Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park : A Perfect Family Paradise Near Manila

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do." – Mark Twain

Indeed.
This inspirational quote from Mark Twain really made me think about a life change. I have friend who abandoned his ordinary life to go on adventure and see new places. In my heart, there is a desire of really wanting to do something similar ( and yes, I would bring my 3 in a heartbeat).
I was down in the dumps weeks ago but the universe granted and gave me exactly what I had asked in my mind once again.
I had the pleasure of enjoying the company of blogger friends while touring the famous Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park in Kawit Cavite.  I've never been to this island but I've heard so many good things back then and its just as wonderful as the last time I heard about it. It's better with age, I guess.

One thing is apparent when you visit this island, nature is valued and respected. The island abounds with wildlife. They provide electric vehicles for their shuttle service to go around.
We immediately understand that we are privileged to visit the various natural wonders that surround the place. A beautiful place indeed ( you will see them from the pictures I've posted below )but it is the people that really makes the island. Friendly and accommodating.
They also provide the visitors a quality getaway and relaxation at its finest.
If you wish to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city life, then Island Cove is the best choice.

I was slightly early ( the first one actually to be there) at the usual meetup spot for bloggers in Glorietta in hoping to avoid traffic nightmare in the Metro. And I can never let this kind of travel opportunity to just pass me by just because I was too lazy to leave early. Good thing my mom was there to take care of the kids while I was having the grandest time (guilt be gone).

Going to Island Cove from Manila is now as easy as 1,2,3 via Cavitex. They are only 15 minutes away by car if you're coming from the Mall Of Asia in Pasay City. I'm from Antipolo so I needed to go there earlier.
For commuters, take a bus headed to Cavite City, Tanza, Salinas or Noveleta via Cavitex.
Get off at the Zeus gasoline station, cross the street and take the SM Bacoor or Zapote mini bus via the Island Cove route.
For those with cars, you can take the Marulas exit and head on to this getaway in Kawit.

As you invade the island , you'll know that the place has great night views for walking. It tends to be romantic for couples and for families as well. It definitely offers a peaceful retreat from your busy 9 to 5 life.

Any outside food and beverage is strictly not permitted inside the Island. Security check will be conducted prior entry to the place. You don't have to worry so much because they offer a variety of fresh and yummy, healthy meals for the guests to enjoy at their 4 restaurants and concession stands inside the island.

I'm loving their current floral trend at the main lobby that exudes an aura of elegance and relaxation. I love seeing leafy greens and blossoms used as decoration in a resort. It's refreshing in the eyes. I would love to bring this trend into my home because as simple as this can add so much life to a any place or room.

I'm not quite sure if their sofas are made of Rattan or Abaca but I'm loving the way they are promoting the country.  I think it is right to really patronize Filipino-made products as they are more beautiful and durable. We can help our country become progressive in our own little way by buying and using things produced here in the Philippines. Good Job, Island Cove :)

The ICafe was our first stop and seeing as it was early afternoon, it was the perfect time for a little snack. They've made it a priority to give only the quality service for their guests.

If you have a thing for handcrafted coffees, this cafe can be the place for you. They serve the famous Syphon, French Press, and brewed coffee. My heart can no longer accept any more caffeine so I did not actually have the chance to enjoy it. The managing director of Island Cove is a coffee lover so he conducted an Island Cove Brew. Island Cove Brew has a distinctive taste quality favored by many Cavitenyos, as what Ms. Malou have mentioned.

I did a great deal of research on this island prior to our visit. In completing this research I found out that the Remulla Family is the owner of Island Cove.

As you all know, Sir Gilbert Remulla was part of ABS-CBN news team. He started as a production assistant, became a reporter and eventually joined the politics as one of the youngest members of Congress of the Philippines. 

He is currently the managing director of Island Cove. The staff told me that sir Gilbert is very hands-on. 

"We are promoting the place for families with young children 12 and below and our advantage is that the island is closer to Manila and that ours is an open space where the children can go biking and swimming -- things kids take for granted nowadays," Remulla said. 

