Bohol Beach Club: From Bohol’s First to Bohol’s Newest

CEBU, Philippines - Panglao Island in Bohol is flanked with hotels that call on weary tourists into its luxurious abodes and sprawling beach with white sand. However, none of the hotels in this beautifully crafted island seem to compare to the grandeur and the sumptuous sense of luxury and elegance that is naturally found Bohol Beach Club.

The Bohol Beach Club opened on May 8, 1984, the first official resort in the island of Panglao. It was founded by Mr. Anos Fonacier or “Sir Eagle”, as he is fondly called. Mr Fonacier’s vision was to build up the island as a major tourist destination, making him known as “the father of Bohol tourism.” True to his vision, Panglao, Bohol, is now considered as a major tourist destination in the country, attracting both locals and internationals looking for a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives.

If not for the sign carved at the front of the hotel’s entrance, the hotel would be a little challenging to spot, but that’s what makes it more exciting. The resort is, after all, only a 30-minute ride from the Tagbilaran  City airport and pier. You would know though that you have arrived at the place as soon as you begin to be lulled by the silence and all you can hear is the constant crashing of the waves at the shore.

After going through a 9-month renovation, the 11-hectare beachfront resort again opened its doors to the public in December last year. According to Allan Santos, General Manager of Bohol Beach Club, “The owners felt that the resort was getting too big in such a short span of time. They wanted a resort that was more personalized, in terms of facilities and service.” Now, the resort boasts of 88 rooms made up of 80 Deluxe rooms and eight Beachview Suites, all spacious and bright, designed with modern colors yet preserving a touch of Filipiniana due to the prolific use of local wooden furniture and handicraft. Aside from the contemporary design, all rooms have a commanding view of the beach and the clear waters of the Bohol Sea.

Although the resort has gone through a major renovation, Bohol Beach Club has retained a very important aspect which is the warm hospitality of the Boholano people. “Friendly, genuinely warm, honest and welcoming, these are the characteristics that we encourage our people to uphold. This way, our guests will know that every smile they see from our staff comes from the heart,” Santos said.

Other facilities of the resort include a large rectangular swimming pool in-between two restaurants. One restaurant accommodates 140 persons and serves continental as well as Filipino favourites, while the other doubles as a function venue for groups of up to 200 persons. The resort’s special peanut kisses sundae is also a must-try!

Guests also have the advantage of enjoying different activities while in the resort. Upon check-in, they are entitled to a 20-minute tour of the fish sanctuary where they get to see and appreciate a different world, aboard a glass bottom boat. Kayaks and catamarans are also available for the guests’ use.

Other water sports activities available are snorkelling and hobbie cat. For those who want to go deep down, diving lessons are available. One can also opt to participate in different tours of the island such as the Bohol Countryside tour, dolphin watching and Balicasag island-hopping tour, and the Oslob boat tour.

The resort has a special Holy Week Holyday package.

The resort’s aim to making their guests feel at home and at ease lends to the tangential treatment it extends to old and new visitors to Bohol alike, making Bohol Beach Club fitting of its tagline: “Bohol’s first is Bohol’s newest”… and, maybe, Bohol’s best.

Bohol Beach is in Bo. Bolod, Panglao, Bohol. Their website is: www.boholbeachclub.com.ph. (FREEMAN)