Wisps of sunshine escaped and filtered through the heavy morning clouds of Panglao Island in Bohol. It was our last day in the province and the morning found us at one of the topmost floor of Bellevue Resort—on a verandah with a circular Jacuzzi, looking out into the calm waters of the Bohol Sea.

Going through the floor to ceiling glass door, a soft queen-sized bed sits on a wood-laden floor surrounded by luxurious furnishings. A carved wooden ceiling fan lazily swings overhead, complimenting the room’s air-conditioning.

It was a tropical haven, a haven we stayed in for the night. Well, almost.

Bellevue Resort is located in Barangay Doljo in Panglao Island. It sits on a remote, westernmost part of the island and is home to a beautiful stretch of fine white sand beach that can rival those of Boracay Island.

Before Bellevue opened two years ago, the place is home to only a few little resorts and visited only by people who knew of the beauty of Doljo Beach. Now, the resort has tacked the beach into the tourist map.

►CHECK OUT: BORACAY TRAVEL GUIDE

We arrived at Bellevue Resort late in the night. Our day was filled to brimming in exploring the town of Anda, particularly Quinale Beach and Lamanoc Island. And after a late dinner at the Amorita Saffron Restaurant, it was finally time to retire for the night. We were assigned to a Twin-Bed De Luxe Room, not exactly the room with the Jacuzzi I was describing above, but I absolutely have no complaints.

The room is equipped with a huge LCD cable television, fast Wi-Fi Internet, electronic safe, complimentary coffee set, and a mini-ref.

I love how nicely decorated and textured the room is, mixing a certain balance and restraint from being overly done.

The toilet and bath is super spacious. Done in mute tones, it compliments well with the capiz window-inspired door. A large rain-shower head is installed on the enclosed shower area, which is really a big plus for me. Hot water is also readily available.

Free buffet breakfast is served at the Lamian World Cuisine Restaurant. Located on the ground floor of Bellevue Resort, one can opt to dine at the comfort of air-conditioning or eat al fresco with the breeze outside. For me, it’s a no-brainer—it’s always al fresco. Better light for taking pictures of my food, LOL.

Food runs through the traditional Filipino fares of longganisa, corned beef, danggits, bacons, and eggs. They do have some curious additions though, like those siomai dimsums. For Westerners—pancakes, breads and fruits are also available.

And then it’s finally time for a swim! Overlooking Doljo Beach, Bellevue’s infinity pool is really inviting. The water’s quite warm and is nice for a few laps. It also has a diving area with a twelve-foot deep drop. We tried reaching the bottom, to no avail.

Before going back to our room and packing up, we decided to check out the reef about a hundred meters away from the shore. Borrowing some snorkels, masks, and buoy from Bellevue’s dive shop, we hurriedly ran and dove down the aquamarine waters of Doljo Beach.

We were warned of sea urchins and indeed there are a lot of them on certain areas of the beach, especially on its deeper parts. Footwear is a must. But once past the urchins, the view turns magical.

Corals and fishes. Fishes and corals. Repeat.

Clarity is a bit muddled since the sun’s hiding behind a thick blanket of clouds, but it was still a beautiful sight.

The Bellevue Resort Bohol ►ROOM RATES
Address: Brgy. Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol
Contact Numbers: (038) 422-2222
Email: info@thebellevuebohol.com
GPS Coordinates Map: 9.587729, 123.730720