And Why it’s the Perfect Weekend Getaway for the Family
Aaahhh weekends… don’t you just love getting away from all the hustle and bustle of the city? Since discovering that our little one had a knack for the water (both pool and open water), we made it a point to spend some of our weekends at the beach. And just 2.5hrs away from Metro Manila is Batangas which offers the perfect escape for our family.
One of our top picks during our weekend getaways is Vivere Azure located in Mabini, Anilao, Batangas. Anilao has been a long time favorite for scuba divers given the beautiful marine life. It’s not famous for white sandy beaches, rather boasts of its pebble-y and stone-y shores - but is it a place we’d recommend for you and your little ones? OH YES! And take the whole family too. Here are our top reasons why Vivere Azure is our family’s favorite weekend getaway.
This post is a combined review of our experiences on two different occasions we’ve been to the resort.
#1 THERE’S A SPECTACULAR UNDERWATER CORAL GARDEN FULL OF FISH RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE RESORT
It’s no secret that our family loves nature, more so the water. The salty smell of the ocean and the sea sends palpitations through our bodies. Especially when the water is filled with beautiful corals and colorful fish.
We’ve seen angel fish, parrot fish, clown fish, blue tangs, puffer fish and so much more (we don’t even know their names). The pictures don’t do justice with how much beauty there is underneath the water. Best of all, it’s just five stone skips away from the resort’s shore.
Vivere Azure has a bamboo raft in the middle of the sea where you can pull yourself towards the middle of the marine sanctuary. It makes snorkeling easier especially if you have kids with you, or if you are not a strong swimmer.
And just last year, scuba divers spotted sea turtles, sea horses and even a baby ‘butanding’ or whale shark around the area.
#2 JUST RELAX AT THE INFINITY POOL OVERLOOKING THE SEA
Isn’t that view gorgeous?
Not a fan of the pool (but why not!)? You can still enjoy this view from the Meditare Huts where you can lounge, sip cold beer (or juice for the kids) and just be at peace with the beauty of the place. There are bean bags you can lounge in at the huts to make you feel comfy.
#3 BE AMAZED BY THE BOLD HEAVENLY COLORS DURING SUNSET
Sunsets here are so beautiful, it will make you cry. NO kidding. On two occasions we’ve visited the resort, we have been wowed with amazing sunsets. From orange to blue and even violet colors, it’s one of the most amazing sunsets we’ve ever seen.
#4 RELIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAMS OF HAVING YOUR OWN TREE HOUSE
I used to dream of having my own tree house. Of course, living in the city – it wasn’t that possible. At the resort, you can climb up the Chianti Tree House and enjoy a really good view of the sea.
#5 STROLL ALONG SHORELINE FULL OR ROCKS, PEBBLES AND CORALS TO PIQUE YOUR KIDS’ INTEREST
These two are inseparable when it comes to play and skipping stones was one of their fave past times at the beach. We walked along the shores and tried to find the coolest looking stones and corals. The little one found a rock and aptly named it ROCKY. She wanted to take it home so she can have a sea friend.
#6 ENJOY THE LUSH GREENERY ALL OVER THE RESORT
Green may not be my favorite color, but it is if we are talking about nature.
#7 SAVOR MOUTHWATERING FOOD
Our hands down family favorite is the Beer Battered Fish & Chips! We ordered it twice in a row during our stay. We also love breakfast as it has the little one’s favorite bacon and tocino.
#8 STAFF WHO TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY
Resort staff, life guards, and security roam the area 24/7 and are all attentive to your needs – towels, refreshment, gear, room service, and everything in between. This place is like home and the staff makes that all possible.
#9 GORGEOUS RESORT DESIGN FROM THE LOBBY TO THE ROOMS
Wood and stone designs are predominant in the resort. It is lovely and really beautiful.
Check out our video about our room, ENCHANT!
#10 LOUNGE AT THE VIEWING DECK UPSTAIRS OR THE ONE DOWN AT THE BEACH
The viewing deck near the restaurant is a new addition to the resort done last 2018 renovation.
You can also lounge down at the beach while listening to the waves as they crash in.
#11 HAVE A WORRY FREE STAY
When we first booked our stay at Vivere Azure, I was surprised that the price came with full board meals. I didn’t have to worry about what meal to order and it was one less worry for me as a mom.
Kayaks, snorkeling gear, life vest, and aqua shoes / water booties for all ages and sizes are free of use for guests at the resort. You don’t have to worry if you left yours at home as they have it all at the resort.
AGUIVENTURE FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS
As the resort sits on a hillside, there’s quite a number of stairs to get to your room, the pool and the beach. It adds a lot of charm to the resort, but can also be tiresome for some little tots and the elderly. I wouldn’t recommend this if you are travelling with people who have disabilities.
Parking is a bit tight and downhill sloping on the two-lane driveway as you enter the resort. Our recommendation is to arrive a little bit early so you can get first dibs on the parking.
Check-in time is 2pm, but you can enjoy the resort amenities even before this time. The resort allows you to leave your things at the lobby while you can already dip your feet in the pool or in the sea. Changing rooms are also available nearby the pool.
Children 7 and below are free of charge for the accommodations. For the food, I suggest to purchase kiddie meals instead.
Wifi is free for use everywhere in the resort. We didn’t have problems with phone signal (whether using SMART or Globe).
For directions, don’t forget to use WAZE as your guide. It should take you all the way to Mabini Circumferential Road. Do note that the road may sometimes be winding.
Bring lots of sunscreen – the breeze from the sea makes it tanning extra harder on your skin.
Bring insect repellent as well, just in case you want to wander in the afternoon or at night.
All toiletries and towels are provided by the resort. No need to bring extras (unless you like BIG soaps, then I suggest to bring your own).
Side trips (boat tour to Sombrero and Portalis Island) can be arranged by reception but these are outsourced to local boat men. We skipped this part since the resort was as so beautiful already.
All in all, Vivere Azure will always have a special place in our hearts. It gives us the quiet, restful and beautiful respite we need.