Sun. Sea. Sand.
The tree S’s of the bigger S – SUMMER.
In a tropical country, you can’t have summer without sun, sea, and sand. These three elements together make up the beach.
A long time ago, based on stories I’ve heard from the elderly, all beaches were open to the public—as it should be. Unfortunately, over the years, some people have purchased and “developed” beachfront properties, turning them into private resorts and limiting access to the beaches to their paying guests only.
Sad, but this is the reality.
The rise of resorts
The sadder thing is, many companies have turned their resorts into hotel-like settings. I’m all for landscaping the grounds, but I have to draw the line at structures near the shoreline.
Well, I guess a well-designed, nature-inspired cliffside restaurant is not so bad. But build on the sand very near the water, that just infuriates me to no end.
People go to the beach to enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand.
How hard is that to mess up? Unfortunately, pretty easily.
How people mess up nature
1. Building structures near the water
So many people blessed to own a lot near a beach (a shoreline is supposedly public) just do a damn good job of ruining Mother Nature’s gift. I don’t understand why some resort owners can’t stop building structures on their beachfronts.
Is it greed – to accommodate more people for more money?
I don’t really look for an expensive resort. In fact, I like raw, untouched beaches better. It just so happens that most of the beaches I like are far from civilization. Those which are somehow accessible tend to be expensive.
2. Thinking karaoke and beach go together
Another thing I can’t comprehend is the videoke (karaoke) on the beach. Oh my God. Leave the singing in the city. Didn’t you come here for a change of scenery – to relax, unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet, watch some fish?
Some people place an aquarium in their home because it brings a sense of calm and serenity. The beach is filled with calm and serenity – and even has more fish than your aquarium. Why ruin it?
The beach is a naturally calm place. We run to it to escape the city. Why bring the city over by scaring the fish with drunken out-of-tune singing?
Oh well, they say singing is a natural thing to do among Filipinos. I just wish there were laws against disrupting the serenity of the beach.
How to find a nice beach resort
We can’t help it. Nowadays, if we want some sun, sea, and sand, we have to go to a resort. Well, it’s not that bad. In fact, it does have its advantages.
For example, you get a nice, clean bed to slump in after a day of frolicking in the water. You can order one of those pretty little cocktails and enjoy them in front of the ocean.
The great thing about travel nowadays is that you can see photos not only from the resorts themselves (we know they can manipulate those). Because of reviews and social media posts, we can avoid “expectation vs. reality” disappointments.
Let’s say you’re looking for a good resort to have a fun-filled stay with your family, friends, or colleagues. Take a look at the list below and take it into account in your search, so you can have a really relaxing, stress-free getaway.
1. Fine white sand
It’s just so much prettier and cleaner-looking. There are other kinds of sand that make a resort attractive, too. However, white sand is not just easy on the eyes. It’s also easier to walk on. There’s a lot of other things you can do – roll in it, bury yourself, play volleyball, Frisbee, soccer, tag, tug o’war… The list goes on.
Some of the finest white sand are made of quartz, like those in Florida, particularly, Siesta Key. Quartz is a kind of crystal, the same material used on the surface of your scratch-free watch. So no matter how hot it gets, this sand will not burn your feet. It is actually cool to the touch.
Another cool white sand is that on the island of Boracay in the Philippines. The white sand here is powdery soft that your feet will literally sink in it. Imagine walking on flour. Not very good for playing tag, I guess.
2. Natural surroundings
Coconut/palm trees, shady talisay trees or any other tropical flora are part of the package deal.
Avoid resorts that make you feel like you’re in the city. A building here, a wing there, twenty function rooms to choose from. These are big no-nos for anything that goes with relaxing and stress-free.
Unless you’re going to a company-sponsored convention, don’t even book a room at this kind of resort.
3. A long and wide shoreline
Beach, beach, beach, and beach. Period.
A long and wide shoreline means more space.
More space = less crowd
Less crowd = less stress
Just imagine it. More walking on the sand. More playing on the sand. More space to lounge on the sand.
You just get more from your vacation with a long and wide shoreline.
4. Villas and bungalows rather than hotel-style rooms
Having your own villa, casita, hut, payag, kubo is just so much better than going into a building. It adds to that sense of privacy and seclusion.
5. Bright and airy
Even if it’s a small resort, a spacious feel will go a long way among guests. I don’t care if it’s a big or small resort; if it’s too crowded and has too many structures, then it’s a no for me.
This is another reason why an individual villa, casita, hut, payag, or kubo is better than a hotel room. More windows to feel that cool sea breeze. You’ll understand why it’s one of the things you came for.
6. A rinsing faucet outside the villa
It is definitely a big convenience to have a water faucet or small hose with which to rinse off the sand before going inside your room.
You love the sand, but you don’t have to bring it inside, right?
7. Warm and friendly service
This is one of those things that will make or break a resort. It’s why you’re even going to a resort in the first place, instead of roughing it up in a tent with your own camping utensils.
Service – cheerful, non-intrusive, fast, and efficient – always means plus points.
Welcome drinks? Oh, thank you!
Complimentary use of non-motorized water equipment? Wow!
Service with a smile? Heaven.
8. A healthy house reef
A house reef with a healthy marine life is always a plus.
It’s amazing to go out far into the ocean on a boat to see some fish, but if you can just see them a few feet away from your beach, you know you’re at a great resort.
It means the resort is not just about making money. They’re also taking care of the ocean in front of them. Although nature has a lot to do with coral bleaching and, consequently, the destruction of reefs and its marine environment, trying to keep the water clean and healthy can help mitigate these changes.
A resort should prevent fishing in its waters, particularly of beneficial marine species like parrotfish and sea cucumbers that poop sand. It should encourage guests to be mindful of marine flora and fauna, especially during their water activities.
9. No man-made structures on the beach
There should be no man-made, especially concrete, structures on the beach. This should be the most basic and biggest requirement. Don’t ruin that beautiful shoreline by paving it with cement.
10. Clean and dry bathrooms
Bathrooms should be clean and dry, with good running water.
Wet bathroom floors = bacteria
Slippery floor = danger
11. Native or local materials
As much as possible, the resort should incorporate native materials and achieve a local and natural overall look.
Set some standards
The Philippines, being composed of several hundred islands, naturally has soooo many beaches, some of which are the best in the world.
The tourism industry is one of the biggest income generators in the country, so resorts are a good way of bringing in a lot of money. Still, strict guidelines on how to operate a resort should be implemented to preserve the beauty of Philippine beaches and, as a result, the tourism industry.
I hope the locals and the government work together to protect these natural resources from the greed and negligence of man.
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