Our Samal Island getaway was the highlight of our Davao adventure. While in the Garden City of Samal ( yes, it is separate from Davao City just like Guimaras is a separate province, not part of Iloilo), we stayed at the Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort.
Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is the most popular accommodation in the island. It is also closer to mainland Davao, I think less than 20 minutes compared to other luxurious accommodations that would take at least 40 minutes.
When we arrived there was nothing fancy because the place was very busy. On the brighter side, it was impressive that they check every baggage from diaper bags to baons. Add the fact it was a holiday and they are open to day trips with people bringing their own potlucks. And I am an hermit, I want to hear crashing waves not whining babies ( I was also trying to take a break from motherhood).
If you are not me, then you will give it a heads up since this way you can save or spend less with your own Samal adventure. You can just stay in a cheaper inn in Davao or in a friend’s house and then hop on a boat to Samal. Good for backpackers. 🙂
Going back to the story, I appreciate how they showed us like they really expected us. “Pfizer Phils?”, they keep on asking and I always hear when staff talk to themselves. They refer to us as “Pfizer Phils” and we were just giggling whenever we hear it, it was so..formal? haha.
Let’s start our little tour..
Here is their reception desk and we had our welcome drinks and warm towelettes for each of us ( common in Japanese establishments but not in my country). Good points already!
This is the day scene. If you hate crowds, be patient or book during off-peak.
The beach. Safe even for parents with little children. See that man in a yellow shirt? He is one of the resort staff watching the swimmers like a falcon; but of course, with his talons on the sand. hehe.
You can “forgive” everything when dusk comes. When day trippers leave and you have the resort just for yourself.
Just the way I like it!
Sorry for the blurry photo. It was high tide. I love how the water reaches the tables. Therapeutic and good for those with children who can’t stop from swimming. Love the breeze and those little fish. Samal is a paradise!
Now let us go to the accommodations.
Day in and day out, day trippers are only allowed in the beachfront and restaurant area so it was truly a solace when you retreat to the rest of the resort.
Yes, Paradise Island and Beach Resort is a lovely place to have a getaway. I love the landscaping and the homey-ambiance. Its like your own farm or retreat house.
The staff know your room number. That means, the management brief their staff very well to know who their guests are.
Very spacious room!
In terms of amenities, they have it all. In terms of getting a holiday full of relaxation, it is perfect. I love that they have wi-fi ( sorry, I’m a freelance writer and I have to sneak scribbling everytime) even in your rooms.
More than amenities and facilities what makes Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort very impressive is their service. Nothing beats. My hubby who is very particular when it comes to customer service has nothing but praises to this resort.
I also think that it is the natural hospitality that people from Mindanao give. My mom is from Lanao and yeah, how the staff took good care of us was what I felt whenever we go to on vacation to Mom’s hometown. Same when we stayed at Dakak in Dapitan.
To Mr Sisoy Rodriguez, kudos to all your staff from your waiters to her..Sorry, I forgot your name Te 🙂
Yes, it was more than a nice stay..wonderful and pampering
I am one of those people who can testify that Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort is the best place to stay while in Samal Island.
For a complete list of amenities, more resort photos and rates, visit their site
http://www.paradiseislanddavao.com/
This is an independent review, not sponsored by any kind of entity nor I am associated with them so please don’t ask me about rates. Thank you.
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12 Comments
wow! It is awesome resort..By just looking at the pictures I felt in love already..When I’m going to Mindanao, I’ll gonna visit this resort..
Hi,
Thanks for leaving a comment. Yes, its a wonderful place. Mindanao is a nice play to recharge your batteries. I hope you can visit it in the future!
All the best,
Valerie
The way you described the place literally made me look up for possible discounted fare rates to Davao. When I get one, I’m definitely staying at this resort. Nice post!
Thanks Presa!
Davao is a great place to visit and Samal is shouldn’t be missed. When you get the chance to stay in this resort, share your experience with me! 🙂
sisoy,
thanks for the buko.
Link exchange is nothing else however it is only placing the other person’s webpage link
on your page at proper place and other person will also do same in support of you.
I would like to know if Sisoy Rodirguez owns the Resort. I’m a friend of his in Canada and I’ve been trying to look for him. The last info that was given to me is that he owns a resort in Samal.
Hi!
Based on the welcome fruit that they gave us, Sisoy Rodriguez owns it. Thank you!