The Island Explorer

I woke up early the next morning as Mongolia is 4 hours behind Manila. To early though that no one was awake. So I still had to wait before I could book a trip to the countryside. Not wasting time, I researched more on excursions. 

I've always been asked about my bucket list. Well, that list changes every year. I usually set a list of destinations that I would like to go to for the year. So I don't really have one that sticks for a lifetime. Mine changes. However, there are some destinations that keep on falling back to my list if it doesn't happen in the year I planned it. One of them has got me excited ever since I thought about setting foot in that country. Well, I am proud to say that I can finally tick that off my list. Friends, I am happy to finally share to you, one of the most remote countries in the world, Mongolia.

Anilao continues to amaze me with its charming resorts and beautiful sunsets. I couldn't get enough of it, so I make it a point to drive 2 hours to spend a night or two to escape the city. I never knew this dive destination would be my perfect hideaway. This time, I hied off to a new resort, escaped for a night of some peace and quiet. Friends, one of my new favorites, Aiyanar.  

I guess by now, you know that I am a frequent visitor of Hong Kong, and every time I go, I try to stay in a hotel that I haven't been to. This time, I crossed the waters to stay in Kowloon after learning about this newly opened design hotel called Madera. 

I was all over Anilao last year. I fell in love with the place, that I even wanted to build a resort there. I was actually inspired by the many small resorts or houses for rent in the area. One of those inspiring family run resorts was Vista Aplaya. 

One of my favorite resorts this year is surprisingly just 2.5 hours drive from Manila. When I came to Anilao last year and rediscovered the famed diver's paradise, we drove past a resort with lots of cars parked on its street. I turned to look for the sign that Azure. It was also pleasant to see that Azure was by Vivire, a pioneer hotel in the Alabang business district.

I’ve heard of Amarela from a lot of my friends and peers in the industry. Having been opened in 2006, it is one of the most established boutique resorts family built and run in Bohol. The 25-room charming Filipino designed escape is tucked away in lush foliage of bright pink bouganvillas and verdant bushes and hanging gardens.