As lifestyles in the Philippines continue to evolve, a notable shift is emerging in the country’s real estate market—homebuyers are leaning towards properties that offer more than just a place to live. They want homes that provide relaxation, wellness, and the feel of a resort right at their doorstep. This growing demand for resort-inspired homes is transforming communities, blending nature, open spaces, and modern convenience into everyday living.
One prime example highlighting this trend is Azure North Pampanga, a community that emphasizes leisure and wellness as core aspects of their development. But while developments like Azure North showcase this movement in Luzon, the Visayas region, especially Dumaguete and Cebu, is fast catching up. Both cities present promising opportunities for investors and homebuyers seeking resort-style living combined with urban accessibility.
### Why Resort-Inspired Homes Are Trending in the Philippines
The Philippine property market has always been influenced by lifestyle preferences. In recent years, the pandemic accelerated a shift toward healthier living environments and spaces conducive to relaxation. Many Filipinos now prioritize open-air features, generous outdoor spaces, and amenities that promote wellness such as swimming pools, jogging paths, landscaped gardens, and clubhouses with spa or fitness facilities.
Living in resort-inspired communities also encourages a balanced lifestyle where residents can enjoy peace and tranquility without sacrificing access to essential services like schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and workplaces.
For remote workers and retirees, resort-style homes are particularly attractive, offering a seamless blend of work-life balance. Investors are also keen to capture this demand since such properties tend to maintain and increase their value as lifestyle priorities evolve.
### Opportunities in Dumaguete and Cebu
While Metro Manila continues to dominate the Philippine real estate narrative, cities like Dumaguete and Cebu have steadily gained attention for their robust growth and lifestyle appeal—especially for resort-style living.
#### Dumaguete
Known as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete offers a unique charm with its laid-back atmosphere, academic institutions, and natural attractions. It’s increasingly becoming a hotspot for retirees and lifestyle investors drawn to its lower cost of living, clean environment, and proximity to stunning beaches and diving sites.
Developments here often integrate resort-style amenities that cater to both local and foreign homebuyers. Locations near beachfronts or nature reserves give homebuyers the experience of a vacation lifestyle every day without a hefty price tag.
#### Cebu
Cebu, on the other hand, balances vibrant city life with easy access to beach resorts and mountain retreats. The region’s real estate market includes upscale condominiums, townhouses, and subdivisions designed with resort-inspired features such as infinity pools, landscaped gardens, and barbecue pits.
Investors find Cebu appealing because of its strong economy, growing infrastructure, and status as a key business hub outside Metro Manila. The rising demand for leisure homes in Cebu also opens doors for short-term rental opportunities, making it a lucrative market segment.
### Practical Advice for Property Investors
1. **Research Local Lifestyle Trends:** Understanding the lifestyle preferences and needs of your target market—whether retirees, families, remote workers, or young professionals—is crucial. Invest in areas where resort-inspired amenities are valued and growing.
2. **Focus on Amenities and Accessibility:** Properties that combine wellness features (swimming pools, gyms, green spaces) with convenience (proximity to malls, hospitals, and schools) tend to appreciate better.