A new light of luxury in Bohol

Cover photo by Edu Jarque

MANILA, Philippines - “Tagalog certainly does not capture it all, for ‘panglao’ means ‘gloom’ and yet Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is the radical opposite,” declares my self-proclaimed Tagalista friend, as we were returning to our table, with a plateful of local delicacies in one hand and a vicious halo-halo in the other, to signal the almost-end of our sumptuous lunch one breezy, lazy afternoon.

On the idyllic beachfront of Bohol, which a number of travel experts have agreed “is the complete destination in the Philippines,” every corner is touched by light and every guest and visitor feels light upon leaving all the weight of worries at the entrance of the property.

“In this sense” – she was still at it, the sort-of linguist pal of mine – “Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort has more in common with the Tagalog term ‘tanglaw’ which is a kind of guiding torch or illumination.” Who was I, a Cebuano, to disagree? I simply nodded. She smiled triumphantly.

The newest addition to the ever-growing Bluewater Resorts chain, owned by the amiable and likeable couple Arcadio “Dodong” Alegrado, the Cebu-based Consul General of the Republic of Austria, and his wife the gracious Marie Montalban-Alegrado – both with roots in Bohol – and ably run by the always-on-the-go daughter, Julie Alegrado-Vergara and supported by son-in-law Vic Vergara and yet another daughter June, is, without a doubt, a radiant new center in the fast-developing tourist hotspot – or cool spot in this instance – that is the Visayas.

A fish pond adds to the relaxing ambience.

Almost six hectares in total, the beautiful close-to-nature landscaped resort takes pride not only in its full Filipino ownership and staff, but also in its distinctly Filipino design, courtesy of globally renowned architect-artist-designer Benji Reyes, best known for his furniture creations made of recycled wood.

“There is a feel of luxurious sophistication, but I can assure you not ‘stuffy,’” he says of the place. “The atmosphere is kept friendly, comfortable and warm.”

Like the desired chairs wrought by his artistic hands that now enjoy a near-cult following, much of the property likewise makes use of recycled wood acquired from old homes – no, not the antique houses Bohol is famous for – no longer in use, to inject them with a new and vibrant functionality, giving the facilities a refreshing finish that especially soothes the tired traveler who has come to the resort for rest and relaxation.

The design and architectural concept that foregrounds its Filipino-ness complements as well the cultural charm and eco-focused initiatives of Bohol, adding to its roster of seemingly endless treasures – both natural wonders and historical landmarks, not to mention the songs and dances, rituals and traditions of the Boholanos, such as the iconic Chocolate Hills, the cuddly and lovable tarsiers – hands off, please! – the churches of Dawis and Baclayon, the Loboc and Loay rivers, the Balicasag dive sites, the Danao Adventure Park... and the list goes on and on.

Yes, the flair for bridging and functionality promotes Philippine art and ingenuity.

The lagoon-shaped pool at Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort.

The resort is cradled not only by the cleanest of waters and awesome white sand beaches, but also by precious marine sanctuaries – just some 150 meters from the beach line – jointly protected by the municipality of Panglao and the Department of Energy and Natural Resources.

The fact goes well with the notion that the natural contours of the beachfront have remained untouched, free from human intervention that otherwise could have spoiled the beauty nature has proudly exhibited in this part of the archipelago. How else to extol the blessings of the Filipino, if not by presenting the without-manmade influence, the way it has been found and the way it has always been?

With 54 rooms – 46 deluxe pool view, four family lofts, three honeymoon villas and one family villa – the resort is capacious enough to give one a feeling of freedom only a wealth of space affords, but it is also simultaneously small enough to give a feeling of exclusivity and privacy. And I must say, add to this privilege of having the “floating beds” – a sterling feature in their villas – cantilevered beds which serve as each room’s centerpiece.

In being able to grant solitude to those who wish it, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is a getaway from the bustle of the city, the blueness of its back turned to the demands and worries of city-life.

Blue waters, white sand: A couple lounges on the beach.

The Amuma Spa featuring its signature service – the Philippine hilot – could assist in providing the ultimate experience in relaxation too, as well as the free-form lagoon-shaped swimming pools replete with waterfalls in which one may take a dive and wash all exhaustion away.

Which isn’t to say that the beach resort is no place for groups to gather and be merry. The Aplaya restaurant and the Baroto Pool Bar are venues for family and friends to gather around great food and much camaraderie.

Guided adventure and ecological tours may be availed of and the island activities as varied as whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling and diving, sailing and windsurfing and even fishing, are viable options for any tourist in search of leisure and fun.

“Such facilities,” proclaims Margie Munsayac, Bluewater Resorts vice president for sales, “likewise make the resort an exciting venue for tropical weddings, romantic private dinners and beach picnics.”

The renowned Loboc Children’s Choir welcomes guests to the resort.

As an all-Filipino concept with an all-Filipino design that runs an all-Filipino hospitality and service, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is definitely a Philippine jewel. That such a property can be constructed and maintained by its all-Filipino ownership and management is a not-to-be-ignored detail, as it attests not only to the nation’s wealth of natural resources – of which the island of Bohol alone is already full of – but, more importantly, to the country’s wealth of people, whose gifted imagination and determined hard work can power a tropical paradise such as this.

For more information on Maribago Resorts, please contact Margie Munsayac at the sales and marketing office tel (032) 492-0100.