It wasn’t my first time in Bohol. Four years ago, when I set foot at the then quaint Tagbilaran airport, all I wanted to see was the postcard-perfect Chocolate Hills, the iconic Tarsier, and the pristine Alona beach. More than satisfied with what I saw and experienced, I had decided to tag my whole family two years after. I must say they enjoyed beach bumming on Bolod Beach and sightseeing during the countryside tour as much as I did. And now, on my third time on the island, I promised myself I’d do more than beach bumming. It’s not about basking in the sun while reading a book in Alona beach. It’s not about picking up shells while my feet enjoy the feel of fine white sand. I’d have to explore more.
And so for the third time, I saw myself leaving the doors of Tagiblaran airport again. Much had changed. The airport, which used to be the size of a barangay hall, now has two storeys and a bigger pre-departure area. The people, however, are consistently friendly and warm. As I looked for the signage bearing my name at the arrival area, I promptly saw the logo that reads “Bluewater Panglao,” waved by a man dressed in an off-white Filipino-inspired uniform. The man led us to the air-conditioned van, which transported us to the resort.
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| The entrance to the 5.5-hectare resort |
This time, I opted not to book a hotel in Alona or Bolod beach. Why? I want to explore more, right? So I said I do not need a wide stretch of white sand waiting for me 24/7. All I need is a cozy place to stay, a restaurant that offers not only excellent food but a fine selection of Boholano specialties, as well as friendly and efficient staff who can arrange fuss-free water activities for me. These are the reasons why I opted to stay at Bluewater Panglao.
In less than an hour, we had reached the resort’s entrance that leads to the well-appointed receiving area. I have been in Bluewater Panglao during the soft opening a year ago and I had a glimpse of their rooms and villas. So, when we reached the receiving area and had a shot of my favorite lemongrass cooler (which I replicated at home), I got more excited knowing that I’ll be staying in one of those beautiful rooms for three days. The friendly receptionist conducted a short briefing and handed us a map to help us navigate through the 5.5-hectare resort. The bell boy led us to one of the 46 deluxe rooms fronting the huge free-form lagoon-shaped pool. The view from our room was fantastic!
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| The lagoon-shaped pool |
After we arranged our stuff in our room, we went straight to the beach area where Aquamania, Bluewater Panglao’s hub for water activities is located. I checked out the activities that we can do while in the resort.
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| The beachfront |
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| Low-tide at the pebbly beach |
The use of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding is free for all guests. Life vests, masks and aqua shoes were also available for our convenience. We tried kayaking around Bluewater Panglao’s marine sanctuary. From above the sea we could already see the corals and rich marine life beneath. If you have a chance to use a glass bottom boat, I suggest you grab the opportunity. It is best to kayak in the morning until after lunch while the tide is still high.
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| Aquamania offers kayak for free |
Hubby had also tried stand-up paddle boarding, an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage that reemerged as a way for surfers to paddle longer distances. Aquamania has dedicated guides (mostly certified divers) who watched us closely as we enjoyed our activities.
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| Our guide from Aquamania |
Bluewater Panglao has ATVs and bicycles available for those who want to explore the resort’s terrains.
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| ATVs for rent |
After the tiring water adventure, we spend an afternoon on a hammock beneath the trees. The sea breeze was so addicting! It’s intoxicatinglyrefreshing!
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| The cozy hammock |
At around 5:00 pm, we saw the clouds changed its colors and figured out it is time for our much-awaited sunset lounging. We went back to the beach area where we literally walked on water as the tides started to go down. We had found a perfect spot for our sunset pictorial and waited until the sun’s fierce rays reflect on the clear water. Watching the sunset at Bluewater Panglao’s cliff-like beachfront is so surreal. It’s a unique experience than just walking on powdery white sand. It’s priceless.
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| Sunset at Bluewater Panglao |
After taking a dozen sunset photos, we went back to our room to prepare for the Barrio Fiesta-themed dinner at Aplaya Restaurant. On our way, we saw the nicely lit villas, lagoon-shaped pool and the main resort building – the masterpieces of the famous Filipino designer, Benji Reyes.
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| The Baroto poolside bar |
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| The well-lit deluxe rooms lining the pool |
It was just our first day in Bluewater Panglao, but the enchanting sights, sea and sun made our stay worthwhile early on.
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For reservations, please contact:
BLUEWATER PANGLAOBEACH RESORTDanao, Panglao IslandBohol, Philippines 6340
Phone: (63 38) 416 0695 or 416 0696
Fax: (63 38) 416 0697
panglao@bluewater.com.ph
http://www.bluewater.com.ph
MANILA SALES OFFICE
Rm. 704 Cityland Herrera Tower
Rufino cor. Valero Sts., Salcedo Village
Makati City, Philippines
Phone: (63 2) 817-5751 / 887-1348
Fax: (63 2) 893-5391
rsvn03.manila@bluewater.com.ph
Travelogues by Matet Garcia-Reyes 