And so they drove to a rural town two and a half hours from the city (approximately 100 kilometers south of Cebu) called Badian – a name derived by the Spaniards from a local plant called "Badyang", which used to be abundant in the municipality a long time ago.
Badian Island, across the bay from Moalboal, offered a beauty that has fascinated Europeans since the Spanish era. It was here that the couple discovered a sight unlike any other: Lush palms speckle the private sandy beach that slowly slips into the azure lagoon. A white tongue of sand whisks you out into an inspiring world between heaven and ocean. Fishing outriggers slip silently past the picturesque Cebu Mountains, an atmosphere worth more than ten thousand words. And the evenings are bejeweled with stars reflected by the crystal blue.
Since then, the German couple has set out to provide ways for other visitors to go beyond the superficial beach vacation and to find a refuge in the peaceful island. Hartwig Scholtz, former International Tax Consultant and his beautiful wife Maria have put together the world famous Badian Island Resort & Spa, a sanctuary that allows both foreign and local guests to get all the benefits of nature and submerge themselves in the spirit of the isle.
A typical day might start with an energizing walk along the private white sands facing a lagoon comparable to the clear waters of Pamalican Island or even the Maldivian Atolls. Then, try a dip at the country’s biggest three-level Thalasso pool. Using marine elements such as 100% seawater, seaweed and other sea-based minerals, this pool exclusively found at Badian incorporates both curative and preventive properties. Next, spend a few hours at one of the region’s best spas trying all the diverse offerings and cap the evening with a romantic dinner on board an outrigger boat anchored in Badian Bay.
Hartwig Scholtz and Maria Catral are the ideal guides. Knowledgeable and passionate about Badian’s tourism, spa and health, the very kind couple whose hospitality is as warm as the Badian Summer, convinced me that perhaps there is no better place than Badian to get a new perspective and a new start on health.
"We fell in love with the island," they tell me. Despite the Philippines’ better known image on poverty and pollution, there is the other extreme, "a flower perched on a shrine; a flash of a child’s smile; a wave of color from the local handicrafts; a handsome fisherman gracefully carrying his basket for the day – all smiles…finding and appreciating balance is what made us fall in love with the place."
Badian Island is ideal for a retreat, Maria explains, because it is easy to touch and experience the spirit of the island and experience a sense of self. The philosophy of the resort is for guests to experience the ultimate relaxation of the body and soul and enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people amidst the breathtaking sites and sounds of the pristine surroundings.
It is this wisdom and spirituality that is making Badian more than simply another tropical tourist destination.
"My vision is that Badian will become one of the world’s leading retreat destinations," predicts Hartwig. He explains about how they contribute in preserving the natural beauty of the environment and making Badian into more of a spiritual retreat than a club and party place. "This could be the one positive thing that could come out of Philippine Tourism."
The resort’s natural healing and beauty traditions are already legendary in the spa world. It was the spa sanctuary of Badian that originally inspired other spa destinations in the region to bring beauty, atmosphere and natural treatments together – the birth of modern Philippine spa observance.
International spa lovers in the know have frequented the resort, known as the ultimate and most expensive spa destination in the Philippines. The property boasts of an all-suite ensemble complete with private balcony overlooking the lagoon, glass-roofed panorama bathrooms, Thalasso waterfalls and pool, and the Badehaus – conceived and designed as a sanctuary where guests can discover the secret of beauty and health baths, in an atmospheric serenity.
For nature lovers and active guests, the resort also offers an array of activities: Kawasan Waterfalls Tour (a must!), Orchid garden tour, Glass-bottom boat excursions to view the coral-fringed reefs, Sunset Cruising, Island Hopping, Dolphin & Whale watching, various water sports including a PADI Scuba Dive Center.
Whether you go for a relaxing wellness retreat or an exciting underwater adventure, you decide what you want out of Badian. Check out their website at www.badianhotel.com or email: badiancebu@aol.com.
