Imagine a Sunday morning drive from SM MOA to Cavite. That would only take you around 15 minutes or less? Would you agree? Why spent for a very far location if you can already avail or get something great in just 15 minutes? This summer bring the whole family and enjoy more time relaxing not driving, here at Island Cove Hotel and Leisure park.
Situated in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, Island Cove is just 15 minutes away from SM Mall of Asia. Well a lot may argue to that but read again my first paragraph then. Hehehe.
Commuting to Island Cove Hotel? Here’s how.
From SM MOA, look for UV express that are going to Cavite City, tell the driver that you’ll go down at Island Cove, go down after the toll gate, cross the street, ride a mini bus with a sign “Island cove” fare would only cost you Php 8.00.
I got a chance to experience a day tour at Island cove recently and tried some of its new amenities. True to their words, on a Friday morning, we drove our way from SM MOA to the island and it only took us a few minutes to get there by car.
Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park
Upon our arrival, Ms Malu Samaco and the current Managing Director of Island Cove – Mr. Gilbert Remulla, welcome us at one of their restaurant called iCafe. iCafe offers coffee shakes, quick meals and sweet treats.
On our short meeting I’ve already learned that Island Cove was once known as Pulo ni Burunggoy. Gilbert’s father built it in the early 70’s and opened it on June 12, 1976 as Covelandia Island Resort. It was then changed to its new name Island Cove along with new developments in October 11, 1997. With a total of 36 hectares, the Island got new attractions and facilities to offer for their old and new clients. And these are what we are supposed to try today.
Island Cove Day Tour
We started the day tour by checking out the hotel rooms. We were showed different rooms and villas that are perfect for big groups and families. I can definitely say that their rooms are affordable and are best to be utilized in groups. Each rooms are now more in tune with the times with USB charging ports, wi-fi access, flat screen TV’s and modern bathrooms. They even got cables and UNTV is part of their list!
It got that Mediterranean vibe with coconut trees and greens surrounding the place. Room rates starts at Php 5,300.00 for off-peak – weekday for Family Deluxe, on the other hand you can rent a whole villa for Php 14,000 on a weekend getaway. Check out the website for more info about the room rates & ad-ons.
The Fishing Village
The sun was scorching hot but the ambiance and the wind coming from the sea is still refreshing especially if you’re around the Fishing Village. Lunchtime, our tummy brought us to this Filipino-themed restaurant with 21 bamboo huts atop the water facing Manila bay. It has spectacular views of the Manila and Makati Skylines. We were served with some of their best dishes!
Lenchon sa Pugon of course is on my top priority! We were told that it was slow cooked in brick over for 2.5 to 3 hours! Yum!
Aside from the Fishing Village and iCafe, you can also dine in at Sangley Point which serves western-style cuisine and the Bayside KTV for pica-pica and long evenings of singing.
The Island Spa
After lunch, we rushed to head on to the Island Spa for our 2pm appointment. I have no plans of trying it at first but because of the opportunity, I decided to try the milk bath because JR insisted me to do so. Hahaha! The others tried massaging therapy like hilot and dagdagay and some even had foot spa and facial. I felt mine was a bit special, with rose petals on our bed and baths. It was a refreshing bath and it was my first to try it. Would love to try it again.
Other Activities inside Island Cove and Leisure Park
There are so much to do in this Island. I could say a day is really not enough to try everything. We were running (rather biking) to and from one venue to another just to have a look on what’s inside the island.
If you plan to burn the fats you gain from eating delicious dishes at the fishing Village, a visit at the Fit Club would be fantastic. It is situated just beside the Island Spa.
You can also go swimming in the Oceania Swim and Splash Park. If you’re not a good swimmer you don’t need to worry for there are certified lifeguards around the pools. They also have a 350-square meter kid friendly splash park. I remember my trip to Sentosa, Singapore with this view.
And just recently they installed a new playground for kids called King Crawler.
There are also giant slides and giant inflatables that you can use. As to what I’ve learned, the whole water complex spans over 3,000 square meters and the splash park is the biggest in Mega Manila.
If you opted to do swimming, you can also enjoy biking! We bike our way around and I can say it’s the best way to travel around the island.
The Bayside KTV is also perfect for late night gatherings. They got nine private rooms that can seat groups of 2 to 30.
Next we visited Island Cove Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to different species of reptiles, mammals, and birds. It was an up-close experience for I was able to touch and even feed some of the animals – like the lion, ELSO.
Aside from those I’ve visited there are still a lot to do here; they got paintball areas, function halls for big events and even concert grounds. And take note, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park was ISO 9001-2000 certified and accredited by the Department of Tourism as a triple “A” resort, and it shows on the services and accommodations they have.
I had fun with my short visit in the island, the Fishing Village experience was one of my favorite followed by biking and the milk bath. Would definitely be back here and will bring my whole family next time!
Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is located at Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite.
Tel. # (046) 434 0210 | visit www.islandcovephil.com | inquiry @islandcovephil.com | IG.com/islandcovephil | TW.com/islandcovephil | FB.com/islandcoveHotelandLeisurePark
