Hello all!
Welcome to the Sun Xi Resort Blog.
One may ask, why does a Resort have a blog?
We want to keep you past guests and hopefully future guests informed of the goings-on at the Resort, and a behind the scenes look on what it's like running one.
Sure we could add updates on our main site (www.sunxi-resort.com) but we feel this is a more informal, casual way of interacting.
So...
My name is Timothy Ford, but only my mother calls me that when I'm in trouble. Most people refer to me as Tim, Timmy or Sir. Any of the three make me happy. I have been given the honor and privilege of being appointed the General Manager of Sun Xi Resort. What do I do exactly? well I am constantly traveling between three key locations of the Sun Xi Ventures business.
1. Obviously the Resort itself. Whilst there, I ... well I generally manage (haha!) On a more serious level, I plan upcoming events, for example, the local municipality of Alegria, quite often include our Resort as a stop-over for their tourism tours. Therefore I make sure everything runs smoothly (just) on the day. I come from a hospitality background, mainly working bars. Therefore I take quite a keen interest in running our on site bar "The Hearth Bar". Everything from planning stock, to being the mad scientist mixing together all sorts of alcoholic goodness to come up with our monthly cocktail promotions. Whilst not sat in the bar, as cliche as it sounds, I walk around and see where we can improve, this obviously is a never ending task, but one I'm happy to be a part of. Then theres obviously the back room boring stuff of which I will spare you the details.
2. Subic Bay. This is a tourist destination just off Manila. This also happens to be the site of one of our other many business's "Sun Xi Marine" which I am also involved in. Seeing as this blog is for the Resort, I won't go into too much detail here. Basically, Sun Xi Marine focuses on the boating lifestyle, and we have a number of charter operations on the go.
3. Hong Kong. Sun Xi Ventures (the mother company of Sun Xi Resort) is actually a Hong Kong registered business. Whilst in Hong Kong, I tend to work on a lot of the marketing projects for the resort. This is mainly as, currently at the resort we have no internet capabilities, which can be quite a blessing if you are on holiday, but if you are trying to work, this can be quite a hindrance. So whilst in HK, I am constantly online promoting/planning/corresponding because before long, I will be back at the resort (meaning "radio silence").
Initially when I logged onto this, I wanted to make a brief post, this looks like it is shaping into a bit of novel, which will be my cue to sign off. Please check back here and leave your comments, I shall try my best to update this at least once a month, as well as get some of the other senior management to leave their words of wisdom.
Till then, take care of yourselves and will speak to you soon
-Tim
1 comment:
My first trip to Sunxi can only be described as enchanting and rejuvenating. This echo friendly resort renowned for its quiet panoramic location is just what was needed, a true step back to nature away from everyday city stresses and hectic work pressures of Hong Kong. The great news is that you can actually turn off your blackberry and not feel guilty as the signal in such a rural area was very weak, that said I could pop into the local village at the bottom of the mountain at any time and log on to the rest of world.
Our weekend started when the Sunxi driver met us at Cebu airport with a big smile holding a sign with our name on it. Our luggage was taken to the sunxi truck and we embarked on a breathtaking drive – (about 3 hrs). There were soft drinks and beers in a cool bag to quench any thirst and our driver was only to happy to stop at a roadside café for dinner. Our Sunxi scout that was sitting on the back of the Sunxi truck guarded our luggage as if it was his life – not that there seemed any need for him to do this. As we left the towns behind us there were less brightly coloured jeepneys packed to overloading with people. That said there were still plenty of motorbikes with sometimes five to seven people on them, the villages became smaller and smaller and the breath taking views even more magical. At times we were driving along the coast and it was truly sensational to see the moon’s reflections’ on the water. Our driver clearly knew the road like the back of his hand as he glided through the trucks gears and eased our vehicle around sharp corners and steep hills on the narrow country roads.
When my ears starting popping I knew we must be getting close to our destination combined with the fact that we had been climbing for such a long time. Sure enough we pulled up outside a pretty church and made the climb up the steps to the resort. For those of you that are not so fit this is not an issue, our luggage was carried up by porters that were waiting for us. Adding another Asian touch I believe that shortly there will be a unique Sunxi sedan chair where you can be carried up to the resort light a true princess or prince. Tim the astute Managing Director welcomed me and escorted me to my room, indeed a novel but charming room. After a short tour of the resort and the offer of a drink from the well stocked bar it was time to hit my bed. I fell into a deep sleep being nurtured by nature as I gazed out my window at the stars. By this time Trixie one of the friendly Labradors from the Sunxi kennels was sound asleep beside my bed giving me a very secure and homey feeling.
The next morning a hearty breakfast was served followed by an amazing trek through paddy fields and up the mountain even further, there was even time for a quick dip in one of the mountain ponds. The locals we met on route were all very friendly and only to happy to have their pictures taken. The mountain air seemed to invigorate all ones senses and restore ones energy. Sunxi is truly renowned for its quiet panoramic location. Whether you are sitting outside in the double watch tower come hammock or curled up by the fire reading a novel in the hearth bar there is always something to sooth your senses. This all too short weekend escape allowed me to put a little back of what life has taken, it truly was an utter escape. Sunxi staff are always in the distance assuring their guests a sense of wellbeing in a tranquil and informal ambience. There was always plenty of tasteful local food to tempt your appetite when ever you desired it.
Thank you Tim and also to all of your staff for making this a truly remarkable weekend escape.
Happy guest from Hong Kong
Raewyn V
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