there too.

Click here for Part 2

Source: Cyprus the Perfect Holiday Destination (Part 1/2)

How To Preserve Your Backpacking Experience

Characteristics of a good backpacking journal: it should...be compact, have a case to protect it from rain and spills, contain blank areas to write your notes, and cue spaces to remind you about specific things

By: Nomad Rick

BACKPACKING is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your backpacking experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a backpacking journal for your adventures.

Backpacking Journals
Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent backpacking experience. What sticks out in your mind? Now think about the first time you ever went backpacking. Undoubtedly, you remember few things about the geography, people you went with, particular backpacking routes and spectacular views. The experiences you've forgotten are lost to time. If you had kept a backpacking journal, this won't be the case.

There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank's Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your backpacking experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.

A good backpacking journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact so you don't have to take up unnecessary space for other things. Second, it should have a case to protect it from rain, spills and so on. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:

* Who you went backpacking with,
* Where you backpacked and if you enjoyed it,
* Who you met and contact information for them,
* The geographic and weather conditions,
* Routes you tried and how far you made it, and
* Any unique things that occurred while backpacking.

At the end of the trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:

1. Contact information for other backpackers and people you met,
2. Enough detail to provide you or a friend with a guide if you backpack the location a second time.
3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and
4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren.

To get the most out of your backpacking journal, you should write in it during backpacking breaks or immediately after. Every trip is special, even if you just go out for a weekend. Backpacking is a great way to commune with nature. Make sure to preserve the experience.

Source: How To Preserve Your Backpacking Experience

A Backpacker's Guide To Life

The load I carry follows me wherever I go. I will carry it well some days. Other days I will fail miserably, and that is what it means to be human'

By: Mike Ege

Okay, so not everybody loves backpacking as much as I do. I agree that there are still a lot of people out there who will never don a pack even once in their lives. I know that there are people in the world who don't like sweating and hiking and bugs and carrying weight and sleeping on the ground. There might even be some folks out there who don't know what giardia is. (It's a microbe that will mess up your digestive track for weeks if you drink contaminated water). Worse yet, there are actually people in the world who couldn't care any less about all that I am talking about. This is for those people.

I don't love backpacking for the cold nights or the tough climbs. I don't love it for the mosquitoes or even the body odour. What I love is the parallel to life it offers me and the fresh perspective I gain from a few days in the woods. It rattles me loose from my every day life; it reminds me that I am not so big and important. It lines things up again, like when I file the papers from my desk in a real file cabinet. Backpacking brings me back to basics, to the stuff that really matters. It reminds me that I love my family, that I have physical limits, that I'm not twenty anymore. It causes me to reflect and slow down and know pain. There is nothing like hiking with 40 pounds on your back to remind you what tired really is.

I know from my time on the trail that I have a certain load to carry, and sometimes there isn't much I can do about that load. Some of the load I put there myself, some was given to me. All I know for sure is that I have to carry it; that it's mine. Nobody is going to carry it for me, and feeling sorry for myself won't make it any lighter. I can spend my miles letting everybody know how hard I have it, or I can decide it's my load and carry it as well as I can, with my chin up. I have learned rule number one in the wilderness of life is;

Carry your own load and stop griping about it.
I understand from a few miles in the majestic mountains that I am loved profoundly and deeply insignificant, all at the same time. I see in those alpine peaks a God who made them just for me, and I believe I am loved. I see in the mountains how little I know and how small I am, and how short the period of time is that I occupy on this earth. Learning to sit with this vast discrepancy has been a tough lesson, but I know that both are and must be true. It is the balance of things. It is the equilibrium between my need and my value, between my sin and my sanctity. I think I would have designed the world with just one option, but God seemed to think we would stand more solidly with two legs, one positioned in a deep knowing about ourselves in both camps. I have learned that the second rule for my life is;

I am both saint and sinner.
I have learned that who I am as I travel down the path is far more important than the coolness of the toys in my pack. I can have all the gizmos and latest fad gear, but when it gets right down to it, my life isn't really any better because I have the toys. I have learned that bigger toys don't make me any bigger, and I can live without them. Sure, I like them, but they don't edit who I am by making me more or making me less. I know that I am significant and powerful without having to look and act and pretend that I am significant and powerful. I know that the third rule is;

