Northstar

15 ATF OFFICIAL SUPPORTING DAILIES | destination\\\Philippines 15 www.travelweekly-asia.com PHOT0 CREDIT: ISTOCK aims to recharge the mind, body and soul through a variety of different retreats that range from three to 21 days. Luxury accommodation, healing spa treatments and nutritious dining complete the package. What to do Diving enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the Philippines, as some of the world's highest density of coral species and the most bio-diverse and marine-rich waters in the world await. Among the hundreds of diving hotspots are: the UNESCO World Heritage site Tubbataha Reef; Coron Island, where the best wreck diving sites Banaue Rice Terraces, which start from the base of the Cordilleras and reach up to several hundred metres, and the Chocolate Hills on Bohol, so called due to their resemblance at the beginning of the summer season to chocolate bonbons. For a taste of rich, old-world heritage and culture, stroll the streets of the historic town of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. where the well-preserved Spanish-style architecture includes some 150 stone houses that stand in the town's Mestizo District. St. Paul's Cathedral, Plaza Saucedo and Plaza Burgos are also worth a visit. Horse-drawn kalesa tours are a nice way to explore. The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is a pulsating hub that blends East and West. Major attractions in the city include San Agustin Church, Rizal Park and the National Museum of the Philippines. Where to stay Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila is housed in a landmark mixed-used complex which also houses Kerry Sports Manila, the city's most comprehensive indoor lifestyle and recreation destination. The 576- room hotel includes four specialty suites along with more than a dozen restaurants and bars. The new 347-room Conrad Manila is located at the forefront of the Mall of Asia complex in the heart of the 42-hectare Bay City development. Suites and executive rooms offer picturesque bay or city views along with access to the executive lounge. The hotel has six restaurants and lounges and an infinity swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre and the Conrad Spa, which offers locally inspired treatments using organic ingredients. The spa has six treatment rooms with soaking tubs and a private sauna. Newly-opened Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is situated right on the northern tip of Boracay in Punta Bunga Cove. Set amongst a sprawling tropical forest, the upscale resort features lush landscaping and an immense 3,300sqm pool area. The resort has 312 contemporary rooms, seven restaurants, meetings and events venues, and a serene wellness centre and spa. can be found; and Apo Reef National Park, the largest atoll-like reef in the country. Having one of the longest shorelines in the world where crystal clear waters wash over fine white sand do make for some of the most picturesque beaches in the world, so a visit is practically mandatory. Boracay, located in the Western Visayas, is a seven-kilometre-long island and serves as a hotspot for not just beautiful beaches but a pulsating nightlife as well. The more laid-back beaches around El Nido in Palawan may be further afield, but they are more than worth the journey for the sky scraping cliffs, thick green forest, white sand beaches, and sparkling waters that form a series of magnificently sculpted jade islands. Located in the same province is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. One of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, the 8.2-kilometre river winds its way underneath a mountain range, through the St. Paul Underground River Cave, before heading out into the South China Sea. Other marvels include the Bohol

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