By Liza Ilarde
Published: June 25, 2013
Fancy a swim? Take your pick from the infinity pool or the big blue ocean
What do you look for in a resort before you even consider booking a stay there? Luxurious suites? Big bathrooms? Exquisite views? Great service? Lots of food choices? WiFi everywhere?
These days, with all the choices that we're given, those requirements are not difficult to fulfill. But what I'm realizing is becoming just as important is, is it Instagrammable?
Recently, there was one resort that constantly filled my Instagram feed and that made me so envious of people who had been there: The Bellevue Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol.
Mind you, Panglao Island in itself is a gem.
I had been there several times and even enjoyed bar-hopping along Alona Beach, which is dotted with rustic resorts that come alive with music, dancing, and drinking when the sun goes down.
But if you want to experience something more luxe, away from the noise and crowd, but with the same beautiful beach—white sand, turquoise waters, snorkeling/diving haven—then The Bellevue Resort is the new alternative.
Quietly tucked away at Doljo Beach, located at the southwestern tip of Panglao, it has the advantage of being miles away from the busier northern part of the island.
After 20-30 minutes of driving through the charming provincial roads from Tagbilaran Airport, once you veer right into the driveway of the resort, you are immediately transported into another world that most people did not even know existed on this tropical island—a paradise within a paradise, if you will. What first struck me was the open-plan design of the lobby, where wind from every direction easily flows through, making it cool and breezy. Then there it was—the cluster of huge basket-weave pendant lamps hanging from the high ceiling that has been Instagrammed to death. And which triggered my envy!
But that now-distinct feature of The Bellevue Resort was just the beginning. Because looking past the lobby, past the lawn, and past the infinity pool was the ocean—crystal clear waters beckoning you to dive in, dotted with bancas waiting to take you island hopping. But first, I had to check in.
Here's a tip: If the view from your room is important to you, request for an ocean view. For a lot of people, though, it isn't, because most of their time anyway is spent outside the room, which is just for sleeping—if this is you, then you wouldn't mind the view that looks into the neighbor's garden or garage (a residential area surrounds part of the resort). Personally, I like a good view because I keep my curtains open all the time, even at night, so I was happy with my ocean-view room that even had a little balcony.
I had a Deluxe Room, which is their basic room, but I would hardly call it basic! It's very spacious at 41-45 square meters (size depends on the location within the resort) with enough room for a queen-size bed, day bed, coffee table, huge closet, and one wall fully mounted with a table for a desk, dresser, and, of course, the wide-screen TV.
And did I mention the generous space allotted for the bathroom? You could throw a party in there! (Bigger groups or those who just want even more space can opt for the Junior Suite, the Premiere Suite, the Bellevue Suite, the Presidential Suite, or the Chairman's Suite, located at the very top of the resort and has a fabulous 360° view of the entire Panglao Island!)
A leisurely walk around the resort allowed me to explore the food options and plan my meals. Breakfast will be at Lamian, with buffets that make you spoiled for choice. Lunch will be at Marea, al fresco dining that specializes in seafood, located within a giant two-level nipa hut facing the beach. Happy hour will be at Flujo, a sunken bar and lounge just off the lobby, where you can watch the sun set or stargaze. And just my luck, my visit was timed with the formal launch of The Bellevue Pavilion, a 700-square-meter, fully air-conditioned tent they built for events, such as corporate conferences or wedding receptions (see sidebar). So a special dinner was set up at the tent, and then an after-party complete with bar, band, and fireworks right on the main lawn of the resort. Needless to say, it was a late night...
For activities other than eating, you can arrange with the concierge for other fun stuff to do—water activities, island hopping, city tour—or book a relaxing treatment at their newly opened spa, Azurea Spa. Or, if you're a stressed-out working stiff from the city like me, just plant your butt on one of the chaise lounges by the shore, order a cocktail, and watch the sun slowly go down. Spectacular, spectacular.
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