Escape to Mangenguey

11/01/2009

Te exquisite Mangenguey is a remote, 13-hectare virgin island comparable in natural beauty to the best in the world. Located at the center of the Coral Triangle in the Calamianes archipelago in northern Palawan, Philippines, it is one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity zones. The area is blessed with over 43 bird species, monitor lizards, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, dolphins and an abundance of other natural wonders: Magnificent century-old cliffs, caves, ancient dwarf hardwood forests, wild orchids and pristine white sand beaches.

Mangenguey is also the home of visionary Spanish designer Helena Carratalà Mander and her New Yorker husband, master builder Richard Mander. Since 2005, the couple has designed and built the very first buildings of what Helena believes to be their ultimate masterpiece: An international island destination for people looking for an exciting journey where they can be intrigued, entertained, as well as enlightened; a place for people who want to experience nature and the arts, engage in exchange of ideas and contribute to a higher cause while enjoying the luxuries of a first class destination.

Mangenguey is now run as an island “private estate” that embodies Helena’s unique and exquisite taste, selectivity and standards, making it all the more exclusive and precious. Her original style runs through everything in the island, from the architecture and décor, to its cuisine and service.

Mangenguey is the perfect destination for people looking for a new and exciting experience. The food is simple, fresh and wonderfully exotic with an international flavor. Guests sit together for meals at the beautiful long dining table with a set menu of Catalan and Filipino fusion designed by Helena and served by a butler. Service is friendly and attentive. (Private meals can be served by request. Meals with specific dietary needs can also be provided with advance notice).

Mangenguey is the perfect retreat to commune with nature and recharge. As Helena wrote in her journal, “I go to hear the silence and see myself.”

Guests can swim and snorkel in the reef, bird watch, or trek through the forest. You may read a book with sea front views from your veranda, play pool with your friends, or watch the sunset while sipping champagne and listening to Maria Callas! The more adventurous can dive in the World War II Japanese ship wrecks in Coron Bay or in the many beautiful reefs in the area. Gourmet picnics complete with butler service can be arranged: A boat will bring you to exotic location, whether uninhabited islands or historical little towns.

The island paradise beckons. Come to Mangenguey for four days and three nights (package for two persons). From Monday to Thursday, suites are at $1,000 (P48,000), and cottages at $625 (P30,000). From Thursday to Sunday, suites are at $1,145 (P55,000) and cottages at $730 (P35,000).

Prices include full room and board with three fabulous gourmet meals per person per day, as well as round trip airport transfers (air-conditioned van and boat rides). Package is available from now until Nov. 30, 2009.

For more information, inquiries, or reservations, go to www.mangenguey.com

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