Bluewater Panglao Resort: Giving Bohol tourism a boost

Bohol, the 10th largest island in the country, has been a slice of heaven on earth for local and foreign tourists alike. In recent years, the province has been one of the most-visited destinations in the Philippines. With plenty of things to do and places to see, Bohol has continued to beckon travelers to experience its natural and man-made wonders.

However, it is not a secret to many that Bohol has been experiencing challenges in the last two years. According to Walter Sultan, vice chairman of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council, the province was brought down to its knees when it experienced a double whammy of an earthquake and a super typhoon late last year. Sultan adds that the one-aircraft policy in the Tagbilaran airport implemented in 2012 has also decreased number of flights from 14 a day to just seven, which significantly reduced tourist arrivals by 15 to 20 percent.

Bring this home and show your support for Bohol. 

 Here’s the good news: a tourism recovery plan has already been mapped out. “One of the important activities of our tourism recovery plan is improving our airline access. An international airport in Panglao is already underway and will be operational by 2016. In the meantime, we plan to expand the Tagbilaran airport to accommodate more tourists,” says Sultan. “We also have the Bangon Tours and we’re looking at coming up with a geological and scientific tour that will involve the areas affected by the earthquake.”

Heeding to the call of the local provincial tourism council, Bluewater Panglao Resort has been offering the Bangon Tours (“Bangon” is the Filipino word for “to rise”) since last year to encourage more tourists to come to Bohol.

Bluewater Panglao Resort resident manager Edison Navasa.

“The Panglao property of Bluewater Resorts is very active in helping boost tourism in Bohol,” says Edison Navasa, resident manager of Bluewater Panglao Resort. “The Bangon Tours package features discounted room rates, more or less 40 percent off of published rates. These are special rates to lure more people to choose Bohol for their next trip. And the response was overwhelming!”

Bluewater Panglao Resort features local materials in its design. 

Navasa says that guest profile at the resort is still dominated by Koreans, followed by Japanese, Filipinos and other nationalities. “It’s a good mix. About 30 to 35 percent of our guests are Koreans. Based on feedback, our guests love that there are a lot of activities that they can do in the resort,” says Navasa. “That’s our goal: to add more activities in our 5.5-hectare property so that our guests will truly enjoy their stay here and make the most of their vacation. We have two swimming pools and a beach front where our guests can enjoy water activities like snorkeling, glass bottom boat, kayaking, diving, hobbie cat sailing and stand up paddle boarding."

The signature ube dessert, featuring Panglao's proud product.

The resort also arranges for countryside and island hopping tours to allow guests to experience the sights and sceneries of Bohol. Although most of the churches are still under construction, one can still see past through the cracks the charm of these century-old churches. Most roads have already been repaired, proving that Bohol has slowly gotten back to its good shape.

A myriad of activities at the resort. 

Bluewater Panglao Resort invites tourists to rediscover the province because “Bohol is still beautiful” despite the disasters last year. For one, the resort offers a luxurious escape that honors the island’s natural beauty. Its Filipino architecture and design complement Bohol’s culture, inherent warm hospitality, and eco-focused initiatives. The Panglao resort, the youngest of the Bluewater Resorts siblings (that include Bluewater Maribago and Bluewater Sumilon, both in Cebu) aims to showcase local beauty through its structure, rooms, food, and services.

Despite the disasters last year, the resort never lost its charm. Its elegant, innovative and functional designs remain to be one of Panglao’s best.

Baclayon Church post-earthquake.

Loboc River Cruise. 

The media fam tour group poses for a photo before saying goodbye to the resort.

“Although there were some cancellations and rebooking, we are positive that the growth we have experienced since December will continue, especially that it’s already the peak season,” says Navasa. “It’s not difficult to sell Bohol because the place has already established itself as one of the Philippines’ most beautiful. And when you’re in Bohol, stay at Bluewater Panglao and we