Working for hours and hours in five or even six days a week can be sooo draining. Sometimes you just want to run to a remote island far from the city and detach yourself from the stress bubble that is your office. Now you mindlessly drift away and reminisce that time when you can just soak your feet onto the cool waters and stroll along the powdery white sand beaches of Boracay; or wade through the deep blue seas of Coron... and then reality bites: you're back in your boring old workstation. You wanted to take a vacation off but then you remember you've used all your vacation leaves last summer and then got sick most of the days in the first months of the rainy season. Okay, though this misfortune may be unlikely, you're still confined to your tremendous work load.
What if I tell you that the beach is just within reach? Not through a lightning fast jet, obviously, but through an equally comfortable setting in the city.
You've probably heard of Azure Urban Residences down south. Perhaps you've glimpsed its tall towers when passing by the Skyway. Or if you live in the south, the residential complex's design may have rendered you curious at some point. Well, here's to satisfy your curiosity.
Azure Urban Residences is an upscale private residential condominium in Bicutan, Paranaque. You can decide to purchase a unit to gain access to its amenities, which for some is a huge leap of investment, or contact an owner who's renting out their pad. As much as we want to acquire a property in Azure, we chose to find a unit we can rent out instead.
Azure's condominium units are arranged in such a way that it surrounds and emphasizes a common central space. The set-up may somehow be similar to the highly developed Miami beach backdrop. However, the attempt to create a modern tropical design is most noticeable through the layout's ability to direct wind flow within the complex, which in effect, enables a very realistic beach experience.
A guest's access is more limited to that of the owner's privileges, but you still get to use the enormous wave pool at the center of the compound.
But let's save the faux beach review for last to build up the suspense. :-p
Out of its currently 7 towers (and counting, as construction of more towers is ongoing) that were named from famous cities/destinations around the world, we stayed in the Santorini tower.
Our room is not really a Greek-inspired suite as the tower name implies, but a regular studio unit overlooking the pool.
It's furnished with the basic items such as a queen size bed, a closet, a sofa, a dining table, TV, phone, a kitchenette with fridge, stove, microwave and sink. Though they say that the furnishings vary from one room to the other, we were lucky to have had all necessities needed for an easier stay. If you decide to bring a group of more than 3 people, we recommend that you pack a sleeping bag/foldable mattress unless you want to sleep directly on the floor. Well in that case, the laminated wooden floor is really not that bad.
Being the impulsive travellers that we are, we were not able to bring food we can cook. It's a good thing the phone line has access to different restaurant and fast food chain delivery service of your choice! If you opt for something light and fancy, you can try their cafe by the pool. There's also an alfresco dining in the area which we weren't able to try though since it seemed too pricey for our very unworthy wallets. :-p
Savoring the beach view from the unit balcony is already a feast in the eyes, but experiencing the beach itself is more exciting! The man-made beach and pool is truly a stunning centerpiece of the complex. We were immediately brought back to the sea as the waves started to roll out. Then the most awesome backdrop sent us camwhoring everywhere.
The beach also features a bar in the middle of the pool where you can hangout and enjoy your favorite refreshments.
On the other side of the pool is a playground that releases water at certain times. Not only kids, but adults can definitely enjoy this sand covered shallow pool and the playground-water feature as well.
This staycation experience in Azure is a quick, but refreshing weekend getaway. White sand, blue waters, cool wind, plus the sunburn you'll get will make you feel like you're really on the beach.
The best thing is, you don't actually have to travel far! Will definitely be back. :-)
This staycation experience in Azure is a quick, but refreshing weekend getaway. White sand, blue waters, cool wind, plus the sunburn you'll get will make you feel like you're really on the beach.
The best thing is, you don't actually have to travel far! Will definitely be back. :-)
