Amorita Resort Bohol. I was here first seven years ago– back in 2011– just a couple of years after it first opened. I really like Bohol because it has a great mix of what the Philippines has to offer: beach, culture, history, greenery and, of course the smallest primate in the world– our little tarsier! You can have your R&R within enclaves of privacy, and it’s not too commercial (which can become repulsive). And honestly, while I thoroughly enjoyed the resort founded by Nikki and Ria Cauton (a 40-minute drive from the Tagbilaran airport) on my first visit… I love it even more now!!! How is that possible?! Well, I’ll tell you 10 reasons why you should stay here on your next visit to this wonderful island. (PS They just won the Condé Nast Johansens’ Excellence Award- Best for Service- as well as the ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2018!)
1. It’s just undergone renovation in time for its 10th year anniversary in 2017.
While Amorita offers a range of accommodations (they have 98 suites, which includes 16 villas), their ocean view villas are LOVE!!! The rooms are straightforward yet comfortable, offering a lot of woodwork (with a complimentary mini bar and local snacks that are refreshed daily). The renovation now sees a longer a private plunge pool (in its previous life, it was half the size) situated next to a terrace looking out to the ocean. Beat that!
2. It’s beachfront– yes, you get the beach– but its cliffside location allows you some sense of privacy.
Plus, you get the best view of the beach! Some people asked me if I took the photo of Alona Beach with a drone.
3. It’s family- and kids- friendly.
Vacations are often best spent with loved ones. When I was there, I noticed a significant number of children running around and that’s when I noticed they had varied daily activities and even a play corner for children.
4. Complimentary FAST Wifi available to all guests!
Not going to lie, fast wifi is essential in this day and age to be able to go on vacation while still keeping up with responsibilities. Sure, almost all hotels have “wifi” these days but loads can barely make a connection.
5. Delicious breakfast buffet at Saffron Restaurant
They have standard continental offerings (eggs, bacon– so crispy! I had copious amounts everyday!– breads, pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, etc.) but also Filipino offerings which change daily like humba, fried danggit, bistek tagalog, garlic fried rice… and what I appreciated– healthy, low-carb options like cauliflower and okra! They also have almond milk and soy milk if you don’t do dairy. There’s something for everyone.
6. Evening tapas and wine nightcaps at Tomar Restaurant
Their flagship restaurant is a Spanish one, Tomar, that’s open til midnight everyday (now you know where you can have your nightcap at the resort). Their menu has various tapas offerings divided into pintxos, seafood and meats. We enjoyed the gambas the most. The tapas platter (PHP800) is off the menu but available when you ask.
7. They have a proper wine list– and a daily happy hour!
And not the crappy convenience store kind that make you wanna hurl at your first sip. Amorita has a wine list, available at their restaurant establishments and serve 2 whites, 2 reds, and a sparkling by the glass. And speaking of wines, they have a daily happy hour (unlimited wines and tapas) priced at PHP1,300 nett/ person from 4PM to 6PM.
8. Sunset cocktails complimentary for all guests every Wednesdays and Fridays.
Amorita clearly knows what R&R means for adults. On Wednesdays and Fridays, they have sunset cocktails from 5 to 6PM– complimentary to all guests. Mojitos, margaritas, gin sprits, vodka sprites and rum colas are free flow, likewise pica-picas of breadsticks.
9. A jump-off point for Bohol’s famous attactions: Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills and Loboc River.
Amorita has packages where you can rent a van (with a driver) for 7 hours at PHP2,600 pesos. So what we did was go to the Tarsier Sanctuary (about 40 minutes from the resort) then Chocolate Hills (another hour) then Loboc River before heading back. I was told that a straight drive to Chocolate Hills from the resort is about 2 hours.
10. Service with heart.
At the end of the day, while facilities wow at first glance, its service that makes a lasting impression.The staff not only engages– they go out of their way to anticipate needs, remember names, cater to individual preferences and ensure a wonderful level of comfort, both indoors and out. After all, they did not win the Condé Nast Johansens’ Excellence Award- Best for Service, for no reason!
For more information on Amorita, visit their website here.