I am more than what I carry with me.
I am beginning to know who I am in the journey, not by the size of my pack or the miles I travel, but by the man I am to others in the journey. I can still be an important man without a Humvee. I can still impact the world in important ways without a large 401K. Because you can't take away from me the very core truth about who I am. I also know that I can do an immense amount about who I want to be in the journey. So I choose to choose, to exercise that gift to be responsible for me. I am learning that the fourth rule is;

I can choose how and who I am.
I realize that backpacking is an analogy for life both on and off the trail, whether I am cresting a mountain ridge or driving in traffic. Because the load I carry follows me wherever I go. I will carry it well some days. Other days I will fail miserably, and that is what it means to be human. I choose to believe I am more than my load, and that I have a choice about me, and how I live.

You may never backpack or see a mountain meadow anywhere except in a picture. That's fine, because you don't need to get sweaty to understand what it means to carry a pack. You carry one every day. So who and how will you be today on the trail of life? And more importantly, who and how do you want to be?

Source: A Backpacker's Guide To Life

Cyprus, the Perfect Holiday Destination

Where To Travel: Cyprus
The weather is but one factor that makes this beautiful island so appealing to the countless people who return year after year

By: Kev Moore

Cyprus is just about as far south as Greece extends before you reach the Middle East and Egypt. This is why the island is blessed with over 320 days of glorious Mediterranean sunshine every year and the temperature seldom drops below 18c even in winter. That's if you can call December to February a winter at all. So if it's sunshine holidays you are after then perhaps you should consider taking your next vacation in Cyprus. The weather is only one factor however that makes this beautiful island so appealing to the countless people who return there year after year for more of the same.

Once you arrive in Cyprus you could be forgiven for thinking that you have in fact landed back in the U.K. but in some alternate reality because Cyprus as often been referred to as England with the sun. Most Cypriots speak excellent English as a second language and it's taught in all the schools even at primary level. They drive on the left and all the road signs are in English as well as Greek so getting around is much the same as back home but without all the congestion or hassle. perhaps this is why so many expats settle in Cyprus to enjoy their retirement in the sun.

There is good reason why Cyprus is so "English" and why so many Cypriots embrace English culture so readily in fact there are two factors that have influenced Cyprus in this way. The main reason Cyprus is so English is due to the British occupation of the Island from 1923 to 1960 after which time Cyprus became a stand alone republic although an agreement was reached allowing Britain to keep several military bases as sovereign or crown property. Another strong influence has come from the large Anglo Cypriot community which established itself in the U.K. during the years of British rule especially around the London area. As many of these "English" Cypriots have returned home they have brought the British influence of business and culture with them too. Despite this European influence Cyprus still retains its own culture both in language and customs which is what makes it so unique.

There aren't many places left in the world where you can leave your doors unlocked or walk the streets in the dead of night without fear of molestation but Cyprus is one of them. The island boast one of the lowest crime rates in Europe which makes it a great place to live. Sure there are "bad apples" where ever you go and Cyprus has its share too but they are a minority and the Cyprus authorities have been known to permanently expel some criminals from the island altogether. If you are one of those people who also hate being accosted by street vendors forcing their tat onto you and your family take heart because the authorities are pretty strict there too.

For people who just want to relax without being hassled Cyprus is the perfect holiday destination. With miles of sandy beaches and delightful secluded bays you are sure to find somewhere to chill out whilst you enjoy all that Cyprus sun. The island is steeped in centuries of rich cultural history so there is more than enough to keep even the most enthusiastic culture vultures occupied. If you want to see more of Cyprus whilst on your holiday be sure to check out the many excursions that are on offer to all those places of interest. Or even better, you could take advantage of some of the excellent Cyprus car hire deals and enjoy the freedom of seeing Cyprus at your own pace.

However you decide to enjoy your holiday in Cyprus whether it's relaxing on the beach or taking in the vibrant night life of the many bars and restaurants the island has something for everyone. From pretty little coastal resorts tucked avoiding the hustle and bustle to the thriving holiday towns with every possible amenity. Until you experience Cyprus for yourself you can never completely fathom why so many holiday makers return to her beautiful shores year after year. In fact some of those visitors have so fallen in love with her that they have purchased a home of their own there but that's another story. Enjoy Cyprus!

Source: Cyprus, the Perfect Holiday Destination