A Boodle Feast at Vitalis Resort and Spa

The skies were grey once more, as the monsoon season comes early this year. But I was determined to get some sun, sea, and sand, and a real boodle feast, during my stay at Vigan. And you can, at Vitalis Resort and Spa.

Owned and managed by the same group behind Vigan's elegant Hotel Luna, you can expect the same high level of service and lavish accommodations at Vitalis Resort and Spa. A leisurely hour and a half drive from Hotel Luna, Vitalis Resort and Spa is your gateway to fun in the sun up north...

Located in a tranquil cove, the calm waters are ideal for a variety of water sports and recreation, including wake boarding, paddle board, banana boat, snorkeling, jet ski, scuba diving, kayak or simply lazing on one of Vitalis Resort and Spa's beach front lounges. Or enjoy a set of volleyball or go on the resort's zip line too.

As you enter the spacious lobby, you can't help but notice the impressive art collection, from paintings to sculptures by noted local artists. Au Port (1961), an oil on panel piece by celebrated local Ilocano artist Macario Vitalis, and the inspiration for Vitalis Resort and Spa, is proudly displayed at the resort lobby. Art is a consistent theme in both Vitalis Resort and Spa and Hotel Luna, as well as the other hotel properties of the group (for more on Vigan's elegant Hotel Luna, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/08/side-views-elegant-fusion-of-history.html). 

And just like Hotel Luna, you can find art just about everywhere at Vitalis Resort and Spa, like this impressive mural created by local artist Rene Robles using multi-colored glass beads. Art, and a more casual and laid-back elegance, sets Vitalis Resort and Spa apart from the usual beach resorts.

Despite the cloudy skies, the modern and sleek design of the dramatic white structures clearly stand out, exuding that elegant yet cool resort vibe.

Near the beach, one can enjoy the serene and calm cove with a refreshing drink at Vitalis Resort and Spa's many lounge chairs, just the perfect spot to catch the sunset with a cold beer.

With 27 well-appointed rooms with magnificent mountain or ocean views, you can find everything you need for that quick ocean getaway up north at Vitalis Resort and Spa. The predominant whites and cool shades of blue are consistent in every part of the property, adding to that soothing resort vibe.

Each cottage room is equipped with modern IR Electronic Lockset Systems, Cable TV, NDD Telephone, a mini-ref, coffee and tea facilities, a work table, and different configurations to match your needs. 

At the Macario Bar, one can unwind after a busy day of beach activities and water sports with a selection of fine wines, liquor, and handcrafted cocktails and an equally wide range of bar chow while enjoying a magnificent view of the cove.

The view from the bar gives you a better perspective of the property's size and the curved beach front. Another round of drinks? Absolutely.

Though it rained that day, the view from one of the ocean front rooms remained quite impressive. The protected cove's gentle surf has this soothing and calming effect that gets you in the right resort mood. And if the weather isn't at its ideal best, you can enjoy a round billiards, videoke or shop at the resort's Souvenir Shop. And there's always the spa...

At the other end of the extensive resort property is the pool, a pool side bar, and more cottages ideal for groups and families.

Each cottage has all the modern amenities you need for that perfect weekend getaway, in a variety of configurations to fit your needs. With easy access to the pool or beach, you're just a few feet away from a relaxing swim.

Al fresco dining is always an option, and at Vitalis Resort and Spa, you have a number of choices. And there's no better way to enjoy a meal with a panoramic view of the tranquil cove. And as we settled down in our ocean view seats, lunch was served...

That day, we were served the signature Boodle Feast from Vitalis Resort and Spa's Fisherman's Boat Grill. And what a feast...

A generous serving of steamed white rice topped with a medley of grilled chicken, pork belly, stuffed squid, grilled tuna, ensalada, and a light fish and vegetable soup on aromatic banana leaves served on a bamboo tray make up your Boodle Feast, ideal for groups and family, and just the perfect feast on the beach. For dessert, your Boodle Feast comes with an indulgent Leche Flan. Aside from the Boodle Feast, the Fisherman's Boat Grill offers a variety of classic Filipino and local Ilocano dishes.

After a late lunch, go for a swim, or simply choose to do nothing...and just enjoy the calm breeze. Vitalis Resort and Spa also offers a full service spa, with relaxing and therapeutic full body massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures over at Vidaverde Spa located within the resort.

And as it continued to rain, local folk from the nearby village collect shellfish on the tranquil cove. Now, fresh shellfish for dinner, lightly grilled with butter, isn't a bad idea.

The province of Ilocos Sur has a lot to offer, from historic attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan, to tranquil coves. And you can have it all at Vitalis Resort and Spa.

Vitalis Resort and Spa is located at Sabangan Cove, Santiago, Ilocos Sur, or call (077) 673-0037, (02) 806-5380, or 0917-580-0848 for inquiries and reservations. You may also contact the Manila Sales Office located at 26 Tomas Morato Extension, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City or call +632-373-3333 local 201 or email sales.vitalisresort@ahmgi.com and rsvn.vitalisresort@ahmgi.com.

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