Comprising of 7,000 different islands, a unique culture, a stunning landscape and amazing people, the Philippines is every traveller’s delight. There are 16 different regions in this Southeast Asian country, each with its own personality and traditions. The one thing that each of these distinctive areas have in common is the vibrancy and friendliness of the people that live there. Don’t be shocked if you’re invited around for dinner more than once on your travels. The food you eat – whether prepared in someone’s home, by a street vendor or in a restaurant – is delicious.
Filipino cuisine is a blend of cultures, with Oriental, European and American flavours apparent. As you travel across the country, it will become obvious that the Philippines has a rich cultural history that has been influenced heavily by the Spanish invasion. They still have town fiestas and some of the stunning Spanish-Filipino colonial architecture is still standing. While the evidence of the Spanish rule is still visible, the country is still a unique entity – something that the Filipino people are fiercely proud of. Fans of diving will not be disappointed in the Philippines, as there are 488 different species of coral waiting below the crystal clear waters.
At the Tubbataha Reefs National Park, you will find lagoons and two coral islands, and you can see black coral at the Black Forest dive site by hopping on a boat. If you want a holiday that will let you soak up the sun and relax, the Philippines is the right place for you. The nation is home to some of world’s most beautiful beaches, such as the Alona Beach of Panglao Island in Bohol. You can even choose to stay in a hotel that has been designed to help you let go of the stresses of modern life.
The Farm at San Benito is a holistic centre of wellness and health, where people can find balance and tranquility. Along with beautiful rooms and breathtaking scenery, the Farm provides you with tailored wellness programmes that encourage a healthy lifestyle, as it believes that this is the only way to achieve harmony in your life. When you check in, you begin your personal journey to recharging your mind and body, so that when it’s time to leave you’re completely ready to return to the hustle and bustle of your normal life.
