09/04/2012 | By: Patty Laurel

We’re going local for today’s TRAVEL TUESDAY! If you recall, a few weeks ago I was stranded in paradise due to the bad weather. Normally, I’m the type who rants about flight cancellations–but this rescheduling was openly welcomed by me and Patrick–because we were in heavenly BALESIN ISLAND! Duhhh!!! This was such a pleasant surprise for me and Pat. We were in the middle of a very stressful work week when my friend and super mama, Amanda Griffin-Jacob sent me a message inviting us to take a little vacay in Balesin. She carefully and lovingly planned this whole getaway for us. She booked every little thing from our plane tickets to our rooms. She also sent her fun TV crew to document our little island getaway so please stay tuned for our feature on Amanda Loving Life. I can’t wait to see it!!!! In the meantime, here’s a mini video captured by our trusty go pro cam!:)

Question: Where is Balesin?

Answer: A destination of unmatched natural beauty located off the Eastern coast of Luzon in the Philippines, Balesin is a 500 hectare tropical island paradise with 7.3 kilometers of pristine white sand beaches. Located 21 kilometers southeast of Polillo, Quezon Province and just 60 nautical miles east of Manila, Balesin is a quick 25-minute plane ride from Manila, yet is a world completely unto itself.

Question: Is it a private resort?

Answer: Alphaland Balesin Island Club is your unique, members-only, private leisure getaway-today and for generations to come. Members will be given 14 complementary days in any of our six themed villages inspired by world-class beach destinations namely: Balesin, Bali, St. Tropez, Costa Smeralda, Mykonos, Costa Del Sol, and Phuket. Members can enjoy the landscaped pools and authentic restaurants while giving them an impressive view of the ocean.

Question: What is the long term sustainable development plan for this island?

Answer: Masterfully planned by EcoPlan of Miami, Florida, Balesin Island Club was designed with the environment uppermost in mind and to be in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings. Water harvesting, 80% water recycling, a reverse osmosis plant, on-site eco friendly transportation, organic farming, and alternative sources of energy reduce the amount of waste and ensure sustainable development on this beauty of an island – without scrimping on luxurious, top-notch facilities.

Question: Aside from sunbathing and swimming, what other activities do you offer?

Answer:Do you love trekking or jogging through the forest, fishing, and horseback riding just as much as lounging on the beach with a good book and a cool drink? Enjoy an active vacation with the Club’s numerous sports, beach, and lifestyle amenities such as covered tennis courts, basketball courts, and horseback trails; book a session at the Zen – inspired spa villas; enjoy the different culinary offerings at any of Balesin Island Club’s many restaurants; or just chill out and enjoy nature, the spectacular views, and the majesty of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re more of a water sports enthusiast, we have a full complement of aquatic sports to suit your fancy: scuba diving, snorkeling, hobie cat sailing, wakeboarding, kite boarding, wind surfing, you name it.

It was practically storming in the entire Luzon but even with the uncooperative weather, Balesin was still absolutely breathtaking! My photos do not do justice to this place because I was only using my camera phone to take photos..trust me, it’s ten times better in real life! Special thanks to Amanda Griffin-Jacob and the wonderful Amanda Loving Life TV Crew. And of course, we’d like to thank Mr. Wilhelm Bolton and Mr. Dadsie Coscoluella of Alphaland for being such wonderful hosts! We were pampered silly by the staff of Balesin. Our deepest thanks to all of you! For more info, visit www.balesin.com 🙂