6 Terrific Reasons Why You Should Experience Bluewater Panglao

Last updated on July 22nd, 2019 at 04:46 pm

Panglao Island in the Province of Bohol is one of the many popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Being blessed with fine, white sand beaches and pristine waters, Panglao is also famous for some of the country’s notable diving spots. It consists of two towns — Dauis and Panglao. With a land area of only 94.53 square kilometers, it is a delight that there is this much beauty in such a small package.

A few years back, I visited the town of Dauis. It was short but sweet, and kept with me is a throng of pleasant memories about the place. My plans to revisit the island always got put off due to my hectic work schedule, until recently. The plan shifted to Panglao, though, after I heard that Café Lawis, a must-visit in Dauis, had been temporarily closed for renovations. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort

For someone who is into photography, you would concur that this humble town of Panglao has so much to offer. From the majestic sun-kissed beaches to the lush greens bordering the place, never did I feel any reluctance to go to witness first-hand its grandeur along with my family.

Whenever I travel with the fambam, I make it a point that they also would have their own taste of fun. In fact, their satisfaction is my utmost priority, and boy am I glad that I chose Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort to be our sanctuary for the weekend! Out of the many hotel-resorts in Panglao, this sheer heaven really does stand out.

Want to know why?

In honor of their six years of highly acclaimed service, here are 6 terrific reasons why we chose Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort above the rest:

Home away from home.

As you enter, what you will immediately notice is the Filipino contemporary design and architecture that surrounds the vicinity. The native fixtures that you will find everywhere resonate well with the unpretentious atmosphere that every home should have. Its minimalist interior adds to the elegance that the Bluewater Resorts can boast of, which is at par with the relaxing aura of the rooms that calms you down after a long day of fun and adventure on the island.

Premier Deluxe Room
The cantilevered bed is an awesome addition to my family’s list of firsts.
Premier Deluxe
It is as if you are floating mid-air as you snuggle your way to sleep.

Warmest hospitality.

Especially in a people-oriented business, employees are expected to be courteous to all their customers. Courtesy, however, becomes an understatement if we talk about the Bluewater Resorts’ brand of hospitality. This is where you can truly experience what Filipinos are known for around the globe — pure amuma service. (“Amuma” is a Visayan word that means “to care for” and “to nurture”.) Go and see for yourself.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort

Delectable food.

Be it in the Aplaya or the Baroto Poolside Bar, every dish is to die for. But there is this one dish that almost all of my friends would recommend I try. And so, we did. The Adobo Rice is Chinese fried rice inspired infused with Chicken Adobo flakes and fresh herbs that the kitchen gets straight out of the resort’s very own organic garden, topped with Rendered Pork Belly (Pinakupsan) served in a bamboo boat. Talk about unorthodox!

Adobo Rice
The resort’s sought after dish, Adobo Rice.

The Adobo Rice, however, is just one of the many dishes worth devouring and, not to mention, Instagram-worthy. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s good to have during or in between meals:

Breakfast

If you have already been to breakfast buffets in the Philippines, you would agree that Fried Danggit and Pusit, and Tocino are always present, for these are what usually highlights real Pinoy breakfast. The Puto ug Tsokolate, a star in its own right, is a must-have to legitimately say that you’ve been to the Visayas region where Bohol is proudly part of. But if you have already tried it, the Bluewater Resort’s Puto ug Tsokolate will change the way you see traditional Puto-Sikwate, which is made to perfection. Finish things up with their refreshing Fresh Fruit Halo-Halo.

Lunch

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to dine for your midday meal, the Aplaya Restaurant doesn’t disappoint. The fresh sea breeze perfectly complements the tropical setting of the restaurant. There are a variety of dishes to choose from, but I would personally vouch for their Hinalang na Manok and Lechon Kawali, which you will love with the Adobo Rice. Conclude your sumptuous meal with a Boholano Ube Kinampay.

Snack

We spent an afternoon snack at the Baroto Poolside Bar. I find the place very cozy, perfect for a bit of solitude. Enjoying a hearty Tuna Melt Panini and Adobo Pizza with soothing house music in the background made it worth our while.

