Category: Travel
Destination: Samal Island, Davao
It was my birthday treat for my BF's birthday. Thanks to Cebu
Pacific's piso fares for making it happen. I booked 2 tickets to Davao for his
birthday and stayed in Samal Island for 2 nights.
After doing a research whole night on
where to stay in Samal, we finally decided to stay in Hof Gorei. We booked the Romantic Getaway Package which is P3500 each. Bookings were very easy and the customer
service who attended to our queries via email was prompt and accommodating.
We arrived at Davao Airport at 8:00 AM so
we ate our breakfast first while waiting for the time to pass since the boat transfer
from Davao to Samal will arrive at 10:00 AM. From the Airport, we rode a taxi
going Sta. Ana wharf. Mind you, the wharf has no place for waiting passengers.
If you go there earlier than your scheduled time, you may need to deal with the
heat of the sun plus the dusty atmosphere coming from trucks loading and
unloading products. Not to include the persistent pearl sellers.
So finally our boat has arrived. The trip
going to the resort took almost an hour. So better bring with you some foods to
eat while on board. At the resort wharf, we are greeted with our personal
butler with our drinks and our cool towels. That was nice! After sightseeing
for a while, I noticed how clear the sea is. You can see the ocean life
clearly.
Our villa was a few meters from the beach.
I really like the atmosphere there. The place is perfect for couples who want
to spend time relaxing with themselves. The place is free from any noise of the
city life. Beach with white sand is so adorable, you can set your breakfast,
lunch or dinner there if you want for a romantic feel. Rooms are quite
spacious, with a separate toilet and bath and a private veranda. And foods are
so delicious. It's worth to mention specially their Tinolang Manok, my favorite
among the foods we have ordered.
The downside on this resort however is the
internet. I really had a problem connecting to the internet as a result, I was
not able to work most of projects while there. Internet connection is only
available on the wharf area that is about 100 meters away from the resort. The
connection too is not stable.
Also, if you are staying here, the price
is 3 times higher than the regular price but don't worry, they accept major
credit cards so you don't have to worry if you have no cash with you. Also, no
grocery stores or ATMs nearby.
Island hopping was included in our
package. It was a whole day activity. We were lucky we are only 2 groups to
have Island Hopping that day and the other couple was also cool. The whole day
activity felt more romantic and exclusive because there are only few people on
board. Less noise and possible annoying individuals. :) The only thing I was
disappointed with during that day was food. I didn't know I have to pay for it
and was charged almost P1000 for that. If I would have known that, I should have
ate more or ordered the ones that I love to eat on the beach.
But overall, my Hof Gorei stay was
memorable and worth every penny I have paid for. Thanks to Micoy our personal
butler who attended to our needs during our stay.
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| Samal Island, Snorkeling |
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| Crystal Blue Water |
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| Hof Gorei Beach Front |
It was fun to be there!
