Experience the white sand and azure waters of Bohol with a touch of luxe
Head to island of Panglao and experience a luxurious getaway with Bellevue Bohol
Heading to Bohol is like going to Boracay but with a quieter community of locals and tourists. There’s something for the more adventurous of course: a day trip to nearby Danao Adventure Park offers extreme sports, but if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle of the city and some time to relax on a beach bed with a G&T, then Bohol it is. And one of the best places to stay in is at the Doljo beach front property that is Bellevue Bohol.
I was lucky enough to stay in Bellevue Bohol for a whole weekend back in 2016. Back then the service and amenities were already very much up to par with its 5-star rating. But now, armed with a better grasp of the 21st century traveler, Bellevue Bohol takes service and amenities to new heights.
Upon arrival we were immediately given warm towels and a refreshing drink, perfect for the tiring early flight we took from Manila to Bohol. Since we arrived early, we expected check-in to be later in the day, but the kind and smiling concierge invited us to follow her to our rooms. What welcomed us was a spacious 110 sq meter one bedroom room with a jacuzzi in its generous balcony. The modern Filipino design, coupled with warm lighting makes it feel like you’re living in your home away from
home. The king-sized bed was comfortable and can easily fit a family with two children—you can even choose the kind of pillow you want. I was able to get one of the best sleeps of my life with a hugging pillow and a buckwheat one that struck the perfect balance of softness and support.
One of the perks of staying by the beach means access to fresh seafood—and we were not disappointed with Bellevue’s offerings. Lamian is the main restaurant of the property that serves international cuisine. Here you can order sisig, seafood kare-kare and creamy tom yum soup. Over at Marea, the resort’s 150-seater al fresco restaurant, you can order mainstays like pizza, tapas and burgers or even a halo-halo—which is best enjoyed during a sunny day. If you’re up for some drinks, head over to Marea Sports bar where you can get wine, crafted signature cocktails or even just a cold beer while playing pool with your friends.
The beach can rival the powdery white sands of Boracay, with the advantage of having less people as the area is exclusive to Bellevue Bohol guests. If you want to feel the waves but don’t feel like swimming in the beach, walk the pathway to the view deck and relax as the sun sets. The infinity pool is also a nice place to hang out when the sun sets as it has both adult and kiddie pools. On some evenings the resort offers stargazing sessions—perfect for a romantic date or an educational trip with the family.
The next morning before eating a ton at the breakfast buffet, we scheduled massages at the Azurea spa. Entering the massage room was a treat in itself as the aroma, dim lighting and serene music immediately set the relaxing mood of the day. We got the Azurea signature 90-minute massage, which combines deep tissue and stretching techniques. We woke up after feeling recharged and ready to take on the day’s adventure.
It is also good to know that mother nature isn’t put at risk with your vacation as Bellevue Bohol has backto-back ASEAN Green Hotel Standard awards for its efforts in implementing green initiatives. Aside from waste segregation, coastal clean-ups and a tree-planting program, the resort also has its own greenhouse where they get much of their produce.And this is just the beginning as the resort hopes to add more to their list of sustainable efforts.
The city is all about being on-the-go and living life on the fast lane. Checking off to-do lists are great, but it is also important to find time to rest and unwind. Whether you’re alone or with your loved ones, one of the best ways to recharge is to head to the beach. In the Philippines, we are spoilt for choice; but when it comes to hitting that balance of tranquility and luxe resort living, places such as Bellevue Bohol is at the top of our list.