Living it Up in Coron’s The Funny Lion Inn
In the tradition of unique, one-of-akind and luxuriously cozy resorts that One-of Collection is known for, The Funny Lion Inn in Coron, Palawan, the boutique hotel group’s fourth resort, does not disappoint. It is a well-appointed hideaway in beautiful Coron Island, where so much of the Philippines’ natural wonders remain as unspoiled and awe-inspiring as can be.
The Funny Lion Inn is a 32-room boutique resort and contemporary eco-lodge in the heart of Coron Town. It features modern amenities with a distinct rustic-chic charm. It looks out onto a tranquil cove with virgin mangroves and kayak trails. Construction on the Inn started in 2012 and the resort began operations in December 2014, with a staff composed of about 90 percent Coron locals.
Behind the design was a team of architects who love the outdoors and adventure travel. The team was of one mind to capitalize on the natural beauty of the place, making sure to keep the mangrove area intact, and to maximize the vista with its ocean, mountains and trees. The surrounding trees were included in the layout and views maximized. The roof deck called Pride Rock offers a magnificent view of the sunset, and is outfitted with two Jacuzzi pools, perfect for guests to relax in after a day of touring and exploring. Everything was also kept as natural and organic as possible. For the landscaping, plants endemic in the area were used.
Lucas Niccolo “Nikki” M. Cauton III, Chief Executive Officer of One-Of Collection, explains that it was his wife and kids that came up with the name The Funny Lion Inn, which evokes fun and a sense of adventure. The theme is derived from Calauit Safari Park, a key landmark and destination in Busuanga, Palawan. “The Inn has a safari-tented camp theme interpreted in a modern way,” says Cauton. Details include tents at the poolside, barrels decorating the rooms, the dog tag chains used for the guest room keys, and the ubiquitous wood animal sculptures in the reception area and walkway.
For the business traveler, The Funny Lion Inn is a fantastic place from which to explore Coron. (See sidebar) The Inn organizes and facilitates tours and other activities for its guests. Or the Inn can itself be the venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE). It makes for a truly beautiful and tranquil place to hold trainings in, for 50 to 100 participants. Basic DSL services are available.
Cauton speaks of the resort’s many eco-friendly practices. Just like in other One-of Collection hotels, organic soaps and shampoos are used in the rooms, and placed in reusable containers, veering away from the use of plastic. Solar heaters are used for all the rooms, and there is a Sewage Treatment Plant system in place that enables the recycling of water for use in irrigation or watering of the plants. A very cool sight and touch are the six bicycles that greet visitors at the entrance of the resort, which can be used by guests free of charge. The resort also has a vintage Army jeep that can be used for touring the town in.
The Hunt, as the resort restaurant is called, offers delicious Asian food, from Filipino to Thai to Vietnamese, as well as signature European offerings. Seafood dishes feature the day’s fresh catch, and all the dishes are flavorful and mouth-watering, at par with the cuisine of One-of Collection’s other resorts.
Massage treatments from the Sea Tree Spa are likewise special and satisfying. The head of spa comes in regularly from One-of Collection’s Bohol resorts to ensure that services conform to the standard.
Finally, the resort’s turn-down detail makes use of what is abundant or prevalent in the area, a trademark of One-of Collection hotels. Palawan cashew nuts, served warm, is an example. As Cauton emphasizes: “To stay at any of One-of Collection’s resorts is to immerse yourself and connect to local history, people and culture. Our resorts have a strong sense of place.”