Misibis Bay’s beach is a jump-off point to windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle, jet ski and wake boarding.

Just before dusk at Legazpi Airport in Albay, Mayon Volcano looks majestic on the horizon. It strikes a Zen-like presence—all is bliss, the rest of the world can go hang.

Our destination, Misibis Bay Resort, less than an hour’s drive by van from the airport, radiates a warm, welcoming vibe.

Located in a secluded, five-hectare property on Cagraray Island in Bacacay town, Misibis is a resort for people who want privacy while enjoying the outdoors. Though it has over 100 rooms now due to expansion, Misibis has retained its quiet charm.

The sand on its beach may not be powdery fine, but this is just the jump-off point to activities such as windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle, jet ski and wake boarding.

We join a boat ride to a nearby island, where grilled seafood and chicken, with fresh fruits and cold drinks, are spread for lunch, boodle-fight style.

This is one instance when it feels fine to indulge in a few bottles of beer in the afternoon.

In a nearby island, grilled seafood and chicken, fresh fruits and cold drinks are spread for lunch, boodle-fight style.

Since we are in Bicolandia, it’s good to know that Misibis’ restaurant, Spice Market, serves homegrown dishes, two of which stand out: Crispy Pork Tinutungan, twice-cooked tender slices of pork marinated in burnt coconut milk; and classic Bicol Express, pork simmered in coconut milk with lots of chili.

At night, a light massage upstairs at the Essenses Spa is the prelude to a deep sleep.

Cagraray Eco Park

In the morning, we ride an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) to explore the Cagraray Eco Park. A winding, hilly trail that goes up and down ultimately leads to a stunning view of a cove, with an amphitheater in the foreground.

Back in the resort, we see other guests frolicking in the infinity pool that overlooks the beach, and the lagoon pool that snakes around the restaurant and the garden rooms.

It’s conducive to take a nap after swimming, but it’s also tempting to read the book that you’ve been putting off for sometime due to the daily grind of work.

The lagoon pool snakes around the restaurant and garden rooms.

Misibis Bay is ideal for couples wishing to spend a weekend of relaxation and solitude, yet it’s likewise a great place for small and big families to bond or celebrate special occasions.

Oh, yes, the trip back to the airport is highlighted by idyllic scenes of mountains and rivers and fields of green, with townsfolk walking and looking like they have the luxury of time that city rats are often deprived of.

Misibis Bay, Cagraray Island, 4509 Bacacay, Albay; tel. 09175991606 or 09214873869; e-mail: [email protected]; visit misibisbay.com