Inside Vianca Soleil's Island Life

Interior designer & founder of Unna, Vianca Soleil Roquero calls Puro Island home. She grew up in busy Manila and lived in Dubai, USA, and Kenya before settling in last year in this idyllic island in the Philippines, where life feels just so pure, simple & unrushed. This beach project called Unna has been over four years in the making and is now in the construction phase.  We cannot wait to visit Unna but while it’s ready, let’s step into Vianca’s blissful world.

Where is home?

Home is in the small and secluded island of Puro which is the Filipino word for pure. We’re a community of less than a hundred families, in the south of Romblon Province.

Why should Puro Island be on our destination wishlist?

If you want to experience the authentic Filipino island way of life, this is the place. Pristine beaches, empty roads, palm trees, friendliest locals. There’s nothing fancy here, just the best of life’s simple pleasures. 

Tell us about the process of building your home by the beach. How did this dream start?

As much as I love traveling to a new city, I find myself most drawn to exploring remote provinces. There’s just so much joy and inspiration to be found in that simple and untainted way of life. That’s when I began dreaming up the same for our family and it easily involved being close to the sea.

After a month of searching around the islands, we fell in love with this triangle shaped land between the sea and a mangrove forest. Then I spent the next months designing both the architecture and interior. The approach is raw, a bit child-like, a bit modern and evidently natural. Fast forward to now, it’s been such a joy seeing my ideas come to life.

You’re planning on turning your beach house into an eco-resort, can you tell us more about these plans?

Unna is firstly our home, an attempt to live that real island life and do it with respect for nature. I think we’re doing just that in this special place we found. A lot of people long for the same but could be stuck in a city. So the idea of growing into a small eco-resort came naturally. We wanted to share the experience.

Your favorite part of the building / decoration process has been…

There are so many! One is the challenge of designing only with materials available on the island. Also observing how the landscape is framed by the doors and windows. The relationships I’ve made with the residents are also very special to me.

Any special souvenirs that we can find there?

Marbles! Romblon is so abundant with it. It’s also one of the reasons why I chose this place. I’m currently in the process of designing a few accessories for our Unna shop.

What kind of traveler visits Puro Island? 

I find them to be the ones that avoid the crowds. They seek authenticity. Puro Island gives any traveler a chance to really connect with nature and its community. There are no roads nor establishments here, no distractions at all. It’s the ideal city escape.

The best month to visit is…

The summer months, especially May. The sunsets are incredible.

Where can we find you on a day off?

In the box hut taking a break from the sun or still on my tiny boat with a book and some music.

…and on a monday, what’s your day-to-day routine?

As much as I try to be routinary, when you live on an island, each day changes depending on the tide. Most of my time is spent supervising the construction and developing design ideas. In between, I sneak in time for swimming and hiking. 

Best untapped beach? 

Is it biased to say our beach? 

Best place to take in the sunset?

We’re lucky enough to be facing south. Every time the sun sets on our right, the shoreline glistens and the palm shadows are so beautiful.

What should we bring home from Unna?

It’s always great to support our local craftsmen but we also hope you leave with the same appreciation and love we have for this island.