Palawan lands Travel + Leisure US cover

MANILA – Palawan made it to the cover of Travel + Leisure magazine's World’s Best Awards August issue, where it was named best island in the world.

The cover photo of a sandbar in Palawan's El Nido Resorts was shot by Filipino photographer Francisco Guerrero, whose works have landed the covers of previous issues of both Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveller.

The cover story on Palawan shows the image of the famed Big Lagoon of Miniloc Island, one of the major highlights in the scenic Bacuit Bay in El Nido.

“It is with great pride that El Nido Resorts was chosen as the cover of the Travel + Leisure US’s World’s Best Awards 2013 Issue this August. It brings recognition not only to our resorts and all the staff who have formed part of the protection and preservation of its natural beauty, but also to Palawan and the Philippines. It certainly gives a boost to the Department of Tourism’s efforts in showing the world that ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines,’ as it reaches an even larger market,” Laurent Lamasuta, president of El Nido Resorts, said in a statement released on Monday.



El Nido has been drawing attention from the world travel industry for its efforts in leading the protection of the environment and enriching the lives of the local community. It was recently given the Tourism for Tomorrow Community Benefit Award by the World Travel & Tourism Council earlier this year.

Before winning this prestigious award, El Nido Resorts was also named by The Wall Street Journal Magazine as the “Philippines’s best-kept travel secret,” CNN’s “9 Top Beach Resorts in South China Sea,” and The New York Times’ “Destinations to watch this 2013.” Pangulasian Island, the group’s newest resort, was named one of the Best New Hotels in the World by Conde Nast Traveller.

El Nido, Palawan also served as one of the locations during the Philippine shoot of the Hollywood hit movie, "The Bourne Legacy," last year.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Stay cool at Ace Water Spa

Among the four basic elements of the universe that ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles has conceived, it is water that bore the most importance in many cultures and traditions across the world. Such was it revered for its therapeutic and sometimes medical effects. Greeks and Romans performed bathing practices, with the latter investing in it more—building bathhouses due the accessibility of aqueducts and cement.

Over time, Europe, Japan, and the United States also maintained a good share of hot springs and thermal lakes.

It has also become a trend in the Philippines, most recently, with Filipino families who spend time together in spas.

Water to help cleanse, relax, and heal—it is within this resolve that local water spa Ace Water Spa sprang from. A brainchild of those behind Ace Hotel & Suites, a hotel chain that prides itself for its plush design and deluxe service wrapped around Filipino creativity and hospitality, Ace Water Spa is more than an emerging name in the city scene.

Convenient in terms of proximity as it’s near the city’s major business districts, it is located at the heart of Kapitolyo in Pasig City. Apart from the spa center, it includes other superb facilities, such as restaurants, conference rooms and round-the-clock concierge.


To celebrate its first year in the business, Ace Water Spa aims to take the summer heat to a whole new, sizzling level. This coming May 24 and May 25, it’s set to stage a luau-themed party to the wild beat of party music.

Call +632-3307776, +632-4049995 or +632-4628222 to 23, or visit www.acewaterspa.com.ph.

For more details, checkout METRO magazine May 2013 issue, now available in newsstands and bookstores nationwide.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com