Bicol – one word that conjures the visions of a perfect cone volcano, spicy taro, fresh fruits, food with chili and coconut milk, all of Bicol’s most famous symbols and exports.

But tucked away at the municipality of Bacacay, Albay is the luxury resort of Misibis Bay. Located southeast of Caraga Island, it is 14 hectares of manicured lawns, lush foliage, towering palm trees, bright spaces and fresh breezes, capable of lulling distressed nerves to sleep.

GETTING THERE
Going to Misibis can be as luxurious as flying in with your own private chopper (they have four, yes, four helipads), or the traditional airplane flight, plus your choice of a fast craft or a scenic van ride from Legaspi’s domestic airport. Arriving at the gate, a feeling of unmistakable security becomes apparent. In a jiffy, we were greeted by a dancing crew as their doors opened to the lobby. Donning native costumes, I could hear the words Ibalong as the music played. They were dancing to the music of Ibalong, a Bicol legend based on the Mahabharata. And as we marveled at the beautiful costumes and lively beat, a whole coconut was presented to us as welcome drinks. What a welcome it was indeed.

But even before the dancers could finish, a gigantic Christmas tree behind them was vying for my attention. Reaching up to the lobby’s what could have been 30-foot ceiling, it was made of skinned branches. Decked with native hats, white parols, white and silver Christmas balls, it also bore wreaths made from local materials. It had Philippine Christmas written all over it.

After the very warm welcome, we proceeded to the Spice Market, the dining hall, for breakfast. It might have been a really early flight from Manila, but the time one arrives at Misibis can’t be more perfect for breakfast. Misibis could be the only resort that can indulge one’s absolute fantasy of eating al fresco. Just a few steps away is the wide-open garden with coconut trees and swimming pools. As the sea breeze cooled the lawn, some of the guests found it too inviting to pass-up. And like royalty, they were dining manger en plein air, with waiters at their beck and call.

AQUATIC OR DRY, YOUR CHOICE
As we toured the grounds of the resort, my weekend gardener persona kicked in. Attention-catching were the many variety of trees that were luxurious and plush. The various foliage were just as healthy and spectacular. This garden just fed my soul. The outdoor chess spot was definitely Instagramable. Outside the walls of the property is the eco-park where a church surrounded by glass sits on top of a hill. A little further down is an amphitheater with only five monoliths as its backdrop. With the sea as the background for both, no wedding or stage play can get any more dramatic. Recalling my experience in Athens at the amphitheater of Odeon of Herodes Atticus, this one could give the Odeon a serious run for their money. Unfortunately, this stage still has to see a production performed on its deck. The obvious choice would be the Ibalong, in my opinion, and I hope it happens soon.

Still outside the resort, we were treated to an ATV ride that went up all the way to the helipad right at the foot of Mayon Volcano. Never having been on an ATV before, there was definitely some trepidation as I navigated the hour-long terrain. To say that it was bumpy is an understatement. On the way back, after a short climb to the rocky helipad for a panoramic view, I was a little more at ease navigating streams, encountering cows and mini waterfalls, complete with major turbulence along the way.

Back inside the resort, the Sitio Building houses the activity center, where one can play table tennis, billiards, board games, or follow the dance aerobics that was consistently playing. It even has a dedicated room just for their kiddie guests complete with teepee and video games. But Misibis is all about the outdoors. The swimming pools are the obvious choice, and there’s so much more to enjoy from the beach and the ocean.

The following morning, I took an early dip in the Marina and snorkeled with the marine life. It was so much fun and inspiring to encounter a thriving marine community. It was just full of fishes which have become peoplepfriendly, they were actually following us while we swam. But I suspect it was the bread that came from our hands that they were really interested in. According to the general manager, Grace Asjes, they have coastal cleanups, reef bud projects (anchors for corals to grow from) and hopefully have it declared a sanctuary to really see its full potential. For licensed divers, they can dive with their dive master, or do an intro dive for the novice.

At the beach, we tried the non-motorized activities. I joined the hobie cat, and with the very strong winds, I was immediately drenched when we sliced through the wind at breakneck speed. This is the kind of rollercoaster I would rather ride. For the more agile, they also have windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle board. There are motorized activities as well. Jet ski for single or tandem, and a banana boat for five, are also available. But this is not to say that reading a book under one of the coconut trees is not encouraged.

For the health buff, nothing can be more engaging than an open-air gym where one can sweat while staring at the lush grounds of the resort and the ocean right in front of you. A few steps away is Essenses Spa for that much-needed rejuvenation package.

LUXURY, ACCOMODATIONS, TAKE YOUR PICK
With twelve varieties of accommodations, it is virtually impossible not to find one that will suit your taste and budget. There are four views one can choose from: the Garden, the Pacific, the Pool or the Beach.

For the Garden View, it starts with Standard, then the De Luxe, and finally the Villa. A Villa has that extra outdoor space where one can request for breakfast to be served upon waking. No need to go to the restaurant if you prefer to just relax.

For the Pacific View, aside from the Standard and the Deluxe, they have the One-Bedroom Premier Pacific View. Located at the third floor of their low-rise building cluster at the edge of the beach, it has the best panorama of the gulf. Stepping out in its mini veranda, you can see the whole ocean, from east to west. It is expansive and has a honeymoon vibe.

Misibis Bay makes sure that its bathrooms are always luxurious, something I personally find especially notable, not only because of the modern bathtubs, but also because of the generous spaces, the details in the finish and lighting, and the inclusions they take care to choose. Their bath areas are seriously meant to be indulgent.

With a slew of swimming pools, 10 all together, the place is not in short supply of Pool View Rooms, starting with Deluxe, then the One-bedroom, and the Premier with its own jacuzzi. These rooms are popular among the younger set who practically live in the swimming pools. For those with children, these rooms are heaven-sent, as they are able to watch over their tykes just a stone’s throw away.

The fourth view, of course, is the most sought-after, the Beach View. These types of accommodations start with the Deluxe, then the One-bedroom, and finally the Villa. As the name suggests, all rooms in this class face the ocean. But what is the ocean if it cannot be enjoyed out in the open, right? So, they added a beautiful balcony with chaise-lounges to wallow in for every single room. Each one of these are a few steps away from the beach. For the villa, aside from the generous balcony where a small party can be held, it has its own private pool. How’s that for luxe?

Misibis may already be a decade old, but it has never rested on its laurels. With the projected completion of the Legaspi International Airport next year, the resort is gearing up for a bigger share in the tourism market. The next step is to set up “The Commissary.” It will be Misibis’ souvenir shop where laing and ginataang santol can be found and will find its way in every guest’s must-take-home list. But more than unique Bicolandia delicacies to bring home, memories of this destination at the tip of Luzon will be the best memento to hold close to your heart. After all, where will you be able to see five volcanoes – Mayon, Isarog, Asog, Malinao and Masaraga, also known as the “five views” – in just one sitting, while indulging yourself in a picnic, prepared by one of the top luxury hotels of the country?