It has been almost three years since my first visit to Bluewater Sumilon, which I declared was one of my favorite Philippine islands back then. Since then, I’ve gone and returned to so many islands here and abroad—Bali, Phuket, Krabi, Redang, Koh Samui, Camiguin, and Bohol, just to name a few—but upon my return, I still found myself enchanted by it. Read more…
Back then, I was with someone who used to be special, but on my second visit, I came with people equally close to me—my aunt, his husband, and their cute little daughter. If last time we unglamorously took the bus, this time around, we rode in style. The early morning drive from Cebu City only took less than three hours total, minus the time we spent in Carcar to eat lechon and chicharon.
We arrived at the resort’s jetty in time to catch the first boat to the island. There was another family with us, equally giddy as we were. The usual cold towels and refreshments were handed out, and after a quick orientation, we were ready to sail!
The trip, like the last, took eight minutes amid calm waters. And as we went closer and closer to the island, with its turquoise waters welcoming us, our excitement went into overdrive.
Ushering us into the island were its cheery, hospitable staff who made sure we were pampered and well taken care of during our stay. In no time, we were handed our key to our Premiere Deluxe Room, which we were told were still relatively newly built. Actually, the last time we were there, they were just starting to construct them.
Their Premiere Deluxe Room is by far one of the best resort rooms I’ve stayed at here in the Philippines, and despite having gone to famous resort islands elsewhere in Asia, our room in Bluewater Sumilon, which enjoys a wildly stunning view of the ocean, is I could truly rave about.
What I liked best about their new room was its distinctly modern Filipino look and feel driven tastefully by earth tones, and native décor and furnishings.
The room has two luxurious beds, which are intended to sleep two, but since both are queen-sized, they can definitely sleep a family of two parents and two kids comfortably.
Making our stay comfortable were a slew of amenities expected of a top-end resort, including a sofa, desk, LED TV, minibar with coffee making facilities, and beach essentials. The room’s spotless bathroom, meanwhile, was beautifully-designed with its native Filipino theme.
The food was as fabulous as my last visit, and we were spoiled with every breakfast, lunch, and dinner—be it buffet or sit-down—with choice Filipino and Western fare. I was head-over-heels with their take on the Visayan dish humba (pork stew) and their fancy brazo de mercedes.
Most of our time in the island was spent bumming around the beach, swimming near the sandbar, and trying out the activities. My aunt and his husband tried kayaking with the baby, whilst I contented myself with the grandness of the views and the calmness of the surroundings. Nothing beats the lazy, relaxing moments under their payag-payag (bamboo gazebo), constantly hearing waves crash and occasionally basking under the sun.
But those are not the only things to do to fill one’s time on the island. Aside from the natural swimming spots, there’s an alluring infinity pool, as well as hot tubs that can be powered up upon request. And for those with a sense of adventure, there’s a trail that traverses the circumference of the island, as well as snorkeling spots and glamping (read: glamorous camping) tents. Meanwhile, one may also lay on Amuma Spa’s ocean-facing beds for a selection of massages and treatments.
The moment I stepped on the boat going back to the mainland, I was already missing the place. It was a splendid weekend, and what kept my spirit up was the thought of returning. Bluewater Sumilon is truly one of my favorite islands, and I can give plenty of reasons why.
BLUEWATER SUMILON
Sumilon Island, Bancogon, Oslob, Cebu
Telephone: +63 32 318 3129 and +63 917 631 7512
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bluewatersumilon.com.ph
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter
