Sure you’ve seen Taal Volcano from Tagaytay, but to truly appreciate the magnificence of this natural wonder, you have to get your feet wet, so to speak. Just a short drive away from Tagaytay Ridge is the town of Talisay, whose rich and fertile soil is blessed by the waters of Taal Lake. Because of its strategic and enviable position, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the volcano. Talisay has, in recent years, redeveloped and repackaged itself into a resort town welcoming a wide range of tourists and weekend visitors. Of all the resorts that have mushroomed in and around the lake, there is one that stands out for bringing class and elegance to the area.
Balai Isabel is named after the only daughter of Nelson Terrible, president and CEO of Techno-Asia Construction & Development, the resort’s developer. Opened in April 2007, Terrible says they originally had no plans of opening a resort, since his company specializes in inner city residential developments. But after big name companies like Pepsi Co and HSBC approached him looking for a suitable venue for corporate events and team buildings, developing Balai Isabel into a residential resort property seemed like the natural thing to do.
The resort now has several residential units, as well as rooms available for those looking for a short but relaxing stay. There is also a clubhouse (catered by Makati Skyline), an infinity pool, a wellness center, convention hall, recreation center with a videoke machine, billiards, game room, and Internet shop and lots more. But a definite prize amenity of the Balai Isabel resort is the Mobi-Deep, a multi-function floating bar and pool right on Taal Lake. Chill out and enjoy an unparalleled view of the majestic volcano, while your friends play around in one of the five pools with depths varying from 3 to 21 feet. Invented by a Frenchman, it’s the first of its kind in the Philippines, and is reason enough to spend an unhurried and restful weekend. Whether you’re sampling fresh-off-the-net tawilis or gliding over the waters of the lake on-board a canoe or catamaran the Balai Isabel experience is a unique and as memorable as the enchanting Taal Volcano and Lake.