Luxury of nature

Oh what luxury it is to be able to spend summer weekdays at Pico de Loro Cove, a paradise nestled in the lush Nasugbu, Batangas.

Picture this: an idyllic getaway, serene retreat just two and a half hours away from the buzzing noise of the city. If an ideal escape is what you’re looking for, soak up the vibrant vibes of coastal life at Pico.

Pico Sands Hotel, with its 154 spacious, well-appointed rooms, offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty, whether of the tranquil lagoon or breathtaking mountains. Each room is also adorned with a select artwork that reflects the area’s rich wildlife, particularly its diverse bird species.

The Country Club features basketball, badminton and pickleball courts, along with bowling alleys and billiards tables. Its fully-equipped gym caters to fitness enthusiasts, while the family-friendly Club Pico play area features arts and crafts activities for kids.

Summer adventures

For adventure seekers, Pico de Loro Cove offers endless opportunities for summer fun. Guests can opt for either paddleboarding, jet skiing and thrilling towable rides.

Dive into the vibrant marine world with snorkeling excursions in the peaceful waters of the coves around the coast. A visit to Santelmo Cove will feel as if you own the island, with the privacy and tranquility that comes with its pristine clear waters, white sand beach and abundant marine life.

Nature’s shield

New to Pico’s recreational activities is the Mangrove Tour.

The Hamilo Coast is home to a 10-hectare mangrove forest, considered the largest in Nasugbu, Batangas. With over 10,000 mangrove trees and vibrant biodiversity, the Mangrove Tour is one of the most exciting and meaningful activities for nature lovers and first-time explorers alike.

The tour begins with a short 200-meter walk to a small port. The canoe ride is surrounded by white mangroves, one of the two mangrove species found in the forest. These trees can reach up to 50 feet in height and creates a canopy overhead.

Aside from white mangroves, the coast is also home to black and red mangroves that has also been a breeding ground to schools of fish, crustaceans, giant clams, as well as mud crabs and wild birds like egrets and herons.

Relax, rejuvenate and recharge

Unwind at Rain, The Spa, a serene sanctuary where you can indulge in a range of rejuvenating treatments. It is the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge after an adventurous day.

And, there’s nothing better than recharging at Pico’s five distinct restaurants. Pico Bar and Restaurant serves modern Italian dishes with sustainable options, including eco-friendly Plate for the Planet and Fresh Catch seafood menus. Reef Bar offers vibrant Tex-Mex flavors, refreshing cocktails, and tropical drinks by the beach. Lagoa, the Country Club’s main venue, offers a modern take on Filipino cuisine. Arribada, a member-exclusive venue, specializes in Spanish-inspired small plates, while Sun Coral Café blends Mediterranean and local flavors, focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly, locally sourced ingredients.

All restaurants are dedicated to using ingredients sourced from nearby farms and fisheries, ensuring that each dish not only delights the palate but also contributes to sustainable practices that protect the region’s natural resources.

Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel is fully committed to sustainability as it cuts down on single-use plastics across its operations from 72 percent to 55 percent in 2019.

Now, you’ve got more than one reason to tick Pico De Loro off your summer bucketlist.