The grandeur of Uli, the stillness of Sirom
Every traveler is different. Many are drawn to the cultural riches of cities, iconic landmarks and eclectic neighborhoods, as these urban explorers find delight in the kaleidoscope of experiences that city life can offer.
But there are also those who find solace in the untouched wilderness, where the only sounds are the rustle of leaves and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. They are travelers who crave the tranquil embrace of secluded retreats and seek refuge in remote hideaways, where they can nourish their souls and reconnect with nature.
I’m a little bit of both, admittedly. But in recent years, I find myself leaning more and more towards the latter.
In fact, just two weeks ago, I found myself driving for about six hours (to think, I’m not even a fan of long drives) just to get to Dasol in Pangasinan, eager to explore these gems we stumbled upon on Instagram and AirBnb. One promises a Mediterranean-inspired home overlooking a bay while the other is a beach resort offering the simplicity and charm of coastal living.
A CLIFFSIDE RETREAT
And it was worth the drive. Our first night was spent at the Uli Cliffhouse—a Mediterranean-inspired, two-story cliffside retreat, reminiscent of the exquisite villas you’d find at the south of France.
Spacious, light and airy, it features arched doorways, wood furniture, and natural stone, creating an air of understated elegance. I especially love the floor-to-ceiling, articulated glass doors that open up the living and dining spaces to the outdoors. Here, you can just lounge around, take a plunge in the pool, or savor your breakfast while soaking in the calming views of Dasol Bay, occasionally dotted by passing boats.
Equally spacious, too, are its four rooms—it felt so relaxing to have all that space, complemented by soothing earthy tones and unmarred by clutter.
I almost didn’t want to leave the following day.
SERENE, UNHURRIED VIBE
After a hearty brunch on my second day, I took a 10-minute drive to Sirom Beach House.
It exuded quite a different vibe, but in a good way. Sirom reflected a blend of Bali resort-style influences and traditional Philippine architecture, featuring native materials like bamboo and cogon.
It actually felt more like I’m being welcomed to a friend’s private coastal retreat. It’s intimate, peaceful, and cozy, with its rustic charm and unhurried vibe easily winning me over. More so when I went to the white sand beach and waded into the clear shallow waters of Dasol Bay—I thought to myself, this is the life! Everything about this place was an invitation to unwind and tap out, to disconnect from the frenzy of everyday life.
It was here that I had the chance to talk to Dr. Amadeus Baraan, a board-certified dermatologist and a passionate traveler, who owns Uli and Sirom Beach House.
‘MY IDEA OF RETIREMENT’
For close to an hour, Baraan candidly shared how it all started, the inspiration for this resort, how they fared during the pandemic, as well as their future plans and hopes for the town of Dasol.
Admittedly a city boy, Baraan said this resort has always been his idea of retirement. He explained that he was also a travel blogger, writing mostly about the luxury and boutique hotels he stayed in— be it in Europe, South America or Asia—and he wanted to bring that same experience to Pangasinan, make it a bit more affordable but ensuring that the quality is there.
So in 2018, they opened Sirom, which means shelter or shade in the local language. It has 10 rooms, comes with two swimming pools, and has a dining place that serves up comforting, home-cooked meals spotlighting beloved Filipino dishes.
“This was the first boutique resort in Dasol, my father’s hometown, and we were the first to offer a swimming pool here. We basically jumpstarted tourism in this area. And postpandemic, we saw a lot of boutique resorts being put up because of Sirom,” he said.
“This is a place where you can really tap out... meditate, unwind and forget about the city. It’s far, yes, but once you’ve been here the first time and you come back, it doesn’t feel that long anymore since you can already imagine what’s waiting for you. Plus, the water’s calm so it’s also safe for kids—there’s no undercurrent, no sudden drop,” he added.
A FUTURE WITH TOURISM
This early, Baraan said they’re already eyeing to put up another resort on the other side of Dasol—a bigger, more premium and more beautiful property where you can chase sunsets.
Clearly, Baraan places strong confidence in the potential of the tourism sector in Dasol. His only hope is for infrastructure to further improve and for more businesses to open here so they can attract more local and international tourists. With all these developments, Baraan hopes that Dasol, too, will soon become a premier destination ripe for exploration and discovery.