"We are also pet-friendly destination. We accommodate dogs inside our rooms but with certain rules and fees associated with it." he responded.

Sir Gilbert explained to us a little bit of the Island Cove's history. That his dad purchased the place in the 70's which were 3 separate islands back then which he reclaimed into 1 and built the bridge in 1997. The Island used to be called COVELANDIA, which was eerily familiar to me. There was a ferry for transporting guests to the island but his dad said it didn't make sense anymore so he built a bridge instead.

When being asked about the secret behind their success and being in the business for 18 years, plus being one of the top family-friendly destinations, he said it's about focusing on what they are doing then and now. Being extra hands-on, as what I've mentioned earlier. We all know that us Filipinos love to be well taken of and since 85% of their guests are Filipinos, Island Cove is awarding us with that. But it is really the convenience of the place.

They've just finished a major renovation of their accommodation facilities and I must say, I love the accommodation facade. I was in some sort of a charming Tuscan Villas in Florence like in the books that I read, but still with a touch of Pinoy.

The hallways are wider and the rooms are now more in tune with the times with USB charging ports, wi-fi internet connectivity, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms, while still maintaining a Mediterranean feel.

They've practice the 3 R's - Reuse , Reduce, Recycle.
They've done away with plastic bottles in the rooms and serve filtered water in reusable tumblers, and removed unnecessary packaging from the bathroom amenities so there is less waste to go around.
Even in theor kitchens, they try as much as possible to lessen the use of packaging.

We've visited the Family De Luxe room at the second floor, which is priced at P5,300 on weekdays (Sundays to Thursdays except eve of Holidays and Holidays) and P6,000 on weekends ( Fridays, Saturdays , eve of Holidays and Holidays ).

Extra Person Adult Rate: 

• Weekdays -- P900 inclusive of breakfast
• Weekends -- P1,150 inclusive of breakfast

Child Policy : 

Maximum of 3 children per room ( 7 years old and below, free of charge ) 

Holy Week Rates:

P7,600 Valid from March 23 to 26 only

If you avail the Family De Luxe room, you are entitled to all these :

• Drinking Water
• Complimentary Breakfast for 3 persons
• 30% off on kiddie breakfast
• FREE one hour videoke at Bayside KTV
• FREE one hour billiards game
• FREE one hour use of kiddie bike for 2
• FREE one hour table tennis game
• FREE use of pool at Oceania 
• FREE entrance to Island Cove Wildlife Sanctuary

If you book the Premier De Luxe room, you will receive complimentary assorted pastries and they won't charge separately for the contents of the minibar--you can consume everything that's there! Awesome!

For the Premier De Luxe room rates:
P5,300 on weekdays (Sundays to Thursdays except eve of Holidays and Holidays)
P6,300 on weekends ( Fridays, Saturdays , eve of Holidays and Holidays ).

I think Island Cove will be an island to be known for its vast land covers of coconut trees.
Coconut trees galore!
These gorgeous coconut trees are all set to spread some lovin' to the island's guests.

Yes, they are taking comfort and leisure a notch higher with their soon to open O Hotel. Their villas and suites are very spacious and will be much appreciated by groups of 10 to 15.

VILLA ALFONSO

Villa Alfonso is a four-room suite, that you can rent entirely or just by room. This is priced at P13,000 for weekdays, P14,000 for weekends.
If you opt to rent just one room, you can get it for P3,900 on weekdays, P4,500 on weekends with breakfast for 2. 

VILLA DASMARIÑAS

Villa DasmariÑas is the 2-bedroom Junior Suite that can accommodate 4 adults and 2 kids.

Rates:
P8,500 on weekdays (Sundays to Thursdays except eve of Holidays and Holidays)
P9,200 on weekends ( Fridays, Saturdays , eve of Holidays and Holidays ).

Holyweek:
P11,500 that is only valid from march 23 to 26

The Casa Isabel and Casa Calero are sort of dormitories with 20 double beds that can accommodate atleast 20 people.

