IF
there is one place that I can count as one of my most favorite hangouts
on Saipan where I can gaze into the boundless sky and sea without
getting bored, it is the lobby of Laolao Bay Golf Resort in Kagman.
I’ve
always been fascinated with hotel lobbies for as long as I can
remember, and I fell in love with this lobby at first sight four years
ago. This lobby is unlike those of other hotels. Forget boring reception
desks, plush chairs and stuffy flower arrangements. Forget hanging
chandeliers and brass lights, spiraling staircases and huge television
screens. Count out sofa sets where people can have coffee and meet with
friends or business clients. Forget about the sight of people staring at
their laptops.
Except for one sofa set and a square
wicker table adorned with husked coconuts on a wooden tray, and a couple
of polished wooden stumps that serve as seats, this lobby is bare.
What makes up for the emptiness is the
huge, open window that gives one a full view of the endless sky that
blends with the blue stretch of the ocean, and the well-manicured golf
courses with little pools in between the greens.
The lobby is bordered by a rocky
miniature pool on two sides protected by a chest-high glass wall
partition. Water gurgling from small fountain adds to the relaxing
ambiance. I always have to curb the temptation to go wading in the
knee-high water and if it was allowed, expect me to be the first to sit
on the side with my feet dangling in the water.
Here is one place where you can enjoy
the view of man-made and natural scenery and the fresh breeze from the
ocean — without distractions. If only the Laolao Bay Golf Resort is not
at the other side of the island, if only I have the luxury of time and
deadlines are not part of the daily battles, I’ll be frequenting this
place.
It’s just sad that only a few people
seem to appreciate it. Most of the guests are in a hurry to get to their
rooms and go out to the golf courses. Others either take the place for
granted or think that it is too far out. They don’t know the long drive
is worth it.
First published at the MARIANAS VARIETY August 10, 2012 issue
