Lakbay Norte 2, Night 3: Kapuluan Vista Resort
Our stopover in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte was Kapuluan Vista Resort (KVR), a laid-back resort owned by surfer couple Mike and Alma Oida. Everything about KVR was so cool and eco-friendly, that it was a pity we only got to stay one night.
KVR exudes an aura of ultimate relaxation and just all around happy vibes. Though it was far from beach weather during our stay, I could see that this is an ideal vacation spot not just for surfers, but for families and friends looking for a great place to stay.
After the heavy buffet meals we had been taking, the organic fare we had for dinner was refreshing and detoxifying. We started off with a plate of sashimi-style Kapuluan Kilawen, which is one of the resort’s must-try dishes. The sashimi in oil was tender and had a subtly salty flavor, offering a great start to the meal.
Next up, came a sizzling plate of seafood sisig, a delectable mix of tuna and squid with a spicy kick. A bowl of healthy cilantro soup with a bread stick warmed us up, followed up with a generous serving of crisp salad greens topped with a zesty dressing.
The main course of dinakdakan (pork belly cooked in coconut milk) and grilled blue marlin served with pechay, salsa and rice was a perfectly balanced meal. The sauce of the grilled pork was especially good that I finished off the meat in no time. The grilled fish was more subtle but went perfectly well with the salsa.
For dessert, there was a delicious serving of Buko pandan with home made vanilla ice cream which cleansed our palate, leaving us feeling refreshed.
Over dinner, Mike told us that all the food in their restaurant was homemade and based on their favorite dishes. All menu items use high-quality, fresh ingredients, that are prepared from scratch, with no preservatives added. All the herbs and majority of the vegetables used in the dishes are picked daily from the resort’s organically grown herb and vegetable garden.
I found the rooms really inviting. The cozy beds were covered with white sheets framed by a gauzy net fabric, and fresh flowers decorated the beds. The bathrooms had a mini-garden with a sun roof on the side ensuring they got light during the day.
A couple of the suites also had lofts with mattresses on the floor for bigger groups. Mike and Alma shared that they like to keep the resort cozy and thus offer only 10 rooms, with an average capacity of 28 guests (maximum 38 guests).
We had to pre-order our breakfast during the night because of our early departure, and the meal of brewed coffee, longganisa and scrambled eggs gave us the energy for our adventure ahead.
Mike says the area offers fantastic biking trails, and KVR offers bike rentals aside from surfing lessons. I look forward to trying out those activities next time I go there. And there will defintely be a next time.
For room rates and more information, check out their website: http://kapuluanvistaresortandrestaurant.com/
Next up: Adventure in Adams Village