On December 15, 2020, the province of Bohol officially reopened to local tourists after months of closure and travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the reopening of tourism are the new travel requirements and guidelines for tourists. One of the travel requirements for tourists who enter Bohol is to pre-book their accommodations at a resort or hotel that is accredited by the Department of Tourist (DOT) and LGU of Bohol.
Aside from DOT-accredited accommodations, tourists are also required to pre-book their tours with an accredited tour operator and using of authorized transportation service provider, along with other travel requirements. You can find the complete list of Bohol travel requirements and guidelines by visiting my Bohol travel guide in the new normal.
If you're traveling to Bohol soon and still don't know where to stay, here is a list of the DOT-accredited accommodation properties that are open to welcome tourists in the new normal. These hotels and resorts are located in Panglao and Anda which I was fortunate to either stay in or visit for a day tour in the past and during my recent trip to Bohol in December 2020.
Panglao Resorts and Hotels
Panglao Island is a main attraction in Bohol and is famous as a diving paradise due to its rich marine biodiversity. It has become the new main entry point for tourists flying from/to Bohol after the opening of the Bohol–Panglao International Airport last 2018 which replaced the old Tagbilaran Airport.
Aside from scuba diving, Panglao Island offers exciting activities such as island hopping, dolphin watching and snorkeling which draw both local and foreign tourists. It also has some of the best islands and beaches in the Philippines which include the popular Alona Beach and the beautiful Balicasag Island. Being a world-class tourist destination, Panglao Island is also home to luxury resorts and hotels.
1. The Bellevue Resort
Located along the serene Doljo Beach in Panglao Island, the Bellevue Resort is a modern, five-star resort that is perfect for luxurious seaside escape. This beachfront resort has 159 beautifully-designed rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi access, huge flat-screen TV and in-room safe. One of their deluxe rooms where I stayed in has spacious bathroom and features a balcony with seating area and breathtaking view of the beach.
The Bellevue Resort has top-notch facilities including an outdoor infinity pool, a gym and a spa. As for dining, the resort has two in-house restaurants, Lamian and Marea Alfresco, that offer international cuisines and seafood meals.
>> Click here to book at The Bellevue Resort <<
Deluxe Room at The Bellevue Resort
2. Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort
Boasting a private beach area and a swimming pool, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is a perfect choice for your luxurious tropical getaway. Situated in Danao Beach, this resort offers 85 stylish and spacious rooms and villas featuring the latest amenities and Filipino contemporary designs.
Some of its facilities include various function rooms and outdoor spaces for events and celebrations, Anuma Spa, and the Aplaya Restaurant offering international and local cuisines with Filipino-Asian fusion.
>> Click here to book at Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort <<
3. Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort
If you're looking for a modern resort located right smack in the middle of Alona Beach, the Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort is the place to be. This 4-star hotel resort features 80 elegant and well-furnished rooms all equipped with modern amenities and balconies with pool, garden or sea view. Choose one of their Premier rooms if you want direct access to the swimming pool.
The resort features a restaurant called Alon, a bar, free private parking, children's playground and fitness center. Probably my most favorite facility is the Teraza Rooftop Deck where you can hang out while watching the sunset or enjoying the view of the beach. If you decide to dine in somewhere else, restaurants along Alona Beach are accessible on foot.
>> Click here to book at Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort <<
4. Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
For tourists who want to experience luxury in a tranquil sanctuary, look no further! Donatela Resort and Sanctuary is a perfect place for a splendid vacation in Panglao. The resort has 12 beautiful and spacious private villas complete with 5-star amenities. Their high-end Pool Villas are impeccable! The impressive interior design featuring Filipino artistry perfectly complements the natural beauty of its surrounding.
Their cliffside restaurant, Paprika, offers a panoramic view of the Bohol sea while their outdoor pool bar, Tropika, serves beverages and snacks while you lounge under the sun. They also have a spa, The Spa Village, and a private cove with small beach.
>> Click here to book at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary <<
5. Bohol Beach Club
A relaxing resort with beachfront access, Bohol Beach Club is one of the highly-rated resorts in Panglao. Situated along Dumaluan Beach, the resort features 88 vibrant rooms with Filipino touch and great facilities such as swimming pool and a restaurant called Agotata. And, of course, the white-sand beach is just a few steps away. Guests traveling with small dogs or cats will be happy to learn that the resort is also pet-friendly.
>> Click here to book at Bohol Beach Club <<
6. Amorita Resort
A first-class resort situated atop a beautiful limestone cliff, Amorita Resort offers an amazing view of Alona Beach and Bohol sea. The award-winning resort features 98 luxurious rooms, suites and villas lavishly furnished with amenities and top-notch facilities including a fitness gym, spa, in-house dive shop, infinity pool and pool bar. Alona Beach is just a few steps away for a leisurely walk or swimming.
