Since I got home in 2014, I never had the opportunity to go out for a swim, especially on the beach. I miss my travel buddies with whom I constantly plan our yearly excursions. We make it a point to travel each year to one destination within the Philippines and one destination abroad.

Alas, with work and family catching up with me and with no travel buddies to fill my calendar, I realized that a visit to the beach has been long overdue. Summer in the Philippines has come to an end and the rainy season has been on us.

My birthday this year fell on a Saturday so I made a rushed plan to celebrate it on a beach. The nearest one in the city is Punta Taytay and I picked a new resort called Villa Iska.

A Kingdom By the Beach

It is easy to commute going to Villa Iska. Once you get to the heart of Bacolod City, you can ride at the public plaza or at the SM Mall a jeepney plying the Punta Taytay (or Pta. Taytay) route. The jeepney will pass by in front of Villa Iska. For those who plan to bring a private vehicle, there is a parking space available across Villa Iska.

You will never miss it. The gate looks like a fairytale castle out of an animation film. The whole compound is covered with white sand and the rooms have colorful walls with Little Mermaid murals. Kids and the kids-at-heart will surely love to spend a day or two here.

Villa Iska has two pools – one for adults, that seemed like an infinity pool overlooking the sea, and a kiddie pool, with a water shower from three giant mushroom figures. The adult pool is three to six feet deep while the circular kiddie pool is only two feet deep.

Sadly, there is no beach for us to swim on. The area is closed from the beach because the one in front of the resort is used for oyster cultivation. Thus, it is not a good area for a swim by the sea. Still, we were content wading through the pool with the view of the sea in front of us and the fresh sea breeze we inhale.

An elevated watch area is located at the corner near the beachfront that provides a great view of the sea and the whole resort. The silhouette of Guimaras and Iloilo islands across the strait could be seen from that point.

A Secure Place to Rest and Unwind

Many of the private resorts with open access to the beach are prone to vendors, beggars and burglars getting inside the property. But not with Villa Iska. The only entrance is the gate in front, with security guards stationed to watch every person entering it. There is a small port in the sea area but is closed most of the time.

Cottages are also secured as they have small doors to keep strangers out. Each cottage has a phone that connects to the administration office and the restaurant.

No need to worry when your little ones go off dipping in the pool. There is an assigned lifeguard to watch over them. A floater is also on standby in case something happens.

The pool area is also separated from the rooms, providing overnight guests with some privacy while day visitors enjoy the sun and water while music is played at the tree house.

It would be even better if Villa Iska is able to expand and provide a bigger space for more activities. It has been operating for only a year (it opened in 2014), so there are still a lot of things they can improve on, whether its amenities, facilities, or service.

I’m glad that during my birthday, we all had fun, including my aunties, cousin and nieces. How much more for kids who would pick Villa Iska as a place where they will celebrate their special day.

For more information about Villa Iska, visit its Facebook page.