Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park - Everything you want in a Getaway

I love taking my children out especially during summer. I know that they need a break from school, so I always try to look for kid-friendly places that they might want to visit and enjoy. Recentky, I discovered a place where I can easily bring my family without worrying too much about the traffic and long travel.

I had a great time with a small group of bloggers at the Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park.  We left Starbucks 6750, Makati City around 10:15 am and arrived at Island Cove 10:45am. It was my first time in Island Cove. We were welcomed by Ms. Malu N. Samaco, Executive Assistant Manager of the Island Cove at the iCafe and had a refreshing watermelon shake. They also served us desserts like Oreo Cheese Cake, Cappuccino Mousse cake and my favorite was the red velvet cupcake.

iCafe' offers coffee, shakes, quick meals and sweet treats

Red Velvet Cupcake at iCafe

History

Our group proceed to the Hotel area. They just recently finished major renovation of their accommodation facilities. According to Managing Director Gilbert Remulla, the rooms are now more in tune with the times with USB charging ports, wi-fi internet connectivity, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms, while still maintaining a Mediterranean feel. 

Yes, Island Cove is managed by Gilbert Remulla, I have known him as a reporter of morning and evening news in ABS-CBN. Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park was once known as Pulo ni Burunggoy. His father built it in the early 70's and opened  it on June 12, 1976  as Covelandia Island Resort. From 1976 until 1985, Covelandia Island Resort was highly recognized in the Philippines. Its reputation for excellent service and deluxe facilities made it a very popular tourist destination. The economic downturn of the 1980's did not spare Covelandia, it closed for 12 years. Then the island was redeveloped and reopened its doors to the public on October 11, 1997. Its new name was Island Cove. In 2003, an animal sanctuary called Animal Island was added to the island’s attractions. It is home to different species of reptiles, mammals, and birds. In 2005, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park was ISO 9001:2000 certified and accredited by the Department of Tourism as a triple “A” resort.

Where to stay?

Family Deluxe Room

Island Cove offers a budget-friendly rooms. They are  particularly proud of their premier de luxe and family de luxe rooms, as well as the junior suites and villas. Family de luxe room occupants get 30% off on kiddie meals.

Premier Deluxe Room

If you book the premier de luxe room, you will receive complimentary assorted pastries and you won’t be charged separately for the contents of the minibar, you can consume everything that’s there! 

Two-bedroom Junior suite

Villa

The junior suites and villas are very spacious and will be much appreciated by groups. Aside from a jacuzzi and pool in the hotel complex exclusive to checked in guests, some sports and recreation facilities are also available to them for free.

WildLife Sanctuary

We visited the Island Cove WildLife Sanctuary. You will see there different species of reptiles, mammals and birds. If you love animals, you will surely love this place.

It was nice to know that the animals here have a large open spaces with a huge room to move.

Ostrich

I'm glad that this 15-foot python was noticeably relaxed that day. I even had the chance to touch it.  We don't see animals like this most of the time, so I was glad that we ventured this place. The staff here are very friendly and helpful. They helped us to feed the ostrich up close. Overall, I enjoyed my day here!!!  I would love to visit again and bring my kids here.

Crocodile Farm

Since Island Cove is pet-friendly, you can even bring your family dog when you want to visit and enjoy the facilities they have.

From Animal Sanctuary, riding in horse drawn carriage (Kalesa) going to Sangley Point where we had our lunch was a fun experience for me. It felt like I was in a Spanish Era, or maybe "haciendera" as I feel the warm relaxing ambiance at the resort.

Sangley Point

Sangley Point features western-style cuisine managed by Executive Chef Vill Purificacion

Lechon sa Pugon

According to Chef Vill, the lechon sa pugon was slow-cooked in their brick oven for 2-3 hours, it comes out less sinful because a lot of the oil and fat drip out. The lechon skin was so crunchy,  the meat is moist and tender and the texture was so good that you will enjoy every bite of it.  

Pork Barbecue

I loved the food that they served to us during lunch. The baked salmon as well as the grilled boneless soy chicken are my favorite. Their home-made bacon barbecue was so tasty and superb. Each dishes is good for sharing and I also recommend you to try their special home-made sauces for each dish.

Baked Salmon

Grilled Bonelss Soy Chicken

Oceania Swim and Splash Park
From dining at Sangley Point, some in our group spend hours of swimming at the Oceania Swim and Splash Park. They have 350-square meter kid-friendly splash park to Oceania. Safety is of paramount importance so they installed colorful, water safe rubber flooring to minimize the possibility of accidents. The main pools of the Oceania Swim and Splash Park retain the 4 giant sliders and giant inflatables.

Sangley Point is just a few steps from the Oceania and Splash Park where guest can also order food and some refreshments. Binalot  is served wrapped in banana leaves with rice, tomatoes, salted egg, friend saging na saba and your choice of Filipino dish like inihaw na liempo, adobong manok, fried chicken, daing na bangus and more...

Island Spa

I had an hour of Swedish therapeutic massage in the afternoon. The Spa was not busy during that time, I was able to relax and had a great "Me-time". The staff was very friendly and helpful. The facility is beautiful and very clean. They served us hot teas that was good. I love the oil that they use, it does not leave a sticky feeling on my skin.

King Crawler

They also have a new outdoor playground for kids. This vertical urban play structure combines several functions including different types of play and climbing opportunities. The brightly colored ribbon-like platforms stand out as if they are floating between the muted posts and wire mesh walls. The whimsical design of the King Crawler lends itself to enhancing any architectural landscape. Kids will surely love the swing, slide and climbing structures here.

Fishing Village

Our last stop was at the Fishing Village.  It is a Filipino-themed restaurant that is pleasing and worth visiting. Facing Manila Bay, the Fishing Village has 21 bamboo huts atop the water and has a very impressive views of the Manila and Makati Skyline. It is a great place to bring your friends and family. If you wish to simply dine-in, enjoy Filipino food with balikbayan family or friends, Fishing Village is a nice place to be.

Sungkaan- an impressive twist on Sungka, serving up some Pinoy favorite finger food like mangga't bagoong, kwek-kwek (quail egg), chicharon, sweet and spicy dried squid, kinilaw and assorted nuts.

Pinoy Favorite Meryenda - Maruya with ice cream, Halo-halo, Camote cue with ice cream, Sago't Gulaman, Pancit Palabok and Arroz Caldo 

Overall, it was a fun and relaxing day for me. The whole day is not enough! Thank you Island Cove. I will definitely coming back. The next visit, I will bring my kids at the King Crawler, Wildlife Sanctuary and Oceania Swim & Splash Park. Also, I will be coming back to see and experience Adventure Zone that has a paint ball arenas and air soft game site. As well as the Cove Maze Challenge. 

How to get to the Island Cove?
Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

For more information, log on to www.islandcovephil.com

Call (046) 434 0210

Email: inquiry@islandcovephil.com

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