For media practitioners and travelers, the Philippines is the most-admired destination in the Asia Pacific region.

The Philippines is often cited for first-rate beaches, wellness destinations, and family-friendly sites and resorts, specialized spas and wellness centers, scenic and charming resorts.

Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said, “Our country continues to shine as a leading destination in Asia. Time and again we have heard positive feedback about the Philippines’ natural wonders, blessings which should continue to encourage Filipinos to care for these blessings and share them to the world.”

Among the glossiest leading health and wellness publications, Asia Spa and Spa Life Magazines continue to heap accolades on the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu Island which was cited among Asia’s Top 10 Family-friendly resorts, The Farm in San Benito, Batangas and the Chocolate islands of Bohol.

Voted in the Top 25 resorts in Asia by Conde in 2008, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa’s popularity grows day by day, according to Asia Spa.

Meanwhile, Awarded Spa Retreat of the Year in 2008, The Farm, keeps receiving a loyal following, much highlighted by its surrounds – a refreshing canopy of greens as it is a coconut and a coffee farm, and their delectably energizing vegetarian menu.

In their issue dedicated to family wellness, the respected publication chose the best family-friendly resorts in terms of suitability to young children and their attention to providing holiday escapes that are mindful of pampering the whole family.

The magazines also praised Plantation Bay’s water –based activities such as freshwater pools, water slides, mist caves, whirlpools, volcano fountains, rainmakers, and 2.3 hectares of saltwater lagoons, there is guaranteed fun for active parents and children.

Also, a first-rate spa, a golf course and a tennis court, a firing range, and the resort’s rock climbing wall would surely give the big ones a lot of options.

In their recent issue featured award-winning spa, The Farm, in San Benito Lipa Batangas where writer Kris Abbey candidly related her experience, sharing meaningful anecdotes on one of her most rejuvenating retreats yet.

The Farm specializes on the indigenous ‘hilot,’ or the traditional Filipino-style therapeutic massage designed to heal the body’s imbalances, combines the use of virgin coconut oil with medium – to deep pressure strokes to relieve deep-rooted stress and restore health and well-being.

“Filipinos have an innate gift of healing, what with the warmth and caring characteristics of our people. This has been a very vital asset that continues to entice travelers to our shores. We welcome them to a haven, where they can rest and feel at home,” Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions, Eduardo Jarque said.

Durano further explained, “Being acknowledged as a family-friendly destination did not come as a surprise, as most of the sites in the country cater mostly to people of all ages, from all walks of life.”

Also in their pages is a feature on Bohol, with a highlight on Panglao, Balicasag, and Cabilao islands,

Alona Palm, Eskaya Beach, Panglao Island Nature Resort, The Peacock Garden, and Bohol Bee Farm in Panglao were highly regarded as a welcome escape from the usual hustle and bustle of the city, a common experience for urban professionals in Asia.

Tagged by author Catherine Nicol as ‘A natural sanctuary,’ Bohol’s beauty has captivated her, and wrote: “It wipes away months of city living between desk and deadlines, traffic and high-rises, and I’m reminded there is much more to the world.”

Jarque said, “The Philippines is a haven to travelers-on-the-go; those who are used to fast-paced living find genuine rest and tranquility in our islands. That is something we should truly be thankful and proud about.”

He added that this treasure needs to be shared because with of the different challenges arising from the world every day.

The simple act of telling people about the county’s exposure in Asia Pacific media signals our destinations’ readiness in accommodating more tourists,” Jarque said

Aside from family-conducive destinations, the country’s reputation for being among the world’s best sites for wellness holidays is also given another boost in Spa Life, another notable magazine.

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