I HEAR thousands of kids invaded Boracay over the Asean Summit/Labor Day break and had more than a bit of fun while reveling in the popular resort island, notwithstanding the searing summer heat. The white-sand beachfront was strewn with the plastic bottles, cigarette butts and piles of rubbish the revelers left in their wake. Tsk. How we Pinoys can oooh! and ahhh! at the beauty of our island destinations and, at the same time, ruin these due to reckless, irresponsible behavior is a puzzlement.
Those who want a more quiet and sedate escape should choose Bohol. Aside from the ecotourism activities, like swimming in the waters off Alona Beach, visiting the resident tarsiers or fireflies, eating lunch at an organic farm and gazing at the breathtaking Chocolate Hills, travelers can also stand in awe at the depth of our national heritage by checking out centuries-old churches and watch towers, as well as heritage homes owned by the locals.
What’s more, the culinary scene in Bohol is all revved-up with the opening of exciting new restaurants, cafés and pastry shops. From traditional Filipino cuisine to French pastries, Bohol has certainly come a long way. (See “The Millennials”, BusinessMirror, Life, February 26, 2016.)
A personal favorite in Bohol is the BE Grand Resort, located on the southern tip of Panglao Island. It’s a sanctuary from the stresses of Manila and other urban jungles, and designed with the luxurious traveler in mind. Going up the driveway is a thrilling adventure with trees and flowering plants lined up along the driveway, giving the traveler a hint of relaxing activities yet to come. Stepping into the huge lobby area, the welcoming space features furniture and lighting fixtures from Kenneth Cobonpue. As one stands in the middle of the lobby, you’re able to take in the views of the expansive resort and pool areas.
The resort has well-appointed rooms, suites and villas, with generous areas for lounging, luggage, bathing and, if you so require it, working, as well. Within the main hotel itself are atriums with greenery and art pieces, with two murals by Johnny Alcazaren, depicting the colorful tropical environment. These indoor spaces allow travelers to breathe and calm down after the trip from the airport and city traffic. The main outdoor areas include a private beach with clam-shaped lounging chairs using native materials, again by Cobonpue, these overlooking the usually calm Bohol Sea. There are pools both for adults and children, the latter with entertaining water features, which I must admit delight most adults, as well.
The villas have their own meandering swimming pools and a lagoon, which allows one to literally swim across to your neighbor’s abode to chill and chat. There are one-story villas for couples and loft-style lodging for families. Each furniture piece and artwork in the villas are thoughtfully placed and positioned to exude luxurious leisure living, yet, allowing its dwellers a lot of peaceful nooks and crannies.
There is certainly no shortage of food choices with its two main dining spaces—the Food Hall, which sits below the spacious lobby and is adjacent to another water feature; and the Monkey Bar, which serves grilled seafood in an al-fresco setting by the private beach. During my visit, the resort had yet to complete Lune, its roofdeck chill area where one can gaze as the setting sun while sipping drinks and taking one’s dinner. There is a wide array of dishes available at most of its dining areas—from Western or cosmopolitan dishes, to Filipino and Asian fusion creations, steaks and frites, and snacks and treats for the kids.
While it’s impossible to get some version of “cabin fever” in this vibrant playsetting, the resort can arrange upon request trips to the local tourist spots I already mentioned above. But you won’t feel shortchanged staying in the resort, sipping your iced tea (or something stronger) by the pool, as you tan under the sun. It’s a routine that gets easier to do as the days pass.
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For inquiries and reservations, check out BE Grand Resort Bohol’s Facebook page, or call (038) 412-9000. Philippine Airlines flies daily to Tagbilaran, Bohol. For reservations, go to the airline’s web site, or call 855-8888.
Image credits: Stella Arnaldo