Countryside Sanctuary : Bellevue Bohol Hotel and Resort

Call me biased, but I will always favor Bohol than any other famous beach in the country.

This is my second time to visit Bellevue Hotel and Resort (BHR) in Panglao Island, Bohol.  My first trip was a company-sponsored event and there was very limited time to enjoy the place so I made a mental note to visit again with my family.  I knew my daughter will love it there.  We also had a summer vacation in Bohol many years ago and I’ve always thought that the beaches of Panglao Island are among the most beautiful in the country. I’m glad that the pristine beaches continue to be unspoiled by commercialization, at least, this side of Panglao.



Quite a sight to behold! I knew we'd be back for this!

Unlike our first family vacation in Bohol, we stayed bit longer and skip the country side tour packages, mainly just enjoy the place and have an endless time for relaxation before going back to the daily grind.

After 40-minutes or so of shuttle service from Tagbilaran airport to Bellevue Hotel and Resort, porters at the front façade will greet you with a welcome garland (was actually a local handicraft necklace). Checking-in was swift and efficient. I requested for two adjoining rooms and while this was not what were initially booked for us, the lady at the reception/check-in was able to find us the two connecting de luxe units at the ground floor, with a small patio that opens up to the pool area. Cool!  And yes, rooms have Wi-Fi and cable TV.

De luxe room with two twin bed set up

Bellevue Bohol at night. No filter. 

 Around the Resort

 

Beachfront with a view of the hotel and dining pavilions

 

Bellevue has a vast infinity pool that overlooks the beach. I love that the pool has been divided into areas for toddlers/young children to frolic, a modest 4-feet section for non-serious swimmers like me and a 12-feet dive pool.  There is a generous array of outdoor loungers/divans in front of the swimming pool and the beach, I spent one afternoon there in lazy splendor and toasting under the hot summer sun.  The platform at the center of the pool is ideal for those who love bikini-clad selfies with a dramatic view of the sea while draped on a lounger. Yes, you get the drift. But no, I didn't attempt to do one.

This platform is in the middle of the pool,
must be wonderful for after dark drinks and partying too!

The beach was something else. We spent one morning burning breakfast calories off via a 30-minutes of kayak.  Like most resorts, there are water sports and adventures to choose from like parasailing, catamaran ride, speed boat and the likes. The beach on this side of Panglao is littered with corals though hence people favor the pool better than swim at the beach.

Food and Dining

Bellevue Bohol boasts of two major dining facilities. The Lamian world cuisine is the air-conditioned dining hall where buffet breakfast is served daily.  The breakfast spread is 5 out of 5 for me, with wide variety of food choices as if you are in a metropolitan hotel’s breakfast buffet and that is a great way to jumpstart mornings. And I love their brewed coffee-- this is a make or break for me. During our stay, there were successions of corporate events at BHR and Lamian restaurant has been exclusively booked during lunch and dinner.

Alternatively, Marea offers al fresco dining experience and a wonderful view of the beach and the pool area, with live music entertainment even during week nights. The menu extensively covers local and international favorites, the taste, presentation and service definitely world-class. BHR can also set-up special themed-dinner buffet for company events like during our stay, there was a Luau-themed party at the beach front and another 80s themed dinner party with live band crooning to popular 80s dance music.

One ought to try their (gigantic bowl of) halo-halo and Pork Humba Boholano style.

Al fresco dining at Marea while a live band serenades with pop music

Other Activities at Bellevue Resort

I booked for a relaxing massage at the Azure Spa. They can also provide an in-room massage service if you so desire. Aside from spa and different types of massages, they also do facials and traditional hilot.  It was soooo soothing that I almost fell asleep while soft music and light scent of verbena drifts in the air! You are also treated to a strong brew of ginger tea after the massage.

I appreciate that BHR also offer a hosts of activities throughout the day like Koi-feeding, arts and crafts, Zumba, outdoor sports like volleyball or badminton, indoor facility for table tennis and other games – keeps boredom at bay especially for kids who might be looking for other ways to spend their energy other than in the pool!

Should you want to have a countryside tour or dolphin-watching with island-hopping, there is a DOT-accredited tour desk that can attend to you and cater for these arrangements. I decided to forego this time to have a stress-free holiday.

Bellevue Hotel and Resort truly lives up to its promise of Luxury of Sanctuary for travelers looking for a five star pampering, stress-free holiday at the countrysides! The staff are most wonderful, very professional, courteous and responsive to our special requests for Kevin's needs. 

 

Infinity pool overlooks the beach

The 2-ft section of the pool

If you consider doing some serious baking under the sun....

Early morning Kayak before the sun is out

View of the Marea restaurant and pavilion from our room's patio

This short boardwalk connects our room to the pool area

The busy Lamian restaurant during breakfast



Thanks to all the staff of Bellevue Hotel and Resort Bohol
for making this a wonderful vacation!