When in Manila, the best beaches that come to mind usually require a domestic flight. Some might say you’ve never been to the Philippines if you’ve never gone to Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, Batanes, and many more beautiful islands in the archipelago. Honestly, I used to count myself with that “some,” BUT my views have now changed once I’ve sighted the mesmerizing view from Vivere Azure – only in Batangas.
Ocean View From Vivere Azure’s Casa Isabella Suite (Photo by Gizelle Caoile)
Vivere Azure, as it brands itself, is “a paradise situated by the mountainside of Anilao, Batangas conducive for relaxation.” As a feature writer and traveler, I couldn’t help but feel it’s too good to be true. In opening my eyes to taking the long route in order to see greater wonders, I closed my mind that such beauty could exist just within reach. Whenever I packed my bags, I’d always opt to go far and long in search of peace and serenity. Through this particular travel, however, I was proved wrong. It only took us a few hours to get them.
Once parked, the trail led us straight to Vivere Azure’s infinity pool that stretches out to the ocean. The same view captivated us during our entire stay in the comfort of our own casa! The floor-to-ceiling glass wall opens our suite to a private terrace, seamlessly blending luxurious comfort with a tropical ambiance. Meanwhile, the generous floor space further enhances the feeling of openness. It makes room for a bed fit for a king, a not-so-mini mini bar with a refrigerator and coffee machine, a comfortable reading nook accented with a lamp, a desk that came in handy as a remote worker; as well as a dining and lounging area, which ultimately became our favorite spot.
Vivere Azure’s Casa Isabella Suite (Photo by Gizelle Caoile)
Vivere Azure’s Casa Isabella Suite (Photo by Gizelle Caoile)
Speaking of essentials, Vivere Azure offers strong Wi-Fi throughout the beach resort, so you can easily post, upload, and download files when needed. Plus, all comfort rooms feature bidets, minimizing your need for toilet paper; and water-refilling stations are conveniently located throughout the resort too, offering drinking water and further reducing waste by encouraging the use of refillable bottles.
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As the moon began to rise over the sea following a display of a pink sunset, the sky continued to dazzle us at dinnertime with the presence of the stars, sparkling upon us; while the sound of the waves serenaded us. We called it a day soon enough as the soft white sheets lured us to bed, and we peacefully drifted off as a Netflix series played on the huge TV screen in the background.
Sunset / Stargazing at Vivere Azure (Photos by Gizelle Caoile)
Although we’d love to stay in our casa all day, there are just so many water activities to experience! Once the sun filled our room with light, we were up and ready to kickstart our day with a hearty breakfast delivered to us. Each dish on the menu came with soup and dessert that satisfyingly filled our tummies, and breakfast came with the most important thing – coffee.
Vivere Azure’s Restaurant (Photo by Gizelle Caoile)
Some Vivere Azure’s Breakfast Options (Photo by Gizelle Caoile)
We then went down for a dip in the pool. While Vivere Azure’s infinity pool looked great from the deck as it was, swimming in its waters warmly welcomed us to indulgence. It’s as if we didn’t deserve this luxurious retreat but it’s there for us to embrace! The water relaxingly danced around our bodies as our eyes were treated to the scenic beauty of nature in front of us, and the wind cradled our ears as it gently washed the waves toward the shore.
Vivere Azure’s Infinity Pool (Photo by Gizelle Caoile)
Vivere Azure’s Water Activities (Photos by Gizelle Caoile)
“See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me,” Moana couldn’t have sung it any better. It wasn’t long before we made our way down to the beach. We went kayaking and snorkeling – meeting schools of fish and looking over corals in all shapes and sizes. If I must describe this adventure in a nutshell, it would be that there are immersive therapeutic activities like in spas or even 5D dynamic theaters and aqua parks… and then there are authentic experiences like this that truly bring you to a whole new world! And I am most glad it’s only a few hours away from home.
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It’s the type of relaxation that can only be found in the islands of the Philippines, and the one that you can bring home knowing that you can easily go back anytime to feel again. Though Manila raised me, the sea whispers to my soul. Vivere Azure answers that call, bringing the paradise I crave just a breath away.
Vivere Azure (Photo by Gizelle Caoile)
Vivere Azure
- Location: Anilao, Batangas City, Philippines
- Facebook: Vivere Azure
- Instagram: @vivereazure
