Club Punta Fuego: Join the Club

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches or resorts in a country made up of 7,107 islands, which makes it even more impressive when a premier membership resort club such as Club Punta Fuego, developed by Roxaco Land Corp. And Landco Pacific Corp., makes its mark, finding its place as one of the most popular and longstanding luxury seaside communities in Batangas.

After pushing through the busy roads of  tagaytay ( or Cavite, which ever route you prefer), the short 2..5 hour drive brings you to a provincial beach gem – Club Punta Fuego, located on the shoulder of Peninsula de Punta Fuego, on the beaches of Nasugbu, Batangas.

On this particular day, the cloudy skies from Manila followed us to our destination. Instead of being sun-soaked, we were typhoon-ridden.But it was a short lived inconenience as Club Punta Fuego sees more days of perfect sunshine than any place else. But even with the rain, Club Punta Fuego has its charm.

Initially, the property was developed as a membership only resort club, but wanting to share the unique offerings of “first class recreation facility (with) services and amenities comparable only to the best resorts and hotels in the world”, Club Punta Fuego has opened its doors and now accepts passing travellers who want to get a taste, feel and peek into the exclusive Punta Fuego club lifestyle.

Though highly exclusive and well-known to be the summer spots of the rich and famous, the quiet welcome upon arrival, passing through a posh residential community, communicates a different feel. Warm and casual, Club Punta Fuego removes the intimidating aura of other resorts. Perhaps, standing strong even after 20 years, has allowed it to confidently and comfortably embrace its stature. It is no longer here to compete, but to continue to serve the welcoming members and guests.

Comfortable lounge chairs, a well-tended but free garden where crawling flowering vines curve and weave their way around the trellis at the entrance of the Members Lounge, and walls in soft, worn-out yellow and wooden accents helps to put one at ease. Here,  you are free to do whatever you want, whenever you feel like it. Your time, your rules. Their only mission is that you enjoy yourself every minute of the day and they are there, standing quietly on the sidelines, to serve your every whim.

“We want Punta Fuego to be our members’ and their guests’ home away from home, shares Mikel Arrieta, the general manager. “ And we make sure that our facilities are at par with their needs.”

Despite its homey, casual atmosphere and approach to vacation- living, this doesn’t mean that Club Punta Fuego scrimps on its hospitality and service.  No, it in fact it’s world-class all the way- that’s the only way Mikel would have it.

Mikel Arrieta previously served as the Club Punta Fuego’s chef and after more than a decade of service, he has reached top, assuming the role a general manager. With his background in the kitchen, hospitality and service, Mikel assures that from your  meals to amenities and accommodation, no detail is overlooked and is executed with perfection. Like his leadership, the touch of generosity and thoughtfulness in every detail is inherent.

At the heart of Club Punta Fuego, the cozy beach, the double infinity pool, the restaurants  and bar (San Diego, Il Jardinete and Members Lounge) are within a short walk of each other. After a hearty breakfast buffet or set lunch menu ( they also serve dishes ala carte ), a step outside San Diego reveals a magnetic view of both the infinity pool overlooking the peninsula cove. With the sun shining at your back and the cool breeze whipping up from the waves, and the picturesque view to be enjoyed at every angle,  its a tantalizing scene and sensation that that leaves an imprint on one’s memory.

Our companion, a 16 year old moel from Russian, shrieked with glee when she first set eyes on the crisp blue waters of Nasugbu. Immediately, she removed her shoes and ran to the picturesque beach down below. The other members of the party, who were alighting the van, thought: “What’s the big deal? It’s just another beach.” You wouldn’t be a Filipino if you hadn’t seen a beach in your life. But seeing the sight through the eyes of a girl who hails from a land of snow and ice, setting eyes on the view that inspired her reaction, no explanation was needed, we understood.

In fact, as we made our adventure around the property we would to discover that there are more scenic sports on the peninsula. The peninsula boasts 12 coves, one of which, measuring a 800 meter stretch can be enjoyed at the Terrazas Beach Blue.

Club Punta fuego is, indeed, a prime destination. Developed in 1995, by Roxaco Land Corp. and Landco Pacific Corp.,  as an operational private enclave under Fuego Hotels and Properties, the club was initially inspired by Fisher Island in Miami, Florida, “a Spanish-Mediterranean style residential resort that masterfully combined natural beauty and modern luxury. “ Here, the country’s most illustrious business men and political families find a respite during the weekends and summer breaks. (We would name them but that would be in breach of privacy. But we assure you, the list is impressive. ) Thirty three well-adorned casitas with private verandas to ensure privacy  and picturesque views of the double infinity pool, and 16 luxurious suites are your choice of posh accommodation.

 Twenty years after its inception, the club has since grown to include the Balinese-inspired property Terrazas de Punta Fuego and Punta Fuego Yacht Club, a convenient dock for the wealthy Manilenos and foreign guests who sail from Manila Bay, Singapore, Hong Kong and neighboring countries. At The Terrazas Beach club, you not only have access to a beautiful 800-meter private stretch of fine beach but can avail of the water sports and facilities, hobie cats, jetskis, and many more. The not so-adventurous have cabanas, partially shaded by high-rising tropical trees, which over look the entire cove.  

For families, another recreational feature to be enjoyed is the Turtle Pool, a free-form cascading pool that welcomes guests as they walk in the premises of Terrazas. Daddies, who yearn for a game of golf, have their playground too with an accessible nine hole executive golf course field at the Punta Fuego Golf Club.

Even if you’re not a member of Punta Fuego, you can enjoy all of these exclusive perks:  natural beauties and modern luxuries at an accessible location.

When it comes to vacations and well deserved breaks, time is truly a luxury. Located a mere 2 hours from Metro Manila, and with pools and beaches, docks and gold courses, all within an accessible short walk or golf cart ride away from the main club, Club Punta Fuego recognizes your needs and thus promises an experience that honors your time and the value of your well-deserved holiday escape. 

First published in PeopleAsia Magazine
Photos from official website of Club Punta Fuego