By DYAN CASTILLEJO-GARCIA

There is more to Sumilon Island for the eye to marvel above sea level.

To get a better scope of how pristine and naturally beautiful this island is, we decided to take a trek that would take us to the highest point of the resort.

Energetic guests who decide to go on this trek are each given personalized bamboo walking sticks to help along the way. We told you this resort thinks of everything.

After about 15 minutes of trekking, we got to a spot that gave us a priceless view.

You can just sit here for hours and simply stare at the sea that surrounds Sumilon.

The end of our trek up brought us to the south side of the island where a lighthouse rests on a protected tree park. Beside it is "Baluarte,”
a historical watchtower built as part of a warning system in the 19th century.

Naturally, we explored it.

At the lighthouse beside the "Baluarte," we noticed bars that led to the top. And you know how we are: if there are steps, we're climbing them.

From the top of the lighthouse you get a spectacular 360-degree view of the island

On our way down we decided to take a shortcut that was more challenging. Of course, all of us were up for the challenge.

We dropped our walking sticks and made our way down. It was more fun this way It was also very obvious how Marc Nelson and Borgy Manotoc made sure their ladies got to the bottom without a scratch.

For all the ladies out there, take note: trekking with your special guy could be a good way to tell how protective and caring he can be.

We made it to the bottom and there was our reward for our hard work waiting for us: a crystal clear blue water white sand beach all to ourselves. It is simply irresistable!

It's as if we stumbled into our own private island we plunged straight in.

The water temperature is just pefect and when the waves hit our bodies, it felt like we were getting a wonderful natural massage. We were definitely feeling very spoiled at this point.

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Another fun thing you can do here at the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort is take a trip on their glass bottom boat.

The resort does not want anyone to miss out on seeing the vibrant marine life that Sumilon boasts of.

So for those who are not comfortable swimming in the sea or for kids that are not old enough to snorkel, the glass bottom boat is a guaranteed way to get non-divers and non-snorklers excited about the underwater world.

We even went further than just being spectators on the boat. We also fed the fish and then we even went further than fish feeding. We even pretended we were the fish I must say. Marc and Borgy can easily become supermodel fish.

One of the most stunning amenities of this resort is their elevated infinity pool.

During the day, you can be swimming in the pool and at the same time be admiring an awesome view of the ocean at night.

The pool looks magical.

Our cameras caught a glimpse of Borgy and Ornussa Cadness taking time out for themselves.

Were they being romantic? Well they could have easily been romantic with each other in a pool like this but we figured they thought that since they were on Sports Unlimited they decided to be more "sporty" than "lovee - dovee" so they started a synchronized swimming performance.

Look at these two: they sure know how to have fun with each other.

I enjoyed my own private time by having a relaxing massage given by Sumilon's skillful masseuse. Instead of having my massage in my private villa, I decided to have it in one of the island's outdoor bamboo gazebos that locals call "payag-payag."

The wonderful thing about having an island massage outdoors is that while you are being pampered. You also get to listen to the natural soothing rhythm care of the tides. This massage felt heavenly.

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On our last night on the island, the staff prepared a very special barbecue buffet in another part of the resort.

As usual, everything was grilled to perfection. But besides the barbecue we had one last surprise. Happy birthday, Borgy! What a great gift to be able to spend your special day, on a special island like Sumilon.

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort is every bit exciting as it is romantic and relaxing from having a massage in their "payag-payag," to kayaking in their natural lagoon, to hiking, or just staring at the spectacular views all around the resort... to biking around, taking a swim in the beach, or a dip in the pool, going diving, going snorkeling and eating to your hearts content.

There's nothing else to say but this island has got it all. An idyllic place for all those planning a "great escape"

Remember the name: Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort.