This is actually the first time that I’m doing a separate blog entry, devoted to the resort we’ve stayed at. Maybe because we are not calling it resort but home. We are privileged to be treated as a family while there.
First time we were here was in 2016 and it was pure coincidence to stay here because primarily we were opting for Port Barton. But then my wife found this place on line and the main draw was the pool and 24 hours electricity. The pool because we are traveling with two kids and we know what low tide means in the Philippines.
Obviously we made a special bond with the owners (Roberto and Thelma) and from the day we’ve left this place we knew we will return.
After visiting Vietnam last year this year was time to come back to the Philippines. You can imagine how sad we were when we got initial reply from Roberto that they are completely full on our dates. But then mail came two weeks later in which he was happily telling us that someone has cancelled the reservation and that they are eagerly awaiting us. We were so happy and the kids couldn’t stop talking about it. And it was only January so long time until July.
On our arrival to the Philippines we spend first five days on Coron. From there we had pre-booked tickets for catamaran transfer to El Nido and from there we should grab a two hour van ride to San Vicente.
But as usual things were not going as smooth as we planned them. For majority of our time in Coron we have experienced rain and some more rain. Due to the weather prognoses things didn’t look better in days to come. On the day that we checked out in Coron we’ve received a sms from Boat Company that Cost Guard has cancelled all boats out of Coron and it was supposed to be like that for the next couple of days.
Thankfully we got the last plane seats out to Manila where we spend the night and next day we flown out from Manila with torrential rain pouring down. A good hour of flying got us to Puerto Princesa where the sun greeted us and everything looked so much better.
After two hours’ drive we finally reached our destination in San Vicente – Sunset Beach Resort. As soon as we stepped out of the van we knew we were at home. Thelma greeted as very warmly and told us that Roberto is still in Puerto Princesa and will be back the next day.
Warm sun almost immediate invited us into the pool and Red Horse was in order. The pool at Sunset Beach Resort is one of the main draws since low tide can be really a problem in the Philippines. The resort itself is made of 5 AC rooms with porch in front of them. Rooms, bathrooms and every little detail in the place are immaculate.
The lawn is always cut, the palm leafs are collected as soon as the fall on the ground, the pool and beach are cleaned daily.
The food is really good (try spaghetti ala Thelma or Roberto) and the prices are more than reasonable. Plus there is always cold beer in the fridge when you need one.
Of course you need to try Pina Colada while watching one of their trademark sunsets.
When we met with Roberto it was really emotional, since we all cried a bit. He was actually so thoughtful that he bought rubber duckies for the pool especially for Nia so she could play with them. Of course we had a lot of catching up to do over a cold beer.
Roberto also arranged a boat trip to the islands around Port Barton and everything was perfectly organized and it was a day to remember. You really need to do this while in San Vicente since it’s almost half the price then the similar at El Nido or Coron.
San Vicente area is really beautiful, most of the time we were alone on out trips, were definitely the only one at the Long Beach, where we went for a drink with Roberto. Local people are extremely friendly and kids still run after you screaming halloos. If you add to this the friendliest of Roberto and Thelma than you can understand why we call this place home even if it is on the other side of the world.
It’s needless to say that we all cried when we were leaving and we made each other a promise that we will come back.
