Nature’s Eye Resort, Guimaras

To escape and rest on a hammock of Nature Eye’s Sunset Cottage, relishing the gentle sea breeze, watching the world pass me by – that’s my idea of paradise.

Inspired from the breathtaking beauty of nature, Nature’s Eye Resort is a secluded, romantic destination in the mango capital of the Philippines, Guimaras (tip: before going to the resort make sure to visit a mango orchard or stop by Pitstop and order a take-away mango pizza – they are just along the highway).

It is by far the most rustic and elegant beach house in the island that I’ve been to. The tiring and tagtag to the bones one-hour tricycle ride from Jordan Wharf to Barangay Tando plus 10-minute uphill hike to the resort may be a slight ordeal but positively worth it. Truly, some of the most beautiful places are not that easy to reach but offer the best rewards like solitude, private cove and sweeping views of the sea at every vantage point.

It was actually these rewards that prompted Rowena Amancio, the resort proprietress and former OFW from Switzerland, to acquire the then untouched land with cliffs and stunning rock formations, more than a decade ago. She discovered the place while she was on vacation, during an island hopping tour in the Southwestern part of the island. She fell in love with it right away; and many years later, in 2014 to be exact, Nature’s Eye was born. What’s impressive is she personally designed the resort and the villas, without cutting the trees or damaging the natural surroundings. She also made it her retirement nest, when she finally came back for good in the country.    

I was warmly welcomed in the reception area by Rowena, the staff, and their guard dog Brownie. Cai, the sales and marketing manager of the resort, unfortunately wasn’t around but he has been diligently answering all my queries prior the trip. His regular posting in the resort’s FB page, also lured me to eventually visit Nature’s Eye.

  

The reception also serves as guests’ dining area. It overlooks Panay Gulf, a marine sanctuary, nearby coves and islets. Birds and butterflies freely fly around and within the sprawling and verdant property.

From the reception, guests have to go down more than a hundred steps (made of stones and pebbles) to get to the accommodations.

The resort only has four villas with five rooms (spaced apart from each other), ensuring utmost privacy to guests. Almost every room has queen size bed, private balcony and an amazing bathroom with an open view of the sea. The remarkable nature-inspired architecture blends very well with the natural surroundings. Almost everything was made of indigenous materials fused with modern amenities. Even the bath essentials are organic.

The 6 cardinal rules of the resort are also conspicuously displayed in every room, very prominent of which are no wi-fi for digital detox, and to keep noise to bare minimum so it wouldn’t compete with the sound of the crashing waves and nature.     

On my first night I stayed at the Shell Cottage, which is elegantly made of wooden materials, bamboo, and shells; on my second night I transferred at the Sunset Cottage, which is nearer the beach and has a veranda offering the best view of sunset. Both villas are meant for honeymooners; the gentle sea breeze I savoured from the balcony, carries with it a whiff of love and romance.

The resort has two swimming and docking areas. They’re both very rocky and unswimmable, especially during high tide and when the monsoon wind is strong. But the rock formations and coral stones surrounding the area look amazing.

Sumptuous full board meals – mainly traditional home-cooked Filipino and Ilonggo dishes - are also offered to guests; their fresh seafood, shrimps and crabs were quite delectable. The alfresco dining area has an overlooking view of the sea, elevating the dining experience.

The resort also arranged for my island hopping adventure and land tour. I got to explore Guisi Lighthouse and beach, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Floating Cottage (previously owned by the late Gina Lopez and donated to the locals so they could have a tourism enterprise), mangroves, and sandbar. I enjoyed snorkelling even for a few minutes despite the playful waves.  The bangkero was so mabait to accompany me and took all my underwater pictures.

During the island hopping, we passed by several resorts. The more I saw, the more I ascertained that there’s no one like Nature’s Eye. It exceeded all my expectations and more. It was an unforgettable three days and two nights of communing with nature, leaving behind the stressful city life. Exceptionally, anybody could see heaven at Nature’s Eye.

From Manila, take Iloilo-bound plane. From the airport, take a van going to Iloilo City. In the city, take a taxi going to the sea port (Parola Wharf or the Ortiz Wharf – ask the driver which one is operational since it depend on the season). Then take a boat bound for Jordan Wharf. In Guimaras, better rent a tricycle going to Brgy. Tando (commuting via jeepney and habal-habal is also possible but time consuming). From the Tando Brgy. Hall, it is about 10-minute walk-away going to the resort.

Nature’s Eye Resort

Brgy. Tando, Nueva Valencia

Guimaras

Tel. no.: 0907-7579055