Eskaya: Bohol’s island hideaway

MANILA, Philippines - Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, a luxurious hideaway in Bohol, is re-igniting its campaign to lure more tourists into its 16-hectare facility in Panglao Island that boasts of private villas and swimming pools amid lush mountains and crystal-clear beaches. 

Eskaya is one of the companies that joined the three-day “Visit Bohol 2015” travel fair held recently at the Glorietta Activity Center.

Bohol – famous for its Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise centuries old churches and tarsiers – is recovering fast from a devastating earthquake that hit the province in October 2013.

“We hope that this event will restore Bohol’s stature as one of the country’s top tourist destinations,” said Richard Lim Jr., managing director of Eskaya. “Eskaya itself has allotted more funds for marketing and advertising after the earthquake just to bring tourists back to our shores.”

Tourism in the province has suffered as an aftermath of the earthquake, which saw the growth in the number of tourist arrivals in Eskaya slowing down to around 5 percent. In previous years, tourist arrivals have been expanding at an average of 10 to 15 percent, Lim said.

With the current “Visit Bohol 2015” campaign, and with the government, private sector and international agencies all united in promoting Bohol, Lim is optimistic that as early as this year, the province will witness a surge in tourist arrivals.

Eskaya is enjoying a resurgence in tourist arrivals, which is not at all surprising given the resort’s fantastic sceneries, powdery sand beach front, top-notch facilities that married the modern and the rustic, providing world-class standards while preserving its idyllic beauty.

Eskaya, a name derived from the indigenous people of Bohol, one of the oldest tribes in the country, has 15 detached, one-story villas. The thatched villas are strategically located to ensure exclusivity and privacy of the guests.

While offering the comforts of modern technology such as Wifi, CD and DVD libraries, the villas are constructed the traditional Filipino way using indigenous materials such as bamboo, cogon grass and wood. As a result, the villa resembles the traditional Filipino home or balai.

Most of the villas have their own private pool, outdoor showers and whirlpool tubs, and a stunning view of the endless sea and sky.

The resort also has an infinity pool, swim-up bar, mini library and, for sport enthusiasts, facilities for beach volleyball, badminton, water sports and scuba diving. For those who want utmost pampering, its Handuraw Spa offers traditional Filipino and Asian spa treatments.

Because of its seclusion, serene environment that’s very close to nature, romantic ambience inspired by the scenic beach that boasts of powdery sand stretching up to five kilometers, Eskaya has become the favorite place for honeymooners, as well as those who are planning to propose marriage.

“We have a joke in Eskaya: Don’t kneel down to pick up your wallet because your girlfriend might think you are proposing to her,” said Lim.

The privacy that the resort offers to its guests also extends to its tours and activities outside of Eskaya. For example, when guests want to explore the Loboc River, they ride their own boat, instead of sharing it with other tourists.

Despite the privacy and seclusion, Eskaya is very accessible – just 25 minutes from the airport. And unlike most island escape havens, Eskaya can be reached by car.

For more information, visit www.eskayaresort.com.