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SPR
in the Press
Asia Tropical Homes
PHILIPPINES
ABSOLUTE BEACH FRONT
 “Absolute
beachfront” is a favourite real-estate agent’s
term. The very idea of property with this feature sets
these people a-tingle. Understandably so, for there
are few places in the world where it is possible, permissible
or sensible to have a house right on the beach. But
Boracay is one such place.
The
three villas that appear in this photo feature all benefit
from the agent’s dream location-absolute beachfront
upon one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Each, with wide verandahs opening on to spectacular
views of sand and sea beyond, epitomizes the essence
of the tropical beach house. Each uses native materials-
roofs of cogon and ambulong and furnishings of rattan
and bamboo. But here ends any resemblance to robinson
Crusoe-style living- forget about a Spartan lifestyle
in these high-end haciendas, where hot and cold running
water are combined with air-conditioned bedrooms and
cable TV. Twenty-four hour maids’ service, Western
kitchens with full bars and barbeque grills on the patios
all leave no need to scavenge for fallen coconuts. And
it will hardly be a lonesome time, for each villa comes
with bedrooms enough to accommodate large families or
hosts of friends-Robinson Beach House and Villa Kaloo
both come with four bedrooms a piece, while Tete a’
tete Beach House offers three.
“
from a Robinson Crusoe outlook (top) to spacious
openplan interiors with all mod-cons (left), the
Boracay beach houses combine the best of both
worls. The interiors of the Robinson Beach House
would have its namesake grinning with happiness.”
“With
wide verandahs opening on to a spectacular views
of the sand and sea beyond, the Boracay beach
houses epitomize the essence of the tropical home.
“So
famed Boracay’s sand become that there is
now a total embargo on its removal –tourist
caught attempting to smuggle it away are strictly
reprimanded. |
While
the accommodation comes with all the mod-cons, expect
little less from the island itself. Boracay, just an
hour flight from manila, is one of the Philippines’
top tourist destinations. Discovered by the backpackers
just a couple of decades ago, the island has since developed
an international reputation as a destination of choice,
offering everything from golf courses to kiteboarding
from exciting after-dark entertainment to spas and wellness
centers.
 Its
popularity is also based on what is reputedly the softest,
whitest sand in all the world. So famed has this resource
become that there is now a total embargo on its removal-tourist
caught attempting to smuggle it away from the island
are strictly reprimanded and their booty returned to
the beach.
So
if a little luxurious Robinson Carousing takes your
fancy, Boracay’s villa rental opportunities may
be just the fix you need. Remember to brush the sand
from your feet before you leave.
“All
three villas are designed for the best enjoyment of
Boracay’s beach life. Tete A’ tete’s
front yard (right) is the beach. Villa Kaloo’s
wide-open lounge (above) designed to let you do just
that. Robinson’s bathroom (left) gives space enough
to wash away the sand.” |