Dinner

This would be your most exciting meal here in Bluewater, especially on Saturdays, for it is when you get to witness a feast known to locals as the Barrio Fiesta. Barrio Fiesta is an evening of colorful and upbeat cultural dance presentations along with a banquet that serves globally accepted Filipino specialties, such as the Lechon, Bagnet, Kinilaw, and the like.

Insider Tip: Feel free to join the party and dance the Tinikling like a rockstar for a full-fledged Barrio Fiesta experience.

Get to know more about the Bluewater Panglao’s very own gastronomic hubs:

Baroto Poolside Bar

The Baroto Poolside Bar offers invigorating alcoholic concoctions, refreshing cold beverages and light snacks. Nestled beside the main pool featuring an isle and a bridge, it is the best place to relax and unwind with your favorite drink and grub. Baroto, by the way, is what we call our fishing boats. Just as you enjoy nature’s gifts while on a baroto, you can freely do the same as you settle in the Baroto Poolside Bar.

Aplaya Restaurant

The Aplaya Restaurant offers international cuisine and authentic local fare with a modern twist of Filipino-Asian fusion featuring exotic flavors made with fresh local products set in an al fresco dining ambiance with a modern inspiration of Filipino and Asian culture.

An adventurer’s haven.

There are a variety of things that you can do at the resort perfectly designed for the thrill-thirsty. If you like it heart-thumping, try out the obstacle courses laid althroughout Bluewater’s turf. Either by bike or ATV, explore the resort’s wonders with ease.

To those who prefer a dose of vitamin sea, scuba diving, stand-up paddling, kayaking and snorkeling are meant for you. But don’t fret. Bluewater Resort’s team of highly certified dive instructors and water-sports specialists are always ready to feed your hunger for an aquadventure.

A kid’s playground.

The resort offers child-friendly activities like biking, gardening, and even cooking. My eldest daughter, Zacchi, experienced first-hand a cooking session with no less than the resort’s head chef. Later in the day, she got her hands dirty at the nearby organic garden. The Bluewater Resorts, an active supporter of the green movement, homegrows most of their crops that they use in all of their restaurants. In return, they utilize biodegradable waste for the garden’s source of nourishment.

Cooking with the Chef

An activity exclusively available to in-house guests, Cooking with the Chef is the resort’s subtle way for us to meet the man behind the food, Chef Robert. Not only will the kids learn the art of cooking Chocolate Muffins and Banana Turon, they will also enjoy the “goods” of their labor as they also get to eat the finished products that they made.

Basic Gardening

Another fun and interactive activity for both the kids and the kids-at-heart, this Gardening session is complimentary to all resort guests. If you wish to learn the basics, the resort’s Grounds and Garden team is always ready to facilitate.

But of course, Zia, the little one, found her own space of heaven in the resort, too. And that’s the sandbox situated in the playground near the beach front, one of most visited spots at the resort.

A place of zen.

The gardens at the Bluewater Panglao Resort are very ideal for a bit of contemplation, as you reconnect with Mother Earth. There are spots aplenty that you can claim for a moment of inner calm and reflection. Get intimate with nature while you read your favorite book, write a story, or simply have a sip of your favorite coffee or tea.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is, indeed, a breathtaking paradise that merits more than just a shoutout. No doubt is it one of the best resorts in Bohol. Whether you’re a local or not, this is a home that you can call your own. It has been a wonderful experience for us — an experience worth keeping for a lifetime.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is located in Danao Beach, Panglao, Panglao, Bohol. It is approximately 20 kilometers or 45 minutes away from Tagbilaran City. For more information about Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, you may reach them through the following details:

Telephone: +6338 416 0702
Mobile: +6998 588 3439
Website: http://www.bluewaterpanglao.com.ph
Email address: panglao@bluewater.com.ph
Amuma Spa: amumaspa.panglao@bluewater.com.ph

P. S.

As much as we enjoyed our experience at Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, I also took my new smartphone, the Huawei P10, for a spin. It sure did exceed my expectations. Here are some of my favorite shots:

Night Shots

Day Shots

Herbert Kikoy

Surigaonon by birth, Butuanon by heart and now an adopted son of Cebu, Herbert is a hobbyist photographer who focuses on Food, Sports, Travel and Festivals photography.