THERALEISURE:

A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

Chapter 1

Introduction
 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

RATIONALE

Tourists attractions are the major contributors in escalating the tourism

percentage in a certain area or locality. More often, people from other places were

encouraged to visit a certain locality because of its tourists’ attractions.

Resort and spa centers are the major trends nowadays in generating

tourists in a certain area. A tourist attraction that has a distinct feature and additional

attractions will encourage tourist to stay longer and visit the area. Hence, it helps in

enhancing the development of the entire community.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The municipality of Tayug is a progressive town here in Pangasinan, and it

continues its aim of becoming a leading growth center in Pangasinan by the year

2020. With this vision of the municipality, developmental goals have been set towards

achieving its growth and progress. And in order to have a continues growth,

increasing the tourism industry of the area will be a good help.

One of the goals of Tayug is to develop tourism areas and its tourism

sectoral area is targeting to have more man-made tourists’ attractions. Providing

attractions in the area, such as resort and spa, which is a tourism enhancing facility
 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

that is a trend today, will help in encouraging tourist to go and visit Tayug,

Pangasinan.

There were other tourist spots in the area such as resorts but those are just

frequently visited by tourists from other places. Most of the visitors on those resorts

are just the locals in the area.

There is also a park in the area which really attracts tourists from far

places, it is the Sunflower Garden. But the operation of the park is not continuous, the

park only opens on February to May every year. So the tourism growth generated by

this park in the area is not continues.

With this, a new tourist attraction with continuous operation, such as resort

and spa, is needed to generate more tourists coming in the area. Tropical architecture

is a good concept incorporated in designing resort and spa centers.

Tropical design is known for blending in with nature. Having this tourist

attraction that has a distinct feature and additional attractions will encourage tourist to

stay longer and visit the area.

Aside from being a tourist attraction, such facilities contribute to better

service and also increase social and economic growth, hence, helping in achieving the

municipality’s vision.
 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

FOREIGN LITERATURE

Resort and spa centers may generate overall positive economic benefits

such as increase in tourism by attracting tourists to the area. Attractions should be

clustered with the secondary attractions developed near primary ones in order to

encourage tourists to stay longer in the area and make their resort experience

memorable. (2012, https://www.slideshare.net/anneq07/lpu-planning-resort-planning )

Spa therapy are spa treatments and techniques; massage, body scrubs,

body wraps, therapeutic baths (https://www.hairandbeautyjobs.com/career-hub/job-

profiles/view/spa-therapist-profile)

To start with, contemporary tropical

architecture design is used the overall

development of the Ritz-Carlton in Bali. It

uses new technologies and methods in the

design of resorts with tropical architecture

concept.

It is designed to blend with the nature and culture of the in the area. It

establishes contemporary tropical design incorporating traditional architecture and

culture of Bali which makes it the striking feature of the resort.

 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

The spa experience of the resort offers relaxation and supremely comfortable setting

for its guests while reflecting the strong traditions of its island setting in Bali. Its

exteriors portray harmonious blend with nature and its interiors establishes relaxing

ambiance. With this, the resort provides a memorable tropical resort experience for

the tourists. ( 2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company,

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/indonesia/bali/hotel-

overview/press-releases/contemporary-tropical-design )

Just as with Six Senses, Nin van bay resort in

Vietnam sits on a background of dramatic bay that

gives the feeling of an island, with impressive rock

formations that overlooks the east Vietnam sea.

White sand beach and towering

mountains add to the sense of being intimately at

one with nature. The resort presents the reality of the destination, with an architectural

style incorporating traditions of Vietnamas well as boasts beachfront and over water

villas, nestled into the islands rock formations.

In terms of sustainability, Six Sense van bay spa improves the ecological

and carbon footprint from activities associated with the resort and spa operations. To

comply with these Vietnamese and international legislative environmental

requirements, such as environmental, public and occupational health and safety,

 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

hygiene and employment legislation, they give preference to the emoployment of

persons living in Ninh Van Bay or nearby areas, local products and services which do

not adversely affect the resorts operational activities, viability and environmental and

social impacts such as energy conservation now includes solar panels for water

heating, as well as water heating, as well as rain water catchment and sustainable

distribution. Small contributions to waste management have a big impact as well as c

oral restoration project and other wildlife.

They also have an Earth lab tour offered everyday by sustainability team,

which allows guests to visit and gain insights of their sustainability projects and

initiatives such as the mushroom hut, organic garden, chicken farm, alembic distilling,

water treatment, and solar hot water system which reveals scientific yet practical facts

and figures that offers awareness and imparts information to persuade visitors to

modify their daily behaviour and encourages sustainable practices.

https:www.myoverseaswedding.com/wedding-destinations/Vietnam/six-sense-ninh-

van-bay

Similarly, Risata Bali Resort and Spa is a

4-star hotel Kuta, Indonesia which features

a spa and large outdoor pool with a bar

among natural sorroundings.

 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

It features modern amenities, rooms which are decorated with Balinese elements and

dark wooden furniture. It also has a library set in a traditional Balinese outdoor

pavilion and a free fitness center. Families can bring their children to the playground

and kid’s pool.

https://www.agoda.com/en-gb/risata-bali-resort-spa/hotel/bali-

id.html?device=c&network=g&adid=50474987975&rand=13519332846371867178&

expid=&adpos=1t1&site_id=1622937&tag=a9c33367-276c-4d3f-8bfb-

94c4b1f9fe88&url=https://www.agoda.com/en-gb/risata-bali-resort-spa/hotel/bali-

id.html&gclid=EAIaIQobChmIvb70883X3QIVSB0rCh3p-

AUVEAAYASAAEgJodPD_BwE

Meanwhile, while there’s a good side of escalating

the numbers of tourists in one place which results

into a good economic growth, along with it is the

threats of environmental conflict, that may arise as

time passes. This conflict with the environment may otherwise jeopardize the

continuous operation of any business if future assessment such as planning and

design is not well comprehended in the first place. Just as with Thailand, well known

Maya Bay will shut down from June, for four months a year, due to unexpected

environmental conflicts.
 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

“Islands have very fragile eco-systems that simply cannot handle so many people,

pollution from boats and beachfront hotels," said Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a

marine expert in Bangkok.

Thailand ended up closing dozens of dive sites to tourists in 2011, after an unusual

warming up of seas which causes severe damage to coral reefs in the Andaman Sea, a

one of the world's top diving regions. Other islands as well shutdown in 2016.

“More than three-quarters of Thailand's coral reefs have been harmed by rising sea

temperatures and unchecked tourism”, said Thon, who last week recommended

limiting visitors to its 22 marine parks to 6 million a year to enable their recovery.

Recent research showed that Southeast Asia is expected to bear the weight of rising

damage to coral reefs, thus depriving fishermen of incomes and leaving nations

exposed to incoming storms and damage from the threats of surging seas.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/04/05/18/thailand-philippines-to-close-beaches-to-recover-
from-climate-change-touri

LOCAL LITERATURE

In Philippines, its strategic location gives it a warm humid climate. With this climatic

type, principles regarding natural ventilation to cool a home or a building shall take

into higher considerations.

 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

To start with, The Bellarocca is situated

off an island in the southwest coast of the

Marinduque province, between the

southeastern portion of Luzon and

Mindoro islands, Marinduque.

The resort operation aimed to integrate

leisure with a holistic wellness facility and organic luxury. Bellarocca’s total of

seventy (70) accommodations are designed with relaxation and discreet luxury in

mind. Bellarocca offers fresh and modern accommodation spaces of fine proportion

and are beautifully appointed in classic Mediterranean architecture fused with local

cultural flavors and influences.

Bellaroccas architecture and design is another factor that sets the resort apart. Based

on the resorts principle of organic luxury, the rooms and common areas are well-

appointed, and an effort is made to integrate nature throughout. The villas and

structures are providing wide projecting windows that will let the northeast and

southwest breezes to enter the inside areas.

https/:www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Reviews-g1026955-d1547488-Reviews-

Bellarocca_Island_Resort_and_Spa-Marinduque_Island_Mimaropa.html
 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

Just as with the Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island, Davao is establishing

tropical architecture in its building designs. Using the available resources in the area

which made the structures looks like its

blending in with nature. The materials used

in the resort’s structures were minimizing

heat gain and at the same time protects the

structures from harsh environment. It gives

a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

The structures used a double skin façade to prevent heat gain. Also used new

technologies such as inverter type of air conditioning to provide more comfort among

the users. Indigenous materials were used such as bamboo, coconut and rattan that

blends well with the location and in nature. ( 2012, Man᷈osa and Company, Pearl

Farm Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao,

http://www.manosa.com/~manosa/teddy/project.php?/architecture/hotel-resorts/pearl-

farm-samal-island-davao/&id=13# )

Similarly Princesa Garden Island Resort

and Spa is a five star hotel located in the

quiet village of Bancao-Bancao.

The Resort features Asian-themed

architecture, which blends in perfectly with the extensive grounds, gardens and

tropical plants, including palm trees

 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa is designed with an Asian themed wooden

architecture, that blends well with its surrounding environment .

The resort has its “green is the way to go” campaign, and has its own wastewater-

treatment plant and desalination system.

Combined with the use of solar panels and local natural materials, this extra step helps

lessens the resort’s overall carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

Its combination of lush palm greenery and oceanfront mangrove is where the island

resort really stands out.

There are 78 Asian-themed luxurious rooms, suites and villas, including Ocean Front

Villas, ideal for honeymooners and those seeking a higher level of privacy.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2018/01/princ

esa-garden-island-resort-and-spa.html/amp?source=images

Meanwhile , while there’s a good side of escalating

the numbers of tourists in one place which results

into a good economic growth, along with this is the

threats of environmental conflict, that may possibly

arise. This conflict with the environment may otherwise jeopardize the continuous

operation of one’s business, such as resort and spa if its planning and design does not

take into higher considerations in the first place.

 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

The closure of the Philippine resort island of Boracay, one of the nation's major

tourist destinations, as well as the most vulnerable to climate change was set for six

months starting April 26, 2018 as part of the government's efforts at the

island's environmental rehabilitation.

As stated to the Western Visayas regional office of the Department of Tourism,

Boracay had two million tourists in 2017 which accounts for 34 percent of Western

Visayas' 5.8 million tourist arrivals.

Pollution in the island has been aggravated by sewage dumping directly into the sea,

and warned of a growing environmental disaster with buildings constructed too close

to the shore.Waters along the beaches of Boracay have experienced algal

bloom which environmentalists and some long-time residents claim to be an indicator

of pollution and deteriorating water conditions. The Malay municipal government,

some business operators, and some residents insist that the algal bloom is a natural

seasonal phenomenon that usually occurs annually in the summer, and occurred on

Boracay even before the island became developed.

Recently, the Boracay Island Water Co. plans to operates the sewage network of the

said place which accommodates only 61 percent of the island. The island has two

central sewerage treatment plants with a total capacity of 11.5 million liters/day, one

in Barangay Balabag and another in Barangay Manoc-Manoc. A construction of a

third plant is envisioned in Barangay Yapak with a capacity of 5 million litres/day.

Additions such this will allow more establishments in the Balabag area to connect to

the sewer system. Without this addition, only 58 percent of the capacity is used.
 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

However, Department of Environment and Natural Resources conducted a research

study concluding that the ideal number of people in Boracay island can accommodate

60,000 people. At that given population, it is estimated that the island could produce

nine tons of garbage at average. With this, the agency is working with the local

government of Malay and other stakeholders to come up with new policies once

Boracay is opened again to tourists. The DENR would only allow for 19,000 tourists

to visit the island daily. If the limit is exceeded, tourists with hotel reservations would

only allowed but their respective hotels would be tapped by the agency that the daily

limit of tourists in the island has already been reach. However it was later clarified that

the government has yet to finalize the daily tourist limit to be imposed on Boracay.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Boracay_closure_and_redevelopment

Tropical architecture is known for blending in with nature and has been a popular

choice in developing recreational facilities such as resorts and spas. This architecture

involves incorporation of planning and design solutions into the development to keep

the interior temperature cool despite the hot and humid climate.

Its overall visual impact is taking into account the site’s size, shape,

neighbourhood, access, topography, limitations, locations, and microclimate in the

area, as well as the sun path and wind direction are considered for the building’s

orientation to minimize heat gain within the building, and allow for passive cooling.

Materials to be used also matters, those that can be sourced regionally and locally.
 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

Tropical architecture in this new age introduced modern technologies in the

application of design ideas, that creates opportunities in more durable and

comfortable structures and materials. Although modern techniques have been

introduced, it still incorporates the use of natural materials and designs that blends in

with nature. Also, tropical architecture today introduced the new techniques in the

application of active and passive cooling which provides more comfort among the

users.

(SEPTEMBER 28, 2017, THE MANILA TIMES, Tropical Architecture reimagined-

ARCHITECT FELINO A. PALAFOX, JR., https://www.manilatimes.net/tropical-

architecture-reimagined/353247/ )

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A tourism escalation project is needed in the area that will help in the

development of the municipality to achieve its vision of becoming the leading growth

center in Pangasinan.

The study should discuss the following problems such as

1) what are the facilities needed to proliferates the tourism of the

municipality;
 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

2) what are the appropriate design of spaces that will provide relaxation

and leisure for the tourists: and

3) what supplementary features of a resort that encourages tourists to

come and visit the area.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The study aims to help in the progress of the municipality of Tayug,

Pangasinan by proliferating their tourism industry through

1) providing resort with additional features to encourage tourists to come

and visit the area;

2) providing leisure and relaxation amenities that blends in with nature;

3) application of tropical architecture that is suited in the location and

ambiance of the resort and spa facility; and lastly

4) application of innovative tropical architecture techniques and

technology in the design of recreational facility to provide more comfort and

relaxation among the users.

 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study has a significant role in proliferating the tourism in the area

through the use of a resort and spa facility.

a) FOR THE ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS

- To create awareness about the contributions of recreational facility to the

community and to inspire students to come up with new ideas about resort

and spa centers.

b) FOR THE MUNICIPALITY AND ITS PEOPLE

- To help proliferate the tourism industry of the municipality and create

public awareness about the importance of having a recreational facility in a

locality.

c) FOR THE TOURISTS

- To provide leisure, comfort and relaxation facility for the tourists visiting

in the municipality.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

 THERALEISURE:
A Proposed Resort and Spa Center in Tayug, Pangasinan

The study focuses on the effects of resort and spa centers in proliferating

the tourism industry of a municipality. It covers the existing conditions in the area of

study. The amenities offered and design planning guidelines necessary for a resort and

spa center. The study also covers the tropical architecture application in the design of

the facility.