Costa del Sol – one of two swimming pools
After our swim at Mykonos Village, we again boarded a jeepney for the short drive to the charming hamlet of Costa del Sol, which literally translates to “Coast of the Sun.”
Check out “Balesin Island Club” and “Balesin Island Club – Mykonos Village“
Entrance arch
This village, drawing inspiration from the quaint, coastal towns within the province of Malaga of Southern Spain, features handsome Spanish colonial architecture with arched thresholds, imposing stucco walls and manicured courtyards.
Entrance driveway to Casa Grande
Our jeepney entered Costa del Sol’s serene, palm-lined driveway and dropped us off at Casa Grande, the main signature dining facility, where Jandy and I were to have a late lunch. Upon entering, we were welcomed by its warm and cozy classical Spanish style interior.
Interior of Casa Grande
Its menu features Spanish favorites, Their selection of tapas includes tortilla de patatas (traditional Spanish omelet), callos a la Madrileña (ox tripe and chorizos in tomato sauce), tortillas de chorizo (Spanish omelet with chorizo) and beef salpicao. There are three types of paella – Valenciana (mixed seafood, chicken, ham and chorizo), Mallorquina (seafood on saffron rice) or arros negre (with baby prawns in squid ink).
Other items in the menu include almejas a la pobre (baby clams with crispy garlic and gravy sauce), gambas al ajillo (river shrimp in garlic and olive oil with paprika), bacalao a la Vizcaina, and the always popular cochinillo asado (a suckling pig with tender, juicy meat and the crispiest, tastiest skin, order at least six hours ahead and good for 6 to 8 people). Jandy and I tried out the beef salpicado (beef tenderloin cubes in garlic and olive oil with paprika).
White sand beach in front of Costa del Sol
All these can be enjoyed with a pitcher of sangria or with a bottle of Rioja from the restaurant’s extensive wine list. You can dine in one of the four uniquely designed private dining rooms—Vista de la Playa, Vista del Mar, Marbella Club, and Puerto Banús.
In the afternoon, you can gather on the veranda for a plate full of churros con chocolate. Alternatively, you can spend the evening for after-dinner drinks in Alhambra Lounge, a decadent, Moroccan-inspired sanctum infused with a warm mystique that will allow your mind to drift away while you relax with a glass of fine Spanish brandy.
Room 12
Come evening, we all checked out of our villa at Phuket Village to check in at two luxurious rooms (11 and 12) at Costa del Sol.
Check out “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Phuket Village” and “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol“
Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.
Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila. Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231, E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.