Retreating at El Retiro Beach Park
Guest Rooms
* It is one experience we're looking forward to doing again. Make it your experience, too
The stress of the past week had left some of us hankering for a break. Even for just one day, it would be nice to hie off to a place where one can rejuvenate. This way, we'll be armed with enough energy to face more weeks, or even months of delivering superb editorials to the public.
Thus, a visit to El Retiro Beach Park had been a very welcome experience. El Retiro is tucked in one corner of San Miguel, Buenavista, Guimaras. Those from Iloilo City can go to this place by taking a paraw from the parola towards the Buenavista wharf, Guimaras. Then, there are tricycles that can bring you to this newfound paradise. It's just 20 minutes from the Buenavista wharf.
Conference Halls
Owner Elena Jison Golez, a charming and very accommodating lady, treated this writer, The News Today Marketing Director Marichel Magalona and friend Emma Nava, an island experience that we needed.
Upon arrival at the place, we proceeded to the Golden Cowrie, the pavilion where guests are welcomed. Fresh coconuts were prepared for us. We sipped the fresh coconut milk directly from the shell and scraped the tender meat. Amid those, Ms. Golez briefed us about El Retiro. She said, "retiro" does not mean "retire." Rather, it means "retreat."
Cottages
According to her, the total number of beach-front air conditioned cottages can accommodate 100 persons. Then, the conference halls can accommodate 200 persons. A campsite is also at hand for those who would like living outdoors. A bathroom and comfort room is provided for campers.
The guest rooms are very clean. Each has one queen sized bed and one single bed. At each cottage's door hangs a slipper. You will know if you're in the right cottage when your key, where the other half of the pair of slippers is attached, matches the one at the door.
The dormitories are awesome, too. They can accommodate 60 persons at the ground floor and at the loft.
Swimming Pool
We also discovered that while the beach park provides relaxation and superb accommodation to guests, its construction has supported the livelihood of others. For example, the banig used at the roof were made by rebel returnees in Calinog. The hollow blocks were made by Guimarasnons.
The beach park encompasses one hectare of the 20-hectare property of Ms. Elena's family.
After the interview and while waiting for lunch to be served, this writer walked towards the area near the beach, sat on one of the gazebos and scribbled some notes while enjoying the cool sea breeze. Marichel, on the other hand, basked at the foot reflex provided by one of the staff. Ms. Emma and Ms. Elena, who happen to be really good friends since their younger days, talked.
Lunch was fantastic. That was the first time that this writer ate Tinuom. This consists of chicken, coconut juice, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and onions placed inside a banana leaf and steamed. No wonder its soup is so tasty. Until now, we are dying for Tinuom. We also had grilled pork belly and fish sinigang. We concluded the gastronomic experience with coffee.
It was a very relaxing trip. Somehow, we didn't feel like going back to Iloilo City just yet. But, work obligations needed our attention, so we had no choice but to leave. But then again, after that short retreat, we felt rejuvenated.
El Retiro Beach Park … it is one experience we're looking forward to doing again. Make it your experience, too.
For more information and reservations, call telephone numbers 3280779 or 3203075, e-mail to ejgolez@yahoo.com. Visit their website at elretirobeachpark.tripod.com.