Going offline and on-nature is something we often need every now and then. Taking a breather, not just from the daily grind and traffic but also from the social media noise, and going back to basics can be — well, a breath of fresh air — at this day and age. Thus, it was a well-deserved retreat from technology and urban living when we went to Nature’s Eye Resort in Guimaras upon the invitation of those managing this property.
The Idea Behind the Resort
We met Ms. Rowena Amancio, the owner of the resort, who chatted with us during breakfast. A lover of the environment, Ms. Amancio designed her resort in such a way that they preserve the trees within the property. That explains the rustic and quaint vibe of the entire resort. Her pet dogs, particularly Biscuit, live with her in Nature’s Eye.
Before she started Nature’s Eye Resort in 2008, Ms. Amancio is well-traveled as she has worked with the tourism industry in Thailand and the airline industry in Switzerland.
The cottages and villas have different designs and materials. There’s a cottage made of local materials with shells, while another has coconut husks. Ours was modern, allowing natural light to come in. Each cottage also offer a different view. But all of them seem to share the same concept of allowing you to take a bath (as well as things you do in the toilet) in an open or semi-open space where you get a view of the sea.
And being a romantic person, Ms. Amancio created Nature’s Eye Resort with the couples in mind. It is a secluded place were guests can have more time for themselves, to enjoy nature and each other’s company. More importantly, with the resort located at the edge of Brgy. Tando and situated on an elevated portion, there’s a lot of privacy you can enjoy here.
Experiencing Nature’s Eye
Nature’s Eye Resort is not your typical resort. If you are one who longs for something that is off the beaten path, then you can trudge the trail towards the entrance, figuratively and literally, that is. When we got to the beach at Brgy. Tando, we were supposed to get into a boat for a 5-minute sea travel to the other side of the cove. But it was almost sunset and it was low tide. Instead of taking the boat, we hiked up to the cliff and through the woods to get to the resort. It was a short walk but the trail gives you a feel of adventure, even for a brief moment.
The dining area has an overlooking view of the sea and the islets below. Manang Indang, the cook during our stay, fixed us superb meals that will make you feel like you’re dining at home. You can taste the special touches that she puts into her cooking.
Our villa is a two-story structure, but the one beneath us is yet to be finished. It is air-conditioned and made of concrete. It has sliding doors and half glass windows that provide an indoor-outdoor feel. The terrace has a hammock, as well as wooden chairs and tables, where we were able to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Nope, there are no television sets or wi-fi, so you can focus more on yourself and the people you’re with for the duration of your vacation.
During our stay, we had a three-hour island hopping at the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve. Before we knew it, we were heading back to the Jordan Wharf to catch a boat to Iloilo City.
Getting There
If you are flying in from outside the Philippines, your airport of entry is the Iloilo International Airport. But since international flights may be limited there, you can also fly to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu. From either major airports, you can take a local flight to the Iloilo International Airport.
For those within the country that are taking the sea by ferry, you can travel to the Port of Iloilo.
From the airport or the sea port, you can take a cab or a jeepney to the Parola Wharf or the Ortiz Wharf. We boarded the boat from Iloilo’s Parola Wharf, which is in the City Mall complex, and bought tickets at Php14.00 per person. Boats leave there for Guimaras almost every minute, but buy the ticket bound for Jordan Wharf since there is also a Buenavista Wharf in Guimaras. It is about 10 to 15 minutes just to cross the strait from Iloilo City to Jordan.
Once you arrive in the Jordan Wharf of Guimaras, you have two options: commute and save money or hire a vehicle and save time. If you go for option 1, then take a jeepney to Dolores Crossing and then ride a motorcycle from the crossing to Barangay Tando. It can cost you about Php90.00 per person. If you prefer option 2, you can hire a multicab or tricycle from Jordan Wharf to Brgy. Tando where you can take the private boat of Nature’s Eye to get to their beachfront. Prepare Php250.00 or more per head, depending how many you are in the group. But, of course, you can cut through this whole process and rent a boat at Php4,000.00 from Iloilo’s Ortiz Wharf and straight to Nature’s Eye Beachfront. The boat can accommodate 1 to 10 persons.
But to be sure, you can always get in touch with Nature’s Eye, through the contact details below, to get their instructions on how to get to their resort because transport routes and cost might change without prior notice.
Contact details:
Brgy. Tando, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras Island
Telephone: +63 907 757 9055
E-mail: [email protected]
Booking site: http://www.jotform.me/natureseye/NaturesEye
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NaturesEyeBeachResort/
Various Packages for Your Stay
Prices are subject to change without prior notice but during this season, Nature’s Eye is offering special packages for its guests.
Sunset Package for 2 Persons
|
|
Ocean View Package for 2 Persons
|
|
Cliff Package for 2 Persons
|
|
They also have group packages and romantic honeymoon packages. In fact, Nature’s Eye is very ideal for honeymooners because they put premium on their guests’ privacy. There are only a few cottages in the resort as it hopes to maintain the peace and quiet of the place.
If you want to have some ME time, by yourself or with your partner or with your friends, then go offline and focus on each other. You can make it happen when you are in the bosom of Nature’s Eye.