HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE:OUR NEW ABNORMAL
As the notion of our post-Covid economic recovery comes fully into play, it’s inevitable that we’ll think of particular arenas such as tourism. Pre-pandemic, it was a dollar revenue-earner that was on the upswing, and one that we’d continuously promote — envious of neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. And while the pandemic and natural calamities did wreak havoc on the best of well-laid plans (think: Siargao), it’s high time we recognize that the proverbial light at the end of this Covid-tunnel is truly in sight, and it’s a shame if we’ll be caught playing catch-up, or last on the bandwagon.
I see other countries and their tourism bureaus ramping up their programs as you read this — with media junkets to Singapore, Czechoslovakia, and other destinations. And on social media, you’ll already see posts of our ever-resilient upper class heading in big groups to Paris, the US West Coast, Singapore, Japan, and New York City.
While I can’t blame them for flying out — if you can afford it, why not? I’d still like to do a shout-out on behalf of the local hotels and resorts, who really deserve our invaluable support.
It’s not like the foreign tourists will come back in droves at the drop of a hat… or swab, or quarantine protocol. This will take time to build up; and in the meantime, the staff, services, and amenities of these hotels and resorts need domestic tourism to take up the lag. And I ask you why not? It’s time to discover our own country, and see how world-class concepts and facilities are at our doorstep. From the luxury high-end, to the economically priced, our diverse tourism industry does have much to offer as it reboots.
And particular individuals and hotel groups are acting as outliers and visionaries in providing this.
One such group is Araw Hospitality, under the guidance of Chief Enlightener Jean Henri Lhuillier. The group was already known for a variety of offerings in traditional tourist spots here; but I loved how they took the pandemic as a golden opportunity to develop new properties, introduce new brands and concepts — thus, ensuring they’re at the beachhead (metaphorically and literally) of what foreign and local tourists can avail of, and enjoy, today!
JEAN HENRI LHUILLIER, chief enlightener at Araw Hospitality.
For the luxury market, there’s Lihim Resort in Sitio Caalan, El Nido, Palawan. Their hashtag is #LuxuryinSimplicity, and a visit to its social media assets will give you a hint of how they’ve brought nature and luxury into harmony in a creative manner. Its Cadlao Villa, for example, is situated on a hilltop that makes a Villa act like an avian nest.
Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and nestled amidst treetops and vegetation, guests to this Villa can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Bacuit Bay — so you can imagine how stunning a view this will be as you rise each morning of your stay at Lihim.
Lihim is, as its name suggests, more of a "secret," a whisper of possibility, among the discriminating crowd, who will see Lihim as a haven or sanctuary for their beach holidays. I know of friends who have hurriedly signed up for the experience, and have come back "happy campers."
OUR RECENT Panorama feature of Lihim Resort at El Nido, Palawan.
Juana and Rick Yupangco had a family weekend there recently, and loved the private island hang-out arranged by the resort. And while its a property still in development, one can recognize the potential, and how good it’ll get as they gather more steam and experience. It’s a picky crowd they’ll be catering to, and the natural beauty of the place will have to be matched by impeccable service — and they’re up to the challenge.
Araw Hospitality also have their relatively new brand, the Unwnd Luxe Hostel, which speaks of #TheArtofBeingChill. There’s a flagship establishment in Poblacion Makati; and I hear there are some 20 planned to open over the next two to three years, including Unwnd’s in Caticlan, Dumaguete, El Nido, and Siargao. Its concept is simple, and one whose time has come — it’s for the hip, young traveller, who’s seeking connections to a destination in a unique, yet competitively priced, manner.
UNWND LUX Hostel at Gen. Luna, Poblacion Makati.
It’s positioned as a hostel but gifted with the embellishments, amenities, food, and services that give it that veneer of "Lux."
I’m excited to try its food outlets as a day visitor, as the menu and IG pics look really inviting, from their breakfast options to their lunch and dinner fare. I was especially taken by their Sunday brunch, the lemon broccoli chicken, and the cocktails and drinks photos. The Executive Chef has pulled out all the stops to make Unwnd your new, favorite foodie pit-stop in Poblacion.
The hostel branding also extend to it being an attractive long-stay option — centrally located with proximity to the Makati Business District, and yet giving you the charm of the bohemian ambiance of gentrified Poblacion.
As you can glean, there’s a lot happening with Araw Hospitality, as it aggressively plants its footprint in our reawakening tourism industry. It is groups from the private sector such as Araw who will lead the way, as they’re taking chances and gambling, employing people and putting up infrastructure that will form the backbone of this tourism recovery, while offering something different - so let’s show our support, and seek out these establishments as we plan our summer getaways and nights out this year.