There may be many resorts and vacation places that offer weekend fun but nothing compares to an exclusive club experience in a world-class leisure destination that takes a weekend getaway to a luxurious level.

The Funtila family expressed this feeling when they visited Hamilo Coast’s Pico de Loro Cove as a prospective buyer. Angel and Rommel, farm owners in Batangas, fell in love with the place at first sight. They recognized the simple joys that come with owning a club membership at the exclusive Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club — the community’s centerpiece amenity.

Similarly, Lipa-based doctors – Enrique and Melanie Macaso – who meticulously choose vacation trips in between busy schedules and parenting their nine-year-old Luigi, have enjoyed the benefits of club membership. As club members, their regular trips to the site are something that the family looks forward to. They say that such a nature-based leisure paradise is a delight to their son, as he calls the place his own big playground.

For the Funtilas, the decision to invest in a membership at the Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club came swiftly. Their experience is instructive for those who have never owned a club share — it was as simple as entertaining a sales agent in a mall where the family was strolling.

Angel said they experienced gracious service from the agent of Pico de Loro from point of inquiry. After exchanging questions and answers, and receiving brochures and e-mails, husband and wife gave the downpayment even before going for a site visit. It takes a lot of trust to sign up for something that you haven’t physically inspected, but that was what happened.

That kind of faith is not based on a whim. After all, the developer of Hamilo Coast is SM Land, a dependable brand, with the financial muscle to deliver on its promise of a world-class nature and leisure destination.

The Macaso family also goes by this tenet in making a sound investment — making sure that the developer is capable since many real estate projects these days take almost an eternity to complete.

Today, since the doctor-couple does not always have the time to physically check on the progress of their investment, Enrique always makes time to read regular club member updates that they receive through newsletters, e-mails, or on the Hamilo Coast website.

Complementing the social and outdoor scene at the Beach Club, the recently opened Country Club provides a more active and recreational venue. There are a variety of amenities – a pool complex, courts for ball and racquet sports, a bowling and billiards hall, a gym, and spacious locker rooms; a family area complete with a kiddie room, a library, a family restaurant that allows al fresco dining, juice and snack bars, a Wii room, and game and karaoke rooms; and a 350-seater ballroom area.

The Funtilas, who reside in Caloocan, are happy that they no longer have to travel very far to places like Palawan or Bohol for the family to enjoy nature.

Well-paved and secure roads now lead to Pico de Loro, and they are also excited about the upcoming ferry service from the SM Mall of Asia Complex.