Hof Gorei Resort, Samal

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.

Samal Island, Snorkeling

Crystal Blue Water

Hof Gorei Beach Front

It was fun to be there!