>> Click here to book at Amorita Resort <<
7. Twin Tides Resort
For comfortable and convenient stay in Panglao at a reasonable price, I highly recommend Twin Tides Resort. Having stayed here twice, budget conscious travelers will enjoy their elegant rooms with modern furnish. They have rooms designed for couples and families. The resort is walking distance to Alona Beach and accessible to restaurants and shops.
>> Click here to book at Twin Tides Resort <<
8. Henann Resort Alona Beach
Henann Resort is the biggest beach resort in Panglao and sits on the best part of Alona Beach where there is powdery white sand and less crowd. The resort is massive with its 400 world-class designed rooms and features three large swimming pools along pool bars, restaurants, gym & fitness center, spa and Bohol's largest convention center. I personally love this resort. Every corner is Instagrammable!
I got to stay in Henann Resort Panglao last 2016 and it was one of my favorite experiences in Bohol. I stayed in one of their Premier Rooms with view of the pool and garden area. If you want a quick pool access from your room, check out their Premier Room with Direct Pool Access.
>> Click here to book at Henann Resort Alona Beach <<
9. South Palms Resort Panglao
Anda Hotels and Resorts
Aside from Panglao Island, Bohol has more to offer. Located in the eastern part of Bohol Island is the quiet and laid-back town of Anda which is home to pristine white-sand beaches, secluded luxury hotels and resorts, and unexplored wonders of Bohol. Anda is around 2.5-3 hours drive away from Panglao International Airport so tourists who are looking to spend their vacation in a remote, serene location will find Anda an ideal place to relax and unwind.
One of the main attractions of Anda is the Quinale Beach, a public beach with powdery white sand and clear blue waters. Adventure seekers will find the mystical tour of Lamanok Island quite a unique experience. The uninhabited island features beautiful rock formations, limestone caves and beach coves, and has cultural importance and rich history and folklore. Just like Panglao, the coastal town of Anda is also the perfect destination for diving enthusiasts.
1. Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa
The best way to describe Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa is luxury meets serenity. This three-hectare beachfront dive resort is hidden in a vast lush property in Anda, Bohol. It features an amazing infinity pool and private white-sand beach overlooking Camiguin Island. The owner, Federico "Fred" Carmona, is an Ilonggo hence the name "amun ini" which means "this is ours" in Hiligaynon.
All their rooms have an outdoor terrace with garden and sea view and luxury bathrooms. Among the facilities are a restaurant, a spa and dive shop. They also offer snorkeling, scuba diving and PADI diving courses.
>> Click here to book at Amun Ini Beach Resort and Spa <<
2. Parklane Bohol Resort and Spa
A beachfront resort that exudes tropical island luxury, Parklane Bohol Resort and Spa is a hidden gem on the east coast of Bohol. Featuring a breathtaking view of the sea, guests will truly enjoy their infinity pools and private beach access. It also boasts of 11 villas and 68 rooms in development that are perfect for couples and family. They also accept day tour guests.
3. Anda Pearl Premier Resort
Experience nature's tranquility with Anda Pearl Premier Resort. This amazing beachfront resort has five outdoor pools, private beach and restaurant and features 22 air-conditioned rooms and suites with ocean or mountain view. They also have function rooms and halls for meetings and events. Their restaurant, Isabella’s Bistro, serves Filipino dishes and Boholano cuisines.
>> Click here to book at Anda Pearl Premier Resort <<
TRAVEL NOTES:
1. These hotels and resorts have been issued with certificate of authority to operate by DOT and UBE (Ultimate Bohol Experience) certification by the provincial government of Bohol. Take note that Bohol will only accept tourists who are pre-booked with any of these accredited establishments. To make sure that the accommodation you will be staying in is DOT-accredited, visit this link to verify it from the list.
2. Aside from luxury resorts, Bohol has plenty of accommodations that cater to all kinds of budget too. There are inns, guesthouses, lodges and homestay options in Panglao and Anda. Just make sure it's DOT-accredited. TIP: You can book your accommodations directly at the resort/hotel or via online travel agencies such as Agoda. Visit this link to check discounted rates and lowest prices of accommodations in Bohol.
3. Set your expectations differently when traveling in the new normal. Even if you're staying in a five-star accommodation, you may not feel or get the "five-star" service you'd normally expect all the time. There would be instances where room service requests get delayed or restaurants take a bit long to serve your food. This is because accommodation establishments have reduced staffing or skeletal workforce arrangements to comply with the requirements and guidelines set by the government.
4. Some of the resort facilities and services may be temporarily closed or not available or on a limited operating hours due to COVID-19 precautions. This may include spa, gym, kids' playground, swimming pool, among others.
5. This is common sense but make sure to follow the health and safety protocols of the accommodation or LGU of your destination for your safety and the safety of other guests and locals. For the list of travel requirements for tourists traveling to Bohol, visit this link for complete details: http://www.pinoytravelfreak.com/2020/12/bohol-travel-guide-reopening-new-normal.html
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