ELETHP01 RECREATION AND LEISURE MANAGMENT

CHAPTER 6
Ocean-Based Resorts
Learning Objectives:

• Identify the essential elements involved in the development process of beach

resorts.
• Explain the role of general design principles in the site planning for marinas.
• Enumerate the various recreational activities available for guests at beaches
and marinas.

Beach Resorts and Marinas

Beach resorts are the most popular type of resort in the Philippines, a country composed of over 7,000 islands.
These resorts often serve as hubs for major water sports and attractions, capitalizing on the country's extensive
coastlines and marine biodiversity. Below are key features of water-based settings and the roles they play in resort
development:

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Natural Beaches: These are prime locations for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing, requiring minimal
development but potentially high maintenance. Natural beaches allow for a range of complementary activities such
as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Open Space and Trails: Typically found around lakes and wetlands, these areas are ideal for fishing, camping, or
wildlife observation. They align well with ecotourism trends, promoting sustainable travel and nature conservation.

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Golf Courses: Oceanfront golf courses offer participants the invigorating benefits of sea air while highlighting the
scenic beauty of the coastal landscape.

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Marinas: Marinas cater to sailboats, motorized crafts, and other water sports. The level of development can vary
from minimal to extensive, depending on the types of vessels and activities supported.

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Residential Development: When developing waterfront residential areas, it is crucial to balance ecological
preservation with the need for economic returns on investment.

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Commercial Development: Waterfront commercial development, including hotels, retail stores, and restaurants,
must be approached with environmental sensitivity to avoid adverse impacts on coastal ecosystems.

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Cruise Ships: Often referred to as floating resorts, cruise ships provide a mobile, all-inclusive vacation experience,
contributing to the tourism industry while necessitating careful environmental management.

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Anatomy of a Beach

A beach is an accumulation of wave-deposited, loose sediment or sand extending from the outermost breakers to
the landward limit of wave and swash action. For guest satisfaction, beach development must consider the various
components of a beach ecosystem.

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Key Components of a Beach:

1. Sea:

o Air Temperature: Affects comfort and usage patterns.

o Wind and Sun Intensity: Influences beach activities and safety.
o Water Temperature: Critical for swimming and other water activities.
o Currents, Tides, and Waves: Impact the safety and feasibility of water sports.
o Ecology: Preservation of marine life and habitats.
o Pollution Levels: Affects water quality and guest safety.
o Water Clarity: Enhances the aesthetic appeal and suitability for activities like snorkeling.
o Possible Attractions: Includes natural and man-made features that draw visitors.

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2. Seashore: The seashore includes the underwater surface extending up to six feet in depth and is
characterized by:

o Offshore: Never dry, it extends from below the low tide line to deeper waters.
o Nearshore/Foreshore: Extends from the lowest low tide line to the highest high tide line,
experiencing most of the wave action.
o Backshore: Remains mostly dry throughout the year and includes the beach's sand build-up, known
as the berm.

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3. Beach: The purity, color, and stability of beach materials are crucial. A minimum of 12 inches of sand or
a mixture of sand and pea gravel is essential for maintaining the beach's size and usability.

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4. Back Beach: Offers views of both the sea and inland areas, and its geomorphology (e.g., cliffs, dunes,
flatlands) can add to the site's appeal. Vegetation and microclimate considerations are important due to the
fragile nature of these resources.

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5. Coastal Stretch: Spans 0.5 to 3 miles from the back beach and houses service facilities, access roads,
parking, bathhouses, and concessions.

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6. Surrounding Countryside: Provides a scenic backdrop for the beach and offers opportunities for guests
to combine beach relaxation with other activities.

Site Selection for Beach Development: Key considerations for selecting a beach development site include:

1. Accessibility to a permanent or seasonal population.

2. Proximity to major roads for convenient access.
3. Minimum water temperatures in the upper 60s (°F) during the swimming season.
4. Warm, sunny conditions to attract swimmers and sunbathers.
5. Water quality assessments before and after development to ensure safety.

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Marina Design and Development

A marina, derived from the Italian word for "small harbor," is a dock or basin equipped with facilities for yachts
and small boats. A destination marina, as defined by the International Marine Institute, is accessible by both land
and water, offering recreational amenities that create a resort-like atmosphere.

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Destination Marinas: Designed primarily for yacht sharing or sea sharing, destination marinas are akin to
waterborne vacation ownership. Key engineering considerations in marine construction and rehabilitation include:

1. Dredging: Alters the bottom profile of the basin to accommodate deeper-draft boats. Dredging, an
underwater excavation activity, ensures waterways remain navigable.

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2. Locks: Allow boats to move between stretches of water at different levels. Locks use a fixed chamber
where the water level can be adjusted, facilitating boat passage.

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3. Bulkheads: Retaining walls that extend land into the water, providing erosion control and safe access.
Bulkheads also protect against tidal and watercourse erosion.

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4. Breakwaters: Structures that shield marinas from wave action. Breakwaters are integral to coastal defense,
protecting anchorages from weather effects and longshore drift.

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5. Piles: Support fixed piers and bulkheads and anchor floating piers. Made of timber, concrete, or steel, piles
must be durable and strong to withstand marine conditions.

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