NIKKI Cauton. Photo by MARLET D. SALAZAR
Amorita Resort in Panglao, Bohol, will open its designer accommodations next month.
The concept of Phase 2 is a complete departure from Phase 1, which exudes classic and opulent living. However, it doesn’t mean the new one is anything less. It retains that luxurious feel. What sets it apart is its modern architecture and minimalist interiors.
According to Nikki Cauton, a former litigation lawyer and chief executive officer of One-Of Collection, the hotel management group that runs Amorita, the company may spend up to P300 million in total investments just for Phase 2, which occupies 2.5 hectares of the 5.6-hectare property nestled on top of a limestone cliff in the southern edge of Alona Beach. Phase 1 occupies a hectare, while the remaining 2 hectares are reserved for Phase 3—the much-anticipated Artists’ Village.
FACADE of Phase 2
The group commissioned the services of Architect Ron Miranda for the development of the second phase. He also worked on Amorita’s Phase 1 development. Miranda is working in collaboration with renowned designers Budji Layug and Royal Pineda.
One-Of Collection also manages Momo Beach House in Bohol, Sta. Monica Beach Club in Dumaguete, and the Funny Lion Inn in Coron, Palawan.
Cauton completed his general manager’s program and professional development program on Hotel Planning and Design at Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management in Singapore. He then took over managing the business from another hotel management firm less than a year into the resort’s operations.
THE MASTER’S bedroom of a two-bedroom suite
“The second development phase of Amorita Resort features an organic modern design approach and architectural styling,” explains Cauton.
For honeymooners
Phase 2 includes a new cluster of one- and two-bedroom suites and deluxe garden rooms, a second outdoor infinity pool and complete spa, gym, and fitness facilities. It will also feature the all-new ¡Toma! Wine Bar and an all-day dining restaurant complementing the existing one.
The new development brings Amorita’s accommodations to a total of 97 luxury suites, including the 14 villas that offer a view of the Bohol Sea.
THE BATHROOM of a one-bedroom suite
Amorita Resort offers three packages, Bohol Tourrific, Relaxing Escape, and Lovers’ Getaway.
Tour packages range from P15,000 to P39,000, which include a three-day and two-night accommodation.
Amorita, meaning “little love” in Spanish, was first marketed as a “honeymooner’s place,” which explains certain designs of Phase 1.
As the company matures, so does the hospitality and tourism industry. The luxury resort evolved into a family destination but still remains a romantic destination.
Amorita clearly targets the upscale market.
Cauton says that bookings are split into foreign and domestic tourists.
He adds that, while the affluent market is a tough market to tap, it is also somehow easier because it gives them the leeway to personalize their services.
He wants to believe that it is just one of the things that distinguishes them from the others.
Sustainable development
“We aim to establish Amorita Resort as one of the most sustainable hotel and resort destinations in the Philippines,” Cauton says. “By implementing an organic modern design approach and architectural styling in the development of the resort, we hope to minimize our impact on the environment, increase operational efficiency, and integrate key features of the natural surroundings in Bohol.”
During construction, he says, they chose to use organic, natural materials that are found in Bohol, such as solid limestone, limestone plaster, bare pigmented concrete, bamboo, woven rattan, repurposed timber, recycled gypsum boards and clay accents.
“We also made use of low-maintenance finishes that were based on natural plastered concrete and integrally painted concrete,” he adds. “These choices, which were made to reflect Amorita Resort’s commitment to sustainability, also enabled us to achieve a unique visual aesthetic filled with different patterns and textures that keep the eye engaged.”
Cauton says that his wife, Ria, is “very adamant” in preserving the environment.
So, the landscape design alone reflects Amorita’s “sustainability-driven approach.”
The lush greenery surrounding the property is not only for aesthetic purposes, they are also very helpful in keeping the guest’s privacy. The villas are almost secluded from each other because of the plants and trees.
Zero waste
“We didn’t cut down any trees,” Cauton says. “Existing trees and plants served as our foundation for planning, and we made a conscious effort to plant even more trees and preserve the natural contours of the area. Architect Miranda’s low-density planning made this possible: The density factor of the second phase is only 17 percent; the rest of the property is dedicated to open space and gardens.”
Cauton shares that they are already looking at implementing a zero-waste program. Amorita will soon invest in water treatment systems.
“Whenever we enter into a project, that’s the first we put in,” he says.
He considers this a “social responsibility” to the community they are doing business in. They are not originally from Bohol, but he and his wife found the place too beautiful to resist.
Amorita opened in 2007. Four years later, the group started conceptualizing for Phase 2 and the development followed soon after.
Cauton says that the concept is a collaboration of everyone in the family.
Cauton says Amorita is a work in progress and will culminate in the completion of the Artists’ Village.
“The Philippines is still considered an emerging market, and with all the rebuilding and tourism marketing initiatives launched by both the local government and private sector, we remain bullish on increased tourist arrivals and activity in the region,” Cauton says.
“As an expression of our confidence in our travel and leisure offering, the expansion of Amorita Resort is poised to continue, with a view of having the entire property fully developed and functional by 2020.”