Exploring Balesin Island - Truly Unique in the World!

It’s sweeter the 2nd time around to this most fabulous island in the whole Philippine archipelago - this time with family. Experience 7 world-famous resorts (Balesin, Mykonos, Costa del Sol, St. Tropez, Toscana, Bali, Phuket) in 1 fantabulous island called the Balesin Island Club – a truly unique one in the world!

Located in Polillo Island in our home province of Quezon in the eastern coast of Luzon, this exclusive, members-only destination on a 500 hectares lush landscape is Alphaland Corporation’s flagship project of business tycoon Roberto V. Ongpin, former Minister of Commerce & Industry during the Marcos administration.

Within just 60 nautical miles east of Manila, Balesin is approximately 30 minute plane ride from Alphaland’s private hangar in Pasay City, or a 35 minute plane ride from Sangley Point in Cavite or a 45 minute plane ride from Clark; or if you’re one of the privileged few, a 40 minutes ride via private chopper (thank you Constance chopper way back 2015!). Yet when you arrive here, it’s a world completely unto itself.

Opened in 2012 boasting of an unmatched natural beauty, it has become one of the most popular, secluded vacation spots among the rich & famous. Celebrities like Heart Evangelista, Maria Rivera, Kim Chiu & the Belo family have been hopping on & off the tropical paradise which has also become a dream wedding destination like in the case of the Escuderos, Billy Crawford & Coleen Garcia & Cristine Reyes & Ali Khatibi.

So why it has become so celebrated even at this time of pandemic? Aside from its 7.3 kilometers pristine white-sand beaches, the club offers luxurious villas & amenities patterned after some of the most alluring destinations around the world. Everything here from architecture, interior design, landscaping & food is authentically recreated.

First off, the Balesin Village is the original Filipino architecture this club best offers. It is fronted by the finest beach on the island & is near the main clubhouse, the spa & aquatics center. Heading to our Asian neighbors, the Bali Village with their unique “salakot” design provides a relaxing ambiance. Their water villas pride the most captivating panoramic views on the island. The Phuket Village is similar in layout to Bali & Balesin but with multiple roof tiers, undulating serpentine shapes & blade-like roof projections which are the hallmarks of the rich Thai heritage.

Now here come the 4 famous European resorts. Mykonos Village is the authentic recreation of the world-famous Greek isle with its whitewashed walls, blue windows & doors & winding cobblestone roads. It has a stunning indoor-outdoor infinity pool at the Poseidon area. Toscana Village draws inspiration from Tuscany, the Italian region renowned for its lush vineyards, olive groves, rolling hills, old-world traditions & art masterpieces.

Costa del Sol, which literally translates to “coast of the sun,” features Spanish colonial architecture with arched thresholds, stucco walls & manicured courtyards. Finally, St. Tropez Village (where we stayed for 2 nights) offers guests a South of France experience. A long, date palm-lined driveway lead to the village with rooms characterized by high ceilings & balconies looking out to the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to the 7 villages, there is the majestic 14-suite Balesin Royal Villa, the centerpiece of the club situated on a bluff with a view of Lamon Bay & in the distance, the Sierra Madre mountain range. Meticulously designed, it takes the best of Asian royal heritage & blends it into something wholly original. For laid-back luxury, you have the Balesin Private Villas & the Balesin Regency Private Villas, which offer a range of 4 to 20 suites per villa.

There are a total of 28 restaurants & bars in the island with amenities that include the main clubhouse, chapel, aviary, family picnic grove, Ifugao village, nature trails, a fish pond & a seafood farm. You can also indulge in the state-of-the-art Balesin Spa & Aegle Wellness Center & seek adventures in the Aquatic Sports Center for wakeboarding, waterskiing & windsurfing & the Sports Center for basketball, badminton, airsoft target shooting range, tennis, etc. The M/Y Obsession yacht is also available for charter day trips off Lamon Bay.