Redefining Boholano luxury

CEBU, Philippines - One cannot help but fall in love over and over again with Bohol for its combination of lush greenery, sweeping views of the hundred or so Chocolate Hills at Carmen, its old churches, pristine beaches, and its rustic charm. 

Bohol is one of those islands you can picture yourself retiring to or taking a sabbatical in just to rejuvenate the soul or to awaken a mind in slumber. What Bohol lacks in terms of the general hustle and bustle that the neighboring island of Cebu teems in, it makes up for its laid back seclusion, its island charm.

Now, there is another reason to fall in love all over and over again with Bohol.

Beach mavens and luxe sun worshippers who prefer to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf in the midst of solitude, serenity, and style will welcome the latest addition to the Bluewater family which was unveiled earlier this year.

Set to redefine luxury in Bohol, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is a masterpiece not only of the Bluewater group but a work of art by designer Benji Reyes who infused the entire resort with contemporary Filipino design that perfectly captures the warm sophistication the Filipino luxury is known for.

Bluewater Panglao’s trademark is its ingenious take on native materials and recycled wood which comprise nearly 80 percent of the entire design structure of this sprawling resort. According to its General Manager, Marty Jastillana, even the ceiling of the Aplaya, it’s main restaurant, is made of recycled rattan ends arranged in repetitive patterns. Each of its 54 rooms from the exuberant poolview rooms to the family lofts and honeymoon villas are organically elegant, having been adorned with no less than Benji Reyes’ masterpieces, ranging from wooden caged lamps that lend a soft golden glow into the room to floating beds adorned with native Filipino woven textiles.

The resort melds seamlessly with the island’s natural contours and rocky edges, making it effortless to be one with nature.

The resort is around six hectares although thus far, only two hectares have been fully developed spanning from its luxurious poolside rooms and running towards the seaside where one can feast on the freshest catch and its signature dishes at no less than the Aplaya Restaurant or end the day and welcome the night with cocktails at the Baroto Pool Bar. The remaining four hectares will be unveiled in the succeeding months.

There are two things you cannot miss while at Bluewater Panglao. First is to immerse yourself in an entirely differently world of underwater gardens and marine sanctuaries over diving and snorkelling expeditions at the nearby Balicasag Island. Second, cap the day with a relaxing rub at the resort’s signature Amuma Spa. A must-try is the spa’s uniquely Filipino massage called the Panghinguto which is inspired from the actual panghinguto or the act of removing lice from one’s hair but is as relaxing as the Indonesian hair-pulling massage.

Bluewater Panglao is perhaps the most stylish and the most luxurious addition to the Bluewater group, standing alongside its equally luxurious siblings, Maribago Bluewater and Sumilon Bluewater. It’s a testament of the Bluewater Resorts’ mastery in whipping up a little piece of heaven, a little piece of home where there once was just a beach. (FREEMAN)