Luxury enclave by the sea

By Diana A. Uy

A retreat house by the beach, who says no to that?

Imagine a private paradise, where you sit and lounge all day, a delicious cocktail in hand, soaking up the sun, safe from all the cares in the world. The best part is you don?t have to shell out so much nor travel far to get it.

Located in Mariveles, Bataan, less than three hours away from Manila, Camaya Coast is gearing up to fulfilling that elusive prime beachfront property of yours. Developed by Earth&Shore Leisure Communities Corp., the idea is to offer the middle class, balikbayans, even vacationers, a ?premium beach resort and residential community,? highlighting luxury life with style and panache amid coastal, natural environs.

?What we are aiming for Camaya Coast is to make that dream beach house affordable to most,? says Goody Ilagan, Earth&Shore Leisure Communities Corp. president. ?It is an alternative to what people are doing in Tagaytay.?

With an initial capital of P350 million, the project started in the last quarter of 2008 and is set to be finished by 2010. Without disturbing nature, the seaside community is planning to build residential areas, i.e., subdivisions and two-story ?unit-space-unit-space development? condos with decks; commercial establishments?from bed and breakfast nooks to retail outlets and restaurants?and sporting facilities like diving, kayaking, and ATV adventure, to name a few.

The developers are especially very keen on preserving the natural beauty of the site, harmoniously marrying it with the conveniences of modern living. Meaning, every private and/or business owner has to strictly comply with the rules and regulations of the resort community. For example, subdivision rooftops should not exceed the 9-meter height limit, nor will Camaya Coast develop more than 50 percent of the 400-hectare property. Building designs should also adhere to the tropical vibe of the place. Most of the property developments will be overlooking the sea.

?There is going to be a tourism component similar to Boracay [without overexposing or overdeveloping the area],? says Ilagan, who accidentally found the private enclave riding a small boat with a fisherman.

Camaya Coast promises ?rolling hills with amazing views of the South China Sea, mountains, unique cliffs and coves, enchanting waterfalls, a white sand beach, a river that cuts through the forest, relaxing walkways, lush greenery, to name a few.?

The best part is it does not cost as much. There will be properties worth less than a million pesos, starting from the lot. With 30-percent deposit, amortization fees can be less than P10,000, payable within 10 years. House-and-lot packages are also available with in-house financing at 7-percent interest rate per annum.

?We are able to lower the cost because almost everything is in-house?from developing to marketing and designing. We don?t outsource a lot of things. Also we are a smaller company versus the larger ones,? says Ilagan.

With the support of the local government, the developers of Camaya Coast are hopeful that it can promote the tourism industry of Bataan, as well. Once construction is finished, according to Ilagan, Camaya Coast can be a jump-off point to exploring nearby attractions of the province. It is accessible, nature-friendly, and relatively affordable.

?We believe in the project, in nature. We are looking at its proximity to Manila. If you want to buy a beach house, it?s the closest you can get,? finishes Ilagan.

For further inquiries and reservations, visit Camaya Coast?s showroom at G/F Prudential Building Annex, no. 31, Edsa, Mandaluyong City. You can also log on to www.camayacoast.com.