Places such as Boracay, Panglao, and Palawan are perennial tourist favorites but for the intrepid traveler, the Philippines is a treasure trove of hidden gems.
Ilocos Sur might be best known for Vigan city, but just an hour’s drive away is a secluded beach which could easily rival other well-known destinations.
Santiago Cove features a white sand beach that stretches for over a kilometer. And due to its nature as a cove, the waters are gentle, making it highly suitable for swimming.
It is in this slice of paradise where Santiago Cove Hotel can be found. Drawing inspiration from Santorini, the new hotel is now becoming the destination of choice for local tourists.
One may ask, why go with a Santorini-inspired theme when there’s a competitor nearby that carries the same overall look?
Dianne Tongol-Miranda, Santiago Cove Hotel and Restaurant’s Sales and Marketing Director, shares that the Local Government Unit wants “to set an image that we are the Santorini of the Philippines, not just the North.”
According to her, the color white signifies the purity of the people of Santiago, while blue mirrors the clear waters of the cove.
She also points out, “It was a risk that we’re willing to take even from the start. And looking at it now, we’re confident that it turned out well.”
The hotel opened its doors in late 2019 but the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on tourist arrivals.
Despite this, Santiago Cove Hotel took the opportunity to iron out any issues usually found during the first few months of operations.
Because of this, the new hotel is more than ready to accept the influx of guests as tourist numbers increase.
Stepping into the lobby, a sense of home is immediately felt. Instead of high ceiling and imposing chandeliers, the hotel lobby instead exudes warmth and hominess with its wooden fixtures and blue accents.
Those who want to talk business can relax at the café tucked into the corner and enjoy espresso-based drinks throughout the day.
Past the lobby is the hotel proper.
A gallery kitchen allows guests to take a sneak peek at the chefs preparing dishes.
Meanwhile, the pool serves as the centerpiece of the property, with all of the rooms surrounding it.
The adjacent pool bar can also whip up drinks to beat the heat, or a cup of coffee to wake the senses.
The property has 50 spacious accommodations, all styled to complement the surrounding nature. It offers 4 different rooms: Deluxe at 25 sqm, Premium Deluxe at 28 sqm, Junior Suite at 30 sqm, and Family Suite at 36 sqm.
Each room is well-equipped with what you would expect from an establishment in the city — a flat-screen TV, a dresser that doubles as a working area, air conditioning, and most importantly, a Wi-Fi strong enough to allow one to work from paradise should the need arises.
Santiago Cove Hotel’s annex building is also nearing completion. The new four-story addition will be housing its 300-seater grand ballroom, a coffee shop, a rooftop bar, and premiere suites overlooking the picturesque coast.
