IMAGINE a luxurious private enclave snuggled within a 32-km stretch of the hilly Batangas coastline, with 13 coves facing the South China Sea, all for you and your family to explore and enjoy.

The SM Investment Corp.?s (SMIC) first leisure property development is Hamilo Coast, an exclusive 5,800-hectare residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Currently developing the first cove, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Hamilo Coast will soon be home to diverse adventure activities and wellness services exclusive to members. Surrounded by 37.5 hectares of rolling hills and verdant flora, it is a coastal resort facility envisioned by the SMIC to promote wellness via a healthy interaction with unspoilt nature.

Developed in partnership with the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature, Hamilo Coast is also committed to strictly follow low-impact sustainable development and environmentally responsible construction practices. The result is a breathtaking feast of glorious landscapes, gleaming blue waters teeming with rich marine biodiversity, and a mix of rugged and easy trails for families to enjoy.

One of the coves, for instance, has marine life so rich that a seabed of corals surrounded by sea plants has been nicknamed the ?salad bowl? by divers.

?This part of the country has been referred to as the center of marine diversity in the Philippines,? said Wesley Caballa, Sports and Recreation, Hamilo Coast.

Opening this month is The Beach Club, with the Lobby Lounge and Club Reception decorated with Kenneth Cobonpue furniture art. Designed by R. Villarosa Architects Partner and Associates, it has an infinity pool four feet deep and kiddie pool two feet deep; a multipurpose hall and game room; water sports and gear house; tower view deck; skybar; juice bars; coffee shop; sundry shop; massage huts; locker rooms for men, women and children; and a clinic.

The Country Club, to open by yearend, will have an eight-lane Olympic-size infinity lap pool with children?s pool; a basketball court; bowling and billiards hall; rock-climbing wall; fully equipped gym; game room and karaoke room; al fresco family restaurants; three function rooms; outdoor function area; three snack bars; a library; kiddie room; sundry shop; pro shop; locker rooms; clinic and parking.

Resort lifestyle

A two-and-a-half-hour ride from Metro Manila, Hamilo Coast ensures its members will have a variety of activities by introducing a resort lifestyle unique to the place. Enjoy aquatic activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or embark on an adventure on land by hiking, rock climbing or mountain biking with trails created by the professional sports adventure group Sandugo. You can even go camping or bird-watching.

When the day is over, nourish the spirit amid the luxurious elements of nature, all working together to lull the body to rest and relax. Take in the scenic landscape and walk on the beach to view the lovely sunset.

Pico de Loro will have 11 residential, low-rise condominium clusters. Launched last year were the Myrna and Jacana clusters, now sold out. This year two more residential buildings are offered?the Carola and Miranda clusters.

Interiors of each unit will be modern, with large bay windows for a panoramic view and a balcony. Within the residential complex will also rise an international hotel for members? guests, and Boardwalk, an outdoor retail strip.

Regatta dock

Last January, Hamilo Coast was once again the culminating location of one of Metro Manila?s premier water sports events, Manila Yacht Club?s Second Hamilo Coast-Toots Echauz Memorial Cup Regatta. Organized by the Echauz family in memory of esteemed former commodore Toots Echauz, the race that took off from the Manila Bay area is 40 nautical miles away from Hamilo Coast.

Ernesto Echauz, president of Manila Yacht Club, said eight participants with over 100 sailors in all participated in the race, with the fastest yacht docking in at Pico de Loro in just about four hours, thanks to favorable wind conditions.

Manila Yacht Club chair Martin Tanco said for 15 years the sailing club has been coming to Pico de Loro to just hang around and enjoy the beach and the view. Now that SMIC has developed the place, he said it will attract more people to come visit the place.

?We are privileged to be a part of this exclusive, traditional event among yachting enthusiasts in the country,? said Josefino Lucas, project head of the leisure development, Hamilo Coast, and president of the SMIC subsidiary Costa del Hamilo Inc.

Lucas said events such as the Manila Yacht Club regatta is a ?testament to the perfect fit of the Hamilo Coast natural beauty and environment to the leisure and lifestyle [that] yacht sailors seek.?

The regatta also paid tribute to SM Hamilo Coast project proponent Noel Benitez. The Second Hamilo Coast-Toots Echauz Memorial Cup Regatta is the first offshore race for Manila Yacht Club, and the ninth race in honor of Toots Echauz. Beach volleyball and awarding ceremonies capped the event.

?These are just one of the many activities both active and leisurely that families can look forward to enjoying at Hamilo Coast. We look forward to an enduring relationship with the Manila Yacht Club and the Echauz family in the coming years,? Lucas said.