Monday, March 1, 2010

Where we went last Thursday

Three hours away from Metro Manila in the province of Bataan lies Anvaya Cove, the first leisure community development of Ayala Land. The Bataan peninsula is mountainous, and from the lookout point just inside the gates of Anvaya, all you can see are hills and a small glimpse of Subic Bay.

view of Subic Bay from Anvaya Cove's lookout point

Anvaya is a residential community with four themed neighborhoods. But you don't have to buy a house and lot to get a membership in the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club, which is what one of my girlfriends did. The main pavilion houses the Bamboo Cafe, a large lounge on the second floor called the Sambali Lounge, a game room, library, shops, function rooms and a clinic.

main pavilion of Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club

After going through the main pavilion, guests are greeted by this gorgeous swimming pool.

swimming pool of Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club

There are several pools at Anvaya, all connected. The two ends of the L-shaped lower pool are fitted with massaging jets. This side is covered, so even people sensitive to the sun can take a relaxing soak. The pool is multi-level and you can choose to stand, sit or lie down over the jets. The waterfalls and shooting fountains add to the massaging experience. Note the stone pedestal in the foreground; there are a few of them spaced evenly around the lounge pool, and some of them hide the machinery which powers the water jets.

massaging lounge pool of Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club

The Bamboo Cafe is the main dining room of the club.

wooden ceiling of Bamboo Cafe at Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club

Beside the pool is an observation tower which, I can imagine, gives a fabulous view of the beach and club grounds. I apologize for not climbing up and taking photos from there, but I didn't want to make the effort—not after a three-hour drive and definitely not in the heat of noon. At the base of the tower is a bar named, not surprisingly, the Tower Bar.

observation tower at Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club

While waiting for our lunch to be served, my girlfriends and I asked for a tour of the Veda Spa. It has indoor spa pavilions for individuals and couples, and the couples pavilion has an outdoor heated jacuzzi with a view of the ocean. It also has outdoor massage pavilions, all with the same beautiful ocean view.

outdoor heated jacuzzi of the Veda Spa's couples pavilion at Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club

The club's pièce de résistance: the wide beach of fine white sand and the clear waters of the South China Sea.

the beach at Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club

I don't think anyone will fault me if, after changing into my swimsuit, all thoughts of my camera and taking more photos completely slipped off my mind.