167amama
Google
A fabulous stay and experience at Sagastrand Resort, that has a beachfront with a beautiful view of the city skyline. This resort is one of the most modern & best valued beach front resort with a European fusion flare in Olango island. ||||I stayed in one of the rooms in the econo cabin, which is a newly built house with 2 individual ac rooms with a very comfortable plush bed and private bathroom. ||||This was my 3rd trip back and I am constantly surprised with the new developments such as a 2nd pool to accommodate the day time guests while the overnight guests have there our own with ample lounge chairs. ||||Besides snorkeling and bird watching in the nearby Olango sanctuaries, I enjoyed unwinding on the outdoor massage bed with a fresh mango shake overlooking the beach in the evening and also, walking along the long dock while watching the local fishermen, who live in the neighboring community, bringing in their daily catch. ||||I actually had an amazing opportunity to have dinner at a fisher family's home as I befriended Nanay Baksi, who worked at the marine sanctuary and who happened to live in the fishing village close to the resort. I was truly graced by her and her family and relatives genuine kindness and hospitality. As we bonded further, she shared about the impact of the pollution, overfishing, and natural disasters that devastated the livelihood of her community. ||||I deeply appreciate all the efforts and hardwork that many invested to help these communities including us tourists as our tourism dollars support those, who patrol the marine sanctuary from illegal fishing for the protection and repopulation of fish in the surrounding areas while also providing funds for livelihood projects, which give the locals another source of income. The marine sanctuary is ran by the Barangay/neighborhood captain, who initiated a coop program to share the profits from entrance fees, sale of their handmade products, and restaurant with the locals managing and maintaining it.||||I also discovered to further help with the communities, the director/manager of Sagastrand, those working at the resort are all locals. Over 5 years, she now employs 30 locals and growing. As well, she provides internships for the local students. ||||Being even a small part of this, by simply enjoying my holidays with genuine beautiful hearted people at the resort and the communities, truly has been an unexpected blessing and a more meaningful and purposeful experience in Olango island.