Another beautiful set of coconut trees for added protection from the sun :)

There's so much to do here in Island Cove!
If you're just looking to pass the time while waiting for your parents from their Spa moment, I spotted a child play area and a volleyball net just outside the Island Spa, for those who love sports and the sun.

Or you can just sit back, relax, chitchat with friends and be the titas and titos of Cavite :)

To those who love to work out but don't want to be in a ridiculously hot place, the Fit Club is the one for you. It is a full service gym and the only fully air conditioned gym in Cavite. It is situated conveniently beside Island Club.

Planning a trip with the family can sometimes be overwhelming, so the resort's spa is something to look forward to for relaxation and stress relief. Here in Cavite, the Island Spa beside the Fit Club, is the best choice.
It offers various and oriental massage treatment like the authentic Filipino massage therapy packages that combine healing and relaxation techniques such as Hilot and Dagdagay.

But first things first, guests with medical conditions are advised to sign the waiver and of course, consult your doctors before booking any of their spa services.
Inform ahead the receptionist of any existing medical conditions prior to your treatment.
I have a heart problem so they did not let me go on with the whole body massage. So I opted for the foot massage instead. I cannot wait to go back and try their milk bath with honey, just like Cleopatra.

The moment I walked into the Island Spa, you can smell relaxation right away. All I could think of was how nice smelling of a place that was. It was heavenly. I was addicted. Sorry :)

The place is spotless and immaculate, especially the comfort rooms. I have a thing for CRs. They should be well-maintained and clean for the kids.

Kuya Rene opted for a whole body massage but since his blood pressure reading was extremely high, he was advised to have foot massage instead.

Excuse my hideous face but I was quoting Paulo Coelho's sayings in my head while on a constant high : "It's a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life." It was from his book, the Pilgrimage. I have not read the book but I love googling quotes from him.
Finally, this year, I gave myself permission to disappear in a while. Which I think was a good thing.
If you know me personally, I'm the superMAN of my household but made myself (and everyone around me) stressed out and miserable because I was always so busy. But then I realized, I didn't have to do it all.

I realized that being missing in action once in a while didn't lessen my call of duty of being a mother. It even allowed me to have some perspective and realize that I wasn't all that vital in the scope of the Shrek's world. Things proceeded just fine without me....NOT! The guilt is eating me alive. But I still need this.
I will have my pampering sesh soon, with my 3 of course.

As what the island always tell their guests, they'll constantly be delivering excellent service. They strive to fulfill their mission to satisfy their guests and partners and go the extra mile to help all of us.

How cute is their shuttle service around the island which is comprised of electric vehicles -- E-Jeepney. They have 2 actually. They are conscious about their impact on Mother Earth.

I think they have at least 6 tram stations for their E-Jeepneys, from the main lobby to outlying facilities, the tram is one of the quickest ways to get into and around the Island property.

Tram Station 5 is at the Fishing Village

Island Cove is a great place for events and social gatherings as they have nice ballrooms and beautiful restaurants that can fit between 300 to 500 people.
But my favorite on the Island is the Fishing Village, bar none. 

Gluttony is very easy to fall into while at the Fishing Village.
The food offering is plentiful and exquisite. If only we were given a little more time when we visited there, I would spend it in this area.
We found the food to be very good quality although we weren't able to try our fishing skills that day, we had fun at our gastronomic adventures nevertheless. Our tummies were beyond satisfied.

The Fishing Village provides quite a dining experience that the balikbayans and foreign guests would really enjoy.
It is a Filipino-themed restaurant with 21 bamboo huts atop the water facing Manila Bay.
You can see the spectacular views of the Manila and Makati skylines when the weather is clear.

Diners and guests can go fishing and may have their catch cooked. or they can order Filipino favorites from the menu including dishes that are unique to Cavite.

Upon arrival, you will then be greeted with romantic Filipino songs from the past, which will make you fall in love with the place more.

Recently, they've introduced their Lechon sa Pugon, which the chef prepare it with much passion.
This was slow-cooked in their brick oven for 2.5 to 3 hours most, it comes out less sinful because a lot of the oil and fat drip out already.

FYI : They don't use MSG or Monosodium Glutamate on their food. You won't get a whopper of a migraine if you indulge here. So, go ahead! INDULLLLGGEE!

Cavite is a province famous for the freshest mussels and oysters. It is recommended to get the Pinoy Boodle Feast the next time you visit here.

Here are some of the food prices:

Fiesta Lamang Dagat Platter
Oysters, Mussels, Shrimps and Clams
630.00

Sungkaan
Sixteen popular street foods served in a wooden canoe shaped board 'Sungka'
380.00

Fresh Buko Juice

Tanigue ( not sure about this one)

Sinigang na Isda
Fish cooked in sour broth of tamarind or tamarind miso with local vegetables
Maya-Maya/Snapper  540.00

Manok sa Buho
Whole chikcen cooked in bamboo stalk served with liver sauce
300.00

Lechon sa Buho
Colied Pork Belly cooked in bamboo stalk served with liver sauce
300.00

Aligue Rice

Pusit/Squid
420.00

Bagnet Pinakbet
Local vegetables sautéed in shrimp paste topped with crispy pork bagnet
250.00

This was the Lechon sa Pugon, only cut into bite-size. 

The skin is very crunchy while the meat is moist and tender. I wonder what the secret ingredient would be? But the Lechon sa Pugon indeed was noticeably more flavorful than those cooked the traditional way.

Turon a la Mode
Sweet banana and langka roll served with ice cream (good for 2 to 3 persons)
160.00

Next to the Fishing Village, the Bayside KTV is there to extend your relaxation time. We Filipinos love to sing. I only sing at home, using my handy magicsing that truly works like magic and makes my voice so Sarah Geronimo-like.

The KTV rooms are actually shipping containers, which are inexpensive and the best for a tropical country like us, I think.

The Bayside KTV has 9 unique private rooms that can seat groups of 2 to 30.
Each of its unique rooms has up-to-date equipment that plays more than 3,000 songs in Chinese, English, Korean,Japanese, and Filipino.

So, kuya Rene and I had a jamming session here while waiting for the others. I actually had 3 to 4 songs but I wanted to stay there for the night! Gah! I need to go back this summer.

This is 200 per head per hour consumable, by the way.

We visited the Oceania Swim and Splash Park next. 

The Oceania Swim and Splash Park is at Tram Station 3. 

All their lifeguards are certified in standard first aid and basic life support by the Philippine National Red Cross, so us parents won't worry so much for our kids' safety during our stay there.

They have a 350 square meter kid-friendly Splash Park and the splashers and sprayers were imported from Australia.

This is the famous King Crawler.

They've just installed this new playground recently for the kids and the kids at heart can enjoy too.

See?

I love the monkey bars. They were my favorite toning facility for my biceps. LOL

The King Crawler, by the way, was designed by the Dutch company, Carve. This vertical urban play structure combines several functions including different types of play and climbing opportunities. 

The brightly colored ribbon-like platforms stand out as if they are floating between the muted posts and wire mesh walls. 

I'm not actually sure what this place was. Sort of a maze for Zombies? It's actually a cool idea if there were make-believe Zombies in this area! Just like in The Walking Dead.

You can aslo try your shooting skills here at the Target Shooting Range. For P150.00, you can get 20 pellets.

If you prefer the indoors, they also have billiard and table tennis tables and a game room complete with Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox consoles. But of course, I would not let my kids go to that area because the whole idea of going to this place is a time off from all the gadgets and to get as much sunlight to their bodies as possible.

We were advised to bring our swimming gears for those who wanted to swim that day. But I cannot thoroughly enjoy when I knew that I left my kids at home.

The main pools of the Oceania Swim and Splash park retain the 4 giant slides and giant inflatables. This whole water complex spans over 3,000 square meters and their Splash Park is the biggest in mega manila.

You won't be scratching your heads for the dress code here at Oceania because I think they're not that strict with what you'll wear. Just no zipper shorts,please!

The main pool is wide and clean. There's always available staff around and you don't have to worry much for your kids' safety. The lifeguards and the staff are always on the go.

No need for you to worry also about going back and forth to your hotel to change, as they have plentiful of clean changing rooms and shower rooms for the guests.

Here is the kid-friendly Splash Park. The splashers and sprayers were all from Australia. Safety is paramount importance so they've installed colorful, water safe rubber flooring (EPDM) to minimize the possibility of accidents.

You can find the Calesa Ride at Tram Station 6, near the Biking area and Wildlife Sanctuary. I did not have the chance to ask the rate for this ride though.

Here are the Bike Rental Fees :)

Spotted was the Tandem bike perfect for parent-kid sticking together! Tan­dem bik­ing is awesome! I'm just worried about how to manage it perfectly without getting both of you into an accident.
Safety first, always. They would lend you biking essentials for your child's safety.
I'll give it a shot the next time we visit the place.

They also have some sort of a theater-style space for a bigger crowd to hold your special events and concerts. They've already had concerts of David Pomeranz, Sharon Cuneta, Bamboo, The Company, and other big names in the same industry.

Animal Zoo-Tique : Where you can buy all your pasalubongs and souvenirs to friends back home.

We had the chance to visit Island Cove's Wildlife Sanctuary , a home to different species of reptiles, mammals, and birds.

This wildlife sanctuary that they've established is a home for unwanted animals and pets displaced by the rapid urbanization of the Cavite.
You should see the Mangrove area at the back portion of Island Cove, they are exquisite.

Visiting to a wildlife sanctuary such as this, one can truly learn the importance of saving the world's rapidly declining large carnivores such as Bengal tigers.

Able to observe some rescued animal along the pathway. Bring binoculars if you must, as some animals at a distance. Also, bring water, a cap, and shades for added protection from the sun. Oh, and lots and lots of SunBlock!

They also have activity area for the kids , where you can hold also your parties and stuff like that. 

Pretty neat,huh? 

We were not able to feed the crocodiles and monkeys but we took gazillion photos of Simba here ( sorry, I forgot his real name ), as well as the ostriches. The last time I saw an Ostrich was when I visited a Sanctuary like this one in Tuguegarao.
Too bad, we didn't spot the Philippine deer, as well as the 15-foot Python.

Yes,you can feed the animals. Just don't let them feast on you. Lol!

Ostrich Egg -- I call it Gigantor. LOL

They also have the adventure zone, with one of the largest paintball arenas in the country. Plus, an airsoft game site.
You can jog your way to a healthier and sexier you with their 1.4-kilometer jogging path and see the giant chess set along the way.

So our last stop was the Sangley Point. 
It has the view of the pool and Splash park. I didn't have the chance to take photos of the food there, as I was so busy singing my heart out at the Bayside KTV (we were late, so sorry!).
Usually they serve Western-style cuisine such as baked baby back ribs, their home-made barbecue, and their new famous Wagyu Burger here.

I'm loving the sweet flavors of their shake without any additives that I'm sure will keep everyone clamoring for more. I always order refreshing and simple drink like this when dining out ,always suitable for everyone in my family.

Overall, we enjoyed our afternoon tour at Island Cove and Leisure Park in Kawit, Cavite. No need to catch up with the "others" as it is already a perfect destination near Manila.

I think, even at high season, this Island will always be relaxed because of the vast land and attentive staff but never overbearing.
We never had trouble finding a chair at the pool or any areas for that matter.
The food was yummy and exquisite.
This is the perfect winter, spring, summer, and fall vacation destination--I can' wait to go back with my Shrek Family :)

Oh, by the way, wait for their Easter Egg hunting activities on my next post :)

Go ahead, check it out yourself!

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park
Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

(02) 8107878
(046)434 0210
www.islandcovephil.com
inquiry@islandcovephil.com

Makati Sales Office:
Suite 1416 Cityland 10 Tower 1, De la Costa St. Makati City

Instagram : Islandcovephil
Twitter : Islandcovephil