Bohol is one of my favorite places in the Philippines. From beautiful beaches to amazing spots such as the Chocolate Hills, a trip to Bohol is an experience in itself. But with the addition of Henann Resort Bohol, one can bring his Bohol vacation to the next level.
View of the pool and garden area from our Premiere Room
Aside from being a favorite place, Bohol is a special destination for me as a travel blogger. Bohol was the first major local trip I did which awakened the wanderlust in me, and opened my eyes to the natural beauty the Philippines possessed which I thought everyone needs to see and experience. This led me to creating this travel blog and the rest is history.
As of this writing, I've visited Bohol for four times already. It has so much to offer that every visit always excites me. I'm the kind of traveler who loves to explore and see as many things as I could in every place. But my recent trip to Bohol was different from usual. This time, it was about relaxation--a weekend trip where I can finally call a true "vacation". If you're a budget traveler or a backpacker, you know what I mean.
So what made my Bohol trip extra special this time?
The Biggest Beach Resort in Panglao Island
I instantly fell in love with Bohol on my first visit five years ago. I could still vividly recall the moment I sat on a quieter side of Alona Beach in Panglao in front of what looked like a closed property one morning and said, the "sand here is really white, powdery just like Boracay." I never realized that part of the beach which stuck on my memory is where the biggest beach resort in Panglao Island now stood.
AirAsia Philippines flies direct from Manila to Tagbilaran four times daily
I first learned about Henann Resort on Instagram and upon seeing the photos, I just couldn't wait to see and experience it myself! And that day finally happened.
Henann Resort is Panglao Island's biggest beach resort at 6.5 hectare featuring 400 world-class accommodations, three swimming pool, a convention center which can hold up to 1000 people, and more. It also has the widest and longest beachfront area along Alona Beach at 125 meters. Sweet!
Upon arrival you will be impressed by the fabulous interior design and decoration of the resort's grand lobby. While checking-in guests are served with refreshing welcome drinks.
Accommodations
We stayed in a Premier Room which features a king-size and single-size bed, which means it can accommodate up to three persons--perfect for couples or small families. Amenities include 40-inch TV, marble-clad bathroom, complimentary WIFI access, personal refrigerator, daily complimentary drinking water, coffee and tea making facility, Henann branded toiletries, and more. It also comes with complimentary access to the Gym and Fitness Center.
King-size and single-bed inside the Premiere Room
My first impression is that room is so spacious and refreshing to the eyes. It exudes luxury, coziness and comfort. I especially love the combination of earth tones and turquoise blue, which is one of my favorite colors. Despite the luxurious look and feel, one can't deny the Filipino inspiration in the interior design by making use of various local materials. One of the best features of the room for me is the balcony overlooking the pool and garden area.
Some of the amenities inside the Premiere Room
Very spacious Premiere Room
View of the beds from inside the bathroom. Don't worry - the glass wall has a pull-down blinds for privacy.
The walls, floor, and top lavatory are made of marbles
Restaurants
Let's talk food. Henann Resort Bohol has three main restaurants scattered within the resort. Among the three, I got to experience only two since the other one, Coral Cafe, is under renovation during our visit.
Sea Breeze Cafe is an all-day buffet restaurant serving Filipino, Asian, and Western food. It also offers ala carte dining and it's open to checked-in and walk-in guests. Inside the restaurant there are various stations of different cuisines including pasta station, salad station and even live-cooking stations. If you're expecting a buffet with wide selection of dishes, Sea Breeze Cafe is your place to be. The restaurant is located beachfront and also offers al fresco dining with live music right on the beach at night. Fresh seafood, anyone?
Main station of Sea Breeze Cafe
Dining area of Sea Breeze Cafe
Soup and noodle station at Sea Breeze Cafe
Meanwhile, Christina's is the resort's wine and fine dining restaurant serving a variety of Western cuisine. While Sea Breeze Cafe is close to the beach, Christina's is located at the heart of the resort offering views of the pool. Breakfast (ala carte and buffet) is available from 6am to 10am while ala carte dining is open from 10am to 10pm.
Bar at Christina's
Main course which consists of spice rubbed US rib-eye beef, stuffed salmon, pan-poach tiger prawn, Gruyere potato and roasted vegetables
Ala carte breakfast at Christina's
Swimming Pool
If there's one thing that convinced me to come and visit Henann Resort Bohol, it's their Instagram-perfect swimming pool. If Henann's swimming pool is food, I must say they are mouth-watering! I'm really more of a beach guy, but the resort's huge swimming pools are something you can't and won't miss to experience.
Henann Resort Bohol has the most number of swimming pools in the island. Aside from the relaxing atmosphere and looking fantastic, each outdoor pool features a bar for a more unique and pampered experience. Among the three swimming pool areas, the best swimming pool for me is the one located beachfront. It features multi-level pools, jacuzzi pools, coconut trees, a bar, loungers and the amazing view of Alona Beach.
Coconut trees and umbrellas give guests shade from the sun
View of Alona Beach
Pool bar where you can order some food and drinks
Infinity pool looking out to the beach
Crystalline pool located at the upper level in front of Christina's
Alona Beach
Like I earlier mentioned, Henann Resort sits on the best part of Alona Beach area--powdery white sand and less crowded since it's already at the far end of the beach. Sun loungers with umbrellas line in front of the beach for those who want to relax and enjoy the pristine shore of Alona Beach.
If you feel a bit adventurous, you will find vendors and operators offering island hopping activities and countryside tours. Island hopping is popular in Panglao which includes a trip to Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, and Pamilican Island for dolphin watching and snorkeling. These destinations are accessible from Alona Beach by private boat.
Loungers right on the shore of Alona Beach
The beach really looks good in sunny days
Less crowded and less busy beachfront of Henann Resort
Spa
A perfect complement to your vacation is a spa experience which Kai Spa aims to provide. Kai Spa offers different types of massages and spa treatments. I got to try their signature massage which focuses on deep relaxation and detoxification.
To get the ultimate spa experience, we decided to try the sauna and jacuzzi before the 90-minute massage begins. Before the treatment, we were asked to fill out a form where you specify the parts of your body you want the therapist to focus on and the level of pressure. The receptionist also asked us to choose our preferred massage oil. Then some sort of ritual or ceremony were performed just before the actual massage session begins. I felt special, pampered and adored like a king.
Kai Spa is located on the second floor of Sea Breeze Cafe near the beach
Lobby inside Kai Spa
One of the massage rooms ideal for couple
The fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities if you need some cardio or gym sessions
Stay at the Premiere Room with Direct Pool Access if you want quick pool access from your room
Private plunge pool of Pool Villas
Check out my Instagram posts during this trip:
Snorkeling at the nearby Balicasag Island
Superb beach of Balicasag Island in Panglao
Visit www.Henann.com to book your next tropical beach getaway at Henann Resort Bohol.
How to Get to Henann Resort Bohol from Manila
From Manila (NAIA Terminal 4), you can fly directly to Tagbilaran Airport. From the airport, you can rent a private car or avail of the resort's transportation services for convenience to get to Henann Resort in Panglao Island. Travel time from the airport to the resort takes about 30 minutes.
AirAsia Philippines flies from Manila to Bohol 4x daily. Visit www.AirAsia.com to book your flight to Bohol!
Subscribe to Pinoy Travel Freak to receive free updates and latest content in your email. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter. If you like this post, don't forget to share it with your friends by clicking the "Share" button below.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment. Make sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinoyTravelFreak