Miniloc unveils new look, still focused on nature
SINCE the ‘70s when a group of Japanese divers first chanced upon it, Miniloc Island, the first of the four El Nido Resorts in Northern Palawan, has consistently been acclaimed for having one of the most stunning beaches in the world.
Joey Bernardino, marketing director of Ten Knots Development Corporation, owner of the four island resorts, recalled the story passed on by word of mouth of how a fishing line disabled in the middle of the night the propeller of the divers’ boat. When they woke up the next day, the divers were amazed by the jagged high cliffs accented by thick spots of forest, powdery white sand and crystalclear waters of the islands around them.
They fell in love with Bacuit Bay, set up camp in Miniloc island, which had a protected bay, and envisioned the place as the idyllic resort destination for marine enthusiasts. “Thirty-nine years later today, the first of the island resorts to gain an iconic following in Japan and other parts of the world especially among families continues to amaze,” he said. More so now that its 51 rooms and facilities have been renovated and updated while retaining its rustic charm.
When Miniloc reopens its doors on Dec. 14, it will sport a lighter, fresher look characterized by eggshell white walls, capiz panels, windows framed in grey and tiled or walnut floors. The rooms and facilities will keep their signature cogon roof to differentiate this resort from the other three in the group, namely: the luxurious Pangulasian, Lagen and Apulit which each have their unique interpretation of the tropical plantation chic.
Activities in the family-oriented Miniloc will remain focused on its fine-sand beach, particularly now that it will also have a swimming pool and deck area, the perfect spots for nature appreciation. Mr. Bernardino pointed out that even in the ‘80s and ‘90s when sustainable tourism was not yet a global trend, Miniloc set new benchmarks in the Philippines by focusing its activities on its natural attractions, by taking measures to protect them and inviting those in surrounding communities to share the same goals by raising their environmental awareness and training them for employment.
The resort’s success laid the framework for the succeeding El Nido Resorts. Moreover, the AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corp. brand has since then been a consistent winner of sustainable tourism awards including those bestowed by the prestigious Conde Naste Traveller and CNN.