Sheridan Spa Resort

Palawan’s newest prime destination
By Earl D.C. Bracamonte


As the country’s last frontier, Palawan simply mesmerizes its visitors with breathtaking sights and pristine sand beaches. Its capital city, Puerto Princesa, has a rich cultural heritage and is home to beautiful islands, nature trails as well as teeming marine and wild-life.
Amidst the lush beauty of Nature and tucked nicely in a sheltered cove is Sheridan Spa Resort. This modern hideaway is ensconced in a landscape of enchantment and fantastic rock formations, above and below.
Facing the emerald waters of the vast South China Sea, the resort hotel is spectacularly located in the heart of Sabang’s soft-sanded beachfront. A two-hour drive from the airport, the land travel to Sheridan will certainly thrill you with its panoramic vistas and interesting topography of karst uplifts and limestone ravines dotting expansive verdure and rainforests.
“We opened last July and we are now in the process of expanding the rest of the 4.3-hectare property. At the front area will soon rise chalet and villa-type buildings for honeymooners. We have 15 solar panels providing support power. As part of community involvement, Sheridan helped build the local church and will readily extend assistance in times of calamity. Most of our manpower comes from the local community,” shared corporate general manager Ed C. Tongco.
Sheridan Spa Resort boasts of 94 elegant rooms and suites that feature Asian-inspired contemporary interiors decked with local artistry. Combined with the amenities of international standards, this Sterling Group preferred enclave spells unparalleled comfort and world-class luxury. That the entire facility is categorized as a ‘green’ hotel makes it all the more endearing. In fact, the first thing you will notice upon entry unto its sprawling grounds are the solar panels under every lamp post.
Guests can simply indulge in Triple-A room amenities that include LCD cable television, a mini-bar, safety deposit box, coffee & tea making facilities, hot and cold shower, bathroom accoutrements like bathrobes, slippers and hair dryers, and most importantly, free WiFi connection that works inside and outside your room. This is a very important communication feature that not even most of the deluxe hotels in Metro Manila can boast of. You’ll be globally connected while sipping cocktails by the pool or simply browsing the Net from your own veranda.
“After Palawan, we plan to acquire a property in Oton, a town about 11-kms outside Iloilo City, which we will convert into a convention center. We plan to open said facility, after refurbishing it, towards the end of 2012. After that, we will set our sights on pipeline projects in Guimaras Island and Mactan in Cebu. The Guimaras project will be akin to El Nido while the one in Mactan will be a deluxe high-rise facility. We also plan to put up a high-end city hotel in Puerto Pricesa to complement our spa resort,” informed managing director Jacqui Tan, during an intimate media colloquy.
Gourmands can look forward to delectable menu selections at several F&B outlets that feature the finest gourmet cuisine; with local and international fusions as well as healthy options of organic produce straight from its own farm. Stimulating cocktails (or mock-tails, if you prefer), refreshing juices and smoothies, inspired by the beauty and bounty around, await to quench your thirst. And for a change of ambiance, you may opt to have your dessert with their signature coffee by the lobby lounge or at the glass-covered gazebo.
For a dose of fun and excitement, visit the renowned Subterranean Underground River and the Mangrove Park on your way back. Twenty minutes away by motorized banca, you’ll be thrilled by the many interesting features that make this natural wonder a finalist in the Seven New Wonders of Nature list of International Heritage Sites.
The world-famous underground river of Puerto Princesa is the longest navigable underground river in the world. Discovered in the early 19th century, the protected area was opened to the public during the time of the late Pres. Marcos. While the underground river has always been a favorite tourist destination, it was only under the tenure of Mayor Edward Hagedorn that it enjoyed massive exposure and accolade.
Be sure you’ll not miss the very informative mangrove paddle boat tour. Mangroves are very important in supporting the rich marine life in any region where smaller fishes feed and reproduce. This educational tour apprizes tourists on our wetlands role in the ecosystem. Unbeknownst to many, mangroves clean sewage waters before flushing them back to the sea and rivers so they become drinkable water again. Ever wondered how people in the Agusan marsh survive?
After a dose of adventure from either riding the all-terrain-vehicles (ATV), sight-seeing, zip-lining, spelunking, jungle trekking and/or beach-combing, simply relax and take a plunge at their fabulous lap pool while enjoying an assortment of concoctions from the pool bar.
And to ease off fatigue and tension from all the adrenalin you’ve pumped, hie off to their spa and be pampered with a treatment of your choice. Health and beauty options using natural aromatherapy oils, herbs and spices harness the ancient healing powers of traditional remedies like their signature Hilot to ease out the tiredness in your systems. The caring hands and intuitive touch of Bali-trained therapists use simple sensory applications guaranteed to soothe the senses and do wonders to an aching or stress-filled being. Other personalized treatments include body massage, facial, wraps, and body care.
For those on a business trip, corporate outing and/or those celebrating special occasions like debuts and wedding receptions, their convention center can sit up to 500 covers. For intimate groups, a wide range of function rooms with state-of-the-art equipment makes it efficient and convenient for any event to run smoothly.
Sheridan Spa Resort is located at Brgy. Sabang in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. For more details, simply check their Web site, www.sheridanbeachresort.com.