We arrived in Kapuluan Vista Resort in Pagudpud at already close to five in the afternoon on the first day of our Ilocandia Getaway due to the delay in our flight. The resort is at the end of the scenic road along the coastline of Maira-ira Beach or more popularly known as the Blue Lagoon.
We chose to stay in Kapuluan along Blue Lagoon as opposed to resorts along Saud Beach mainly because our friend S. stayed there a few years back and highly recommended it . Supposedly, the waters here were much calmer than in Saud. Unfortunately, as we were soon to discover, that wasn’t the case. But more on the comparisons of the two beaches in the coming posts. 🙂
Anyway, at least with respect to the resort itself, our Ilocandia expert, B. (who stayed in Saud the last two times she was in Pagudpud), pronounced that Kapuluan was the one of the nicest, if not the nicest, resort in the area.
Weeks before, I made our reservation for our 2 night stay (May 31 and April 1) through the resort’s mobile contact number (reservation upon 50% bank deposit through BDO). I had no trouble with the reservation and the staff, Olive, was very pleasant and helpful with essential information such as how best to get to the resort from Laoag. However, they sent me a text message for us to bring appropriate clothes for the cold weather only when we we were in the airport. And my God, it was REALLY COLD the first night we were there (if you didn’t know yet, summer came late this year). I had to ask for extra blankets and layer my clothes for sleeping.
We reserved a dormitory type fan room. Right off the bat, I found it too small for four girls and all our stuff.
And the clincher was that the bathrooms were communal and located outside the room. I knew about this from the resort’s website but it wasn’t until we got there and was given a firsthand experience of the logistical challenges that I realized I can’t do communal bathrooms. Plus, our eternally delicado travelmate, ANT, wanted hot water for her shower (which turned out to be really important due to the cold weather).We were so lucky that one of the guests canceled and a Standard Room became available. Bigger bed, bigger room, aircon (although we really didn’t need this) and a big & nice bathroom (with hot water!)
The resort was very laid back and quiet, which is nice but somewhat unnerving at the same time, especially at night, when the winds were fierce and howling. They have a pool in the middle of the resort, which we never tried because, once again, it WAS VERY COLD. 🙂 Because of the strong winds whipping our hair and the really cold air, there were times when we could imagine ourselves being in Baguio or Batanes actually 🙂
Although the resort was quite full, we only saw a handful of our fellow guests at mealtimes. One aspect of the design that I think they should improve is the lighting of the resort at night. Kapuluan doesn’t have any foot lights / garden lights to light the way from the dining area to the rooms, which will go a long way in making the whole place cheery and cozier. While the room rates were already based on peak season rates, it really felt like we were there in the off-season. As I said, we were early for the late summer 🙂
That being said, it was also kind of nice to be in the resort at that particular time. If the trip weren’t a girlfriend getaway, I would really find the resort romantic. It certainly had its charm, even in the “off season”,with giant gumamelas (hibiscus) all over the place—grown right in their own garden 🙂 I have to tell you that the signal for Globe is very weak so I couldn’t call, send or receive text messages. You know what, surprisingly, after a while this circumstance became quite liberating and added to the relaxing atmosphere of my vacation—a chance to really get away 🙂 They do have wifi in Kapuluan Grill for those who can’t resist going online (I ‘m proud that I was able to resist going on Facebook!)
We also know that Kapuluan is the most popular resort here for surfers (surfing season is supposedly from August to November). It’s not hard to imagine how the place will feel with all the cute surfer dudes running around shirtless 🙂 So if and when I get into surfing (then again, maybe even if I don’t), I think the next time I go back to Pagudpud, I’d still be glad to stay in Kapuluan again 🙂
Pictures of Blue Lagoon and the food in Kapuluan in the posts to come. In the meantime, I wish you more travels (and margaritas too!) Cheers! 🙂
{For Sunset Goddess Manila’s TRAVEL GUIDE TO ILOCOS, click here}
Visit Kapuluan Vista Resort at www.kapuluanvista.com
Call or text at 0920-9522528
Peak Season Rates PER NIGHT (inclusive of breakfast per pax)
Dormitory- P650/pax; can fit up to 4 persons
Standard- P2700 for 2 pax and P550 for extra pax
Deluxe – P3700 for 2 persons and P550 for extra pax
Deluxe with Loft – P4750 for 4 persons and P550 for extra pax
Authentic Nike Sneakers | adidas adizero prime finesse track spikes for kids – Reflective’ — Jofemar – Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 ‘Citrin Non
comeback again to ilocos norte, especially in Kapuluan Vista all the way better now. One great ilocos norte. 🙂