While Boracay continues to be the leading tourism destination in the country, the province of Bohol is also quickly becoming a favorite of tourists and gaining a reputation as an “eco-cultural destination.”
Located in Central Visayas, Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines. It boasts of a usually calm, tropical climate that rarely changes, making it the perfect island getaway any time of the year.
Get close to nature as you cruise the Loboc River, or visit the man-made forest of Bilar and the famous Chocolate Hills. Observe the Philippine tarsier, one of the smallest known primates and a protected species in the country, take a trip to the Bohol Bee Farm, or visit some of the centuries-old stone churches in the province. Conquer your fear at the Danao Eco Adventure Park or take a plunge at the numerous diving spots in the province.
And for those who crave the sun, sea and sand, there is Panglao Island, located southwest of the island of Bohol and east of Cebu.
For years, many have hailed Bohol as the next big thing after Boracay, and with all these developments, it helps to have a world-class accommodation that could cater to the discerning needs of both local and foreign tourists.
This is the reason why the Bellevue Hotels and Resorts (BH&R), the world-class brand behind The Bellevue Manila and B Hotel, both located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City ventured to invest in the province and build its first five-star luxury resort.
Bellevue Bliss
The Daily Tribune Lifestyle Editor Dina Ventura, called her “The Belle of Bohol” while Philippine Star columnist Paulo Alcazaren described it as “Diving into Paradise.” And after learning that Inquirer’s Karla Vizcarra felt better after drinking that miraculous water we got from the old Dauis Church, I downed a couple of bottles hoping to somehow find the right words to describe it all.
And though I did feel a lot better, I still couldn’t think of a better or wittier catchphrase that would top theirs—I guess I must have overdosed on miracle water, or those jokes I made with Suzette somehow negated its powers.
Instead, all I could hear playing inside my head is Katy Perry’s song “Thinking of You’ and the line; “Comparisons are easily done once you’ve had a taste of perfection.”
A taste of perfection. A slice of heaven. It was bliss.
That was how I felt as soon as I stepped into the halls of The Bellevue Resort—despite not having had any sleep, and having been forced to endure an old Tagalog action flick while waiting inside an airport bus.
And for the next couple of days everything was perfect.
Privacy and Luxury
Quietly tucked away at the inviting and serene Doljo Beach, The Bellevue Resort presents a perfect hideaway for urban warriors and city folk looking for some rest and relaxation without being too detached from all the other possible adventures.
The beautiful master-planned development is nestled in an expansive 3.5-hectare property. It boasts of exquisitely-designed guestrooms with picturesque views of the ocean across the peninsula of Doljo, an idyllic spa village providing sanctuary for the tired mind and body, and thoughtfully-planned recreation facilities for the utmost pleasure and satisfaction of every guest.
The beach is relatively untouched and secluded, boasting of calm, clear waters and a wide stretch of white sand fringed with tall, coconut palm trees and adorned with exquisite seashells, like I said, it was heaven.
John Patrick Chan, Managing Director of The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts, said the resort’s special location makes it an ideal sanctuary for privacy and indulgence.
“The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts has always stood for dedicated service, uncompromised quality and a penchant for innovation. The opening of The Bellevue Resort is proof our commitment to provide nothing but the best for our guests,” Patrick said.
The Bellevue Resort consists of 159 exquisitely appointed luxury suites, which maximize the spectacular views of the picturesque Doljo Beach, and the island’s lush tropical landscape.
“The serene tranquility, the magnificent view of the beach, the lush gardens, the spacious pool area, the luxurious rooms– the moment guests enter the grounds of The Bellevue Resort, they will immediately sense the unique atmosphere of this vacation spot,” Patrick said.
Be pampered
Bellevue’s brand of warm hospitality begins as soon as guests arrive from the airport. Much like a royal arrival, guests are welcomed at the resort’s grand pavilion with heartfelt smiles from the resort staff.
“At The Bellevue Resort, we know that pampering the guest is an integral part of genuine hospitality. The resort’s team will be glad to make the arrangements to enhance your hotel experience, be it to celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a romantic interlude, host a family event or have a spa treatment,” he added.
Guests will also find it difficult to resist the temptation to swim in the resort’s magnificent infinity pool, which also has a kiddie area for toddlers going for a dip. The pool also has a diving area for those who want to make a splash.
Dive fans are also in for a treat as the resort offers a dive and water sports center that can help guests with all that they will need for their underwater expedition.
There is also an indoor playing area where children can enjoy themselves while gym buffs need not worry about skipping their routine while on vacation as the resort offers a well-equipped gym for guests to work on their muscles.
Dining Choices
The resort features several restaurants and bars each with their own distinctive tastes and style. Flujo offers refreshing summer cocktails, tropical shakes, and other bar chow, while Western and Filipino fusion cuisine takes center stage at Cena.
The Lamian offers a buffet of the best dishes from around the world, while seafood lovers must try the resort’s signature seafood restaurant Marea, where the fine dining experience is complimented by the stunning seaside ambiance.
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For those who want to explore the other attractions of the province all they need to do is drop by the resort’s tour desk. For more information log on to http://www.thebellevue.com/bohol or call tel. +632-7718181 for more details.