If someone told me that it took only two hundred seventy steps to get paradise, I would do it in a heartbeat. It takes exactly that many steps to reach the Solana Bezo clubhouse from the parking lot. As daunting as it may seem, paradise is exactly what you’ll get as you step inside the cozy clubhouse while taking in an incredible view of the ocean.
Solana Bezo Resort, owned by joel Uichico and Bea Zobel, is located in Mabini, Batangas. Unlike your typical dive resort, Solana is first class the moment you step in – from its décor to its service and amenities. It is both a dive resort and a retreat for the weary city slicker. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with the warmest smiles from the pleasant staff who were quick to assist with our luggage and checked us in before we could say “Bezo!”. Our first stop was the clubhouse, the main building of the resort, which showcases handicrafts from all over, the Philippines selected by Bea Zobel herself. Decorated in Neo-Filipino design. Everything about the décor is meticulous. Every detail is seriously considered and thought out, such as the bougainvillea flowers strewn in every space imaginable. Family pictures in kitschy frames dot the area, bringing a sense of home to the resort. Another reminder of home are the friendly dogs of the owners, roaming around yet keeping to themselves – inobstrusive and simply happy to be at the beach, just like the rest of us.
We were then led to our hillside room, quaintly decorated with double canopied beds and lovingly embroidered sheets. After a quick nap, it was time for dinner; served in the main dining room, buffet style. Traditional Filipino food with flair is the specialty cuisine of Solan, and our full stomachs were a testimony that the dinner was indeed delicious! Reluctantly, we made our way to the well-appointed dive center to plan our dives. We were surprised that there was more than just dive equipment. There were kayaks and water bicycles as well, which is great for some critters. In fact, diving as a whole is a treat in Solana. The next day, after our first dive, the boatman handed us warm terry towels to dry us off as well as a glass of cool mineral water. He also gave us some cookies, just in case we were hungry. It was certainly a luxury we could get used to, as this is not the norm with most divers!
Lunch was another treat, as we were served a seafood kebab with garlic noodles. It was a delightful skewer with a mix of tuna, zucchini, bell pepper, red onions and tomatoes grilled to perfection and the garlic noodles were a perfect companion as well. We happily devoured the meal with no hesitation. After lunc, we decided to explore Solana and see what other amenities it had to offer before we went on our next dive. To our delight, we discovered a massage room where one could get a traditional “hilot” massage. Unlike the other mystic therapeutic massages advertised in every imaginable spa, the Hilot is quite simply comfort in the palm of the hands of the manghihilot as it is simple a careful kneading of the meaty parts of the anatomy using a liquid medium such as oil, to provide, a slick smoothness to the action. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to get a massage, so we decided to lounge on one of the woven deck chairs facing the ocean so we could enjoy the summer sun. we were also able to speak with Adrien Uichico, the Assistant General Manager who was kind enough to tell us more about Solana and how it came to be. “At first, we wanted a regular dive resort,” recounts Adrien. ‘But Tita Bea insisted that we do everything first class.” And it shows.
As the sun sets in the horizon, with the sea breeze tickling out faces we knew it ws time to pack up and leave for Manila. Adrien, sensing our regret, invited us to dinner and we were all too eager to stay. I guess can never just get enough of a little taste of heaven.
