Cozy by the cove in Santiago, Ilocos Sur

The town of Santiago lies between Candon City, a commercial hub, and Vigan City, a popular tourist destination and the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur. It's easy to miss Santiago, especially for those who tend to sleep on the road to the Ilocos Region. Make it a point to explore Santiago because, as I recently discovered, it has one of the most scenic beach areas in the province.

Lying west of northern Luzon facing the South China Sea, Santiago has a cove in the barangay of Sabangan with serene waters and framed by rolling hills and mountain.

Small types of accommodations and eateries have sprouted among the communities around Sabangan Cove, whose more than one-kilometer shore is covered with fine sand the color of ash that turns white under the sun. Perched on both ends of the cove are high-end resorts — the Vitalis White Sands, considered the first resort in the area, at the southern end near the mouth of Guinabang River; and the newer, sprawling Vitalis Villas at the other.

On the northern shore is another major resort, Santiago Cove Hotel and Restaurant.

The three resorts approximate the Cycladic architecture of the Greek resort island of Santorini known for its clusters of houses in white and deep blue.

According to Dianne Tongol-Miranda, Santiago Cove Hotel and Restaurant's sales and marketing director, the local government of Santiago wants "to set an image that we are the Santorini of the Philippines, not just the North."

She added the color white signifies the purity of the people of Santiago and the blue represents the sea.

"It was a risk that we were willing to take even from the start. And looking at it now, we're confident that it turned out well," she said.

Perhaps, in time, some structures in the area may also adopt local designs and architecture, giving a nod to the region's heritage, such as those of the bahay na bato and ancestral houses for which Vigan City is known.

Launched in 2019, Santiago Cove Hotel is owned by the Mirandas, a prominent political family of the town. The patriarch, Josefino "Boy" E. Miranda, has been a long-time Mayor and is now a Vice Mayor, while his son, Michael Miranda, sits as Mayor.

Tongol-Miranda related that a friend of her father-in-law, Josefino, encouraged the then-mayor to put up a hotel as they develop Santiago. "They believe that Santiago is the future of Ilocos Sur. He has much vision for beautifying the area because he wants this place to be internationally recognized as a tourist destination. We are confident that this place we call home has a lot to show. We have all sorts of experiences we want our guests to discover and cherish. There's so much that Santiago can offer."

Local color

Aside from the beach, the offerings of this laidback town are interesting aspects of local culture. A short stroll from the resort, one finds a community with traditional weavers, working on their wooden looms to produce hand-woven textiles done in Ilocano pinilian and binakol techniques.

In the neighboring barangay of Ambucao, the fishers of the village catch dorado and yellowfin tuna, among others. The town also has a number of blacksmiths in the barangay of Caburao, making blades and knives.

Sitting on a small hill, the town's small, old church is also worth a visit. It is dedicated to Saint James the Greater, after which the town is named. Near the cove is Mapisi Rock, also known as Biak-na-Bato, considered to be the town's first tourist attraction. A large rock formation, split in half, sits on a beach in Ambucao, around which a small park has been constructed.

Of course, one can stroll and hang around and swim Sabangan Beach. Santiago Hotel offers several water activities and facilities  to enjoy the sea more such as banana boat, bandwagon, kayak, jet ski, and a sunset cruise.

Bespoke experiences Santiago Cove Hotel has 50 rooms. Its guestroom types are Deluxe at 25 sq.m., Premium Deluxe at 28 sq.m., Junior Suite at 30 sq.m., and Family Suite at 36 sq.m.

Each room is well-equipped with a flat-screen TV, a dresser that doubles as a working area, air conditioning, and WiFi connection. The hotel inaugurated its annex on 18 October, coinciding with the celebration of Josefino's birthday. The four-story building houses a 300-seater grand ballroom, a coffee shop, a rooftop bar, and more suites.

The resort is particularly proud of its sumptuous culinary offerings, which are managed by its consultant chef Chester Delos Reyes-Velas, Josefino's son-in-law, who is also the general manager.

At the main dining outlet, Tiny Wave, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the cove while savoring Asian and seafood dishes, using locally-caught tuna, dorado, clams, mussels, shrimps and others.

The restaurant also offers Korean and Japanese unlimited grilling.

A few steps from the hotel is Rodrigo's Roast + Resto and Bar, an all-day dining restaurant specializing in Filipino and Ilocano dishes with modern twists. The highlights are the dishes that exemplify the flavors of Santiago, particularly the lechon roast.

"In Ilocos, no lechon is flavorful without the cactus-like karimbuaya, creating its distinct, savory taste and aroma," Velas said.

Enjoy these in a seaside setting made more romantic with live acoustic music.

Santiago Cove Hotel and Restaurant's culinary delights are also served in many functions and events as it offers catering services.

Tongol-Miranda said they are also proud of their kind of service.

"Creating bespoke experiences for our guests is the very backbone of our brand. Through training and refresher courses, our team members are equipped to extend the nurturing, comforting, and with a smile Ilocano spirit," she said.

She added, "We are ecstatic that we're making an impact through the hotel's initiatives to inspire the community. And we always remind our team to carry the warmth of pagmamalasakit or concern to all the guests and visitors as well as the company, because this helps us stand out."

For inquiries and bookings, call Santiago Cove Hotel at +63917-6542078 or email them at hsantiagocovehotel@gmail.com. For updates, follow them at @santiagocovehotel on Facebook and Instagram.