Dive Solana, Mabini, Batangas

"Dive Solana is a premier resort located in Anilao in southern Luzon. This splendid dive-dedicated resort offers scuba classes and underwater photography. Anilao Peninsula is surrounded by the Batangas Bay and the Balayan Bay, both famous their fabulous reefs and vast schools of colorful fish.

There are fourteen cottages that have private bathrooms, air- conditioning, balconies with beautiful sunset views, and are just steps away from the crystal clear water.

So in Solana, the food covers are from Sulu. The bedspreads were embroidered in Paranaque. the pillow cases from Taal, the soap essences from Tagaytay, the cushion covers are by the T’boli, the baskets by the Mangyans. The chocolate and the coffee come from the hills around us. Even the massage therapists are actually masters of the Filipino art of hilot!

More importantly, I had the honor and pleasure to interact with traditional craftsmen at work. I saw them thatching the roof. I saw them carving the columns. The result of their labors give the resort such an integral organic look because the skills used in creation arose from the land. The cogon roof and bamboo beams of our diving pavilion are so wonderful to look at that one almost forgets to get into one’s gear.
Of course, not everything is traditional. The chairs are plastic because they have to be left outdoors. But they are so cleverly made that they resemble their rattan models. And like their rattan counterparts they were also produced by hand using age-old methods.

The pottery is designed by foreigners, using imported methods as we do not have a tradition of high-fired glazed ceramics in the Philippines.

Dive Solana is a family-friendly resort, and there is plenty of space to run around and play. Swimming lessons, snorkeling, and sea kayaking are available. Three sumptuous buffet-style meals per day are served in the open-air restaurant overlooking the ocean. Whether on the fine white beachfront shaded by coconut and talisay trees, or underwater in the clear, cool depths of the bountiful sea, you are embraced by nature at its exotic best, and pampered by the friendliest and most hospitable staff and dive crew in the area."