

Vitalis Villas: symphony in blue and white
By
Edu Jarque(The Philippine Star)
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November 12, 2016 – 11:28pm

Santorini in Ilocos Sur: Luxury resort Vitalis Villas is perched on a bluff looking out over the South China Sea.
MANILA, Philippines – Her father had a vision of creating wonders on a rocky hill in Barangay Sabangan in Ilocos Sur. When he went on an extended holiday in Santorini, Greece, he fell in love with the area – and it all fell into place.
Fortunately for Dad, Kristine Singson-Meehan had a career change of heart, shifting from accounting to arts and architecture, and pursued further studies at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, in the Alpine village of Bluche, Switzerland. There, she met Anthony Meehan, who would become her partner in life.
This prepared her to take up her role as president and CEO of ArtStream Hospitality Management Group Inc., as they now operate the Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City, Le Monet within Camp John Hay in Baguio, Hotel Luna in the heritage city of Vigan and the Staylite in Candon City.
And with much research, discussions with friends and associates, Kristine – inspired by the patriarch – together with engineer Eduard Yu, laboriously sculpted multi-level mountains and worked around unmovable boulders to build Vitalis Villas, an immaculate white – with touches of cobalt and navy blue – haven, which recently welcomed its first guests.
“We respected the surrounding natural environment when we constructed the complex. We continuously held on-site inspections to make certain everything was according to its meticulous plan,” shares Kristine. “And yet, we had to make quick decisions, adjustments and modifications along the way just so we could leave nature as intact as possible. This was all in honor of the dream of my father.”
Situated some 360 kilometers from Manila, the resort was named after Macario Vitalis, a Filipino painter born in the buri palm capital of San Juan, Ilocos Sur in 1898 who, as a teenager, sailed across the seas to chase his dreams, and eventually settled down in Brittany, France, where he devoted his entire life to the arts.
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It is not surprising, then, that Vitalis Villas is a prime artists’ colony, with the obra maestras of Vitalis himself, National Artists BenCab and Abdulmari Asia Imao, Spain-based Guy Custodio, Elmer Borongan, Rene Robles, Fred Baldemor and the sculptures of Daniel de la Cruz.
The property is perched atop steep cliffs overlooking the sea and the picturesque Santiago Cove. The signature cave-houses, with white and blue rooms in distinctive Cycladic architectural style, and narrow cobbled streets and winding paths give the vibe of a different country, and yet is enveloped with the history, culture, traditions and natural warmth of the Filipino.
According to Kristine, there are four different phases in the build up of the complex. Phase One features 23 two-bedroom suites, five of which have their own jacuzzis; two one-bedroom spaces; 20 superior deluxe rooms and three infinity pools. I stayed in one of the two-bedroom suites, with an extensive and impressive array of appliances and amenities. And the space, the glorious space, was appreciated, as I sat back in my veranda, overlooking a spectacular panorama.
Phase Two installed the social and recreational facilities, such as the Ionic column-lined Parthenon Grand Ballroom and the stone-themed Petra Restaurant. These are located at the top area, which allows a vista of the majestic sunrise with morning coffee or the splendid sunset with cocktails.
Phase Three will introduce 20 more suites and rooms as well as a bakery, for Filipinos appreciate this staple in their daily diet all the more.
As for Phase Four, “there are on-going discussions that have yet to be finalized, but I assure you it will be more than exciting!” Kristine teases.
Though an ideal go-to spot for rest and relaxation, that’s not all it offers. A quick shuttle ride away lies Vitalis White Sands, a nearby sister property which boasts of a white-sand private hideaway and a watersports center.
Aquatic vehicles such as kayaks, banana boats, jet skis, pedal boats and paddle boats may be used to surf the waters, while holidaymakers enjoy popular group competitions such as Saturn Ball, where participants need to balance on a huge floating ringed ball, and the floating volleyball court, with a huge ball which needs to be handled by the team in
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Unit 909 and 910, The Infinity Tower, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
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