It has always been my dream to see Fundacion Pacita up close the very first time I saw it on a local travel show way back before Batanes became the mainstream destination it is now. There had been several opportunities to travel to Basco in the past but it was only recently that the dream finally became a reality. The cheapest room in Fundacion Pacita costs around Php10,000 per night with a minimum 2-night stay which was way above our budget. From what I've heard, the hotel is no longer open for day tours to the public so unless you're staying in Fundacion, there's no way you can see its exquisite interiors and the amazing view from each room's private deck. Good thing a friend knew someone who allowed us to take a peek of the most beautiful hotel in Basco, Batanes.
The family-owned and operated hotel was named in memory of Pacita Abad, a world-acclaimed Ivatan artist who succumbed to cancer in 2004. Butch Abad, Pacita's brother and the current Budget and Management Secretary of the country, decided to convert the property to a lodge to house Pacita's and other Filipino artists' works of art like BenCab and Araceli Limcaco Dans.
People usually get turned off with Fundacion Pacita's expensive rates but after seeing the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and panoramic hills, I bet its worth every centavo.
How would you like to wake up to this? Pure bliss.
No television and no in-room wifi access but all the Ivatan-inspired rooms and suites are tastefully designed with comfortable beds, air-conditioning unit, toilet and bath and a private sun deck.
But more than its mesmerizing beauty and commanding views, staying in this stunning boutique hotel helps promote and support the local community with its various projects like educational assistance as initiated by The Jorge, Aurora, and Pacita Abad Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Fundacion Pacita is indeed a nature lover's paradise with a big heart.
~o~o~o~
Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge
Brgy. Chanarian, TukonBasco, Batanes, Philippines
Tel.: (63917) 855-9364 / (63939) 901-6353
Website: www.fundacionpacita.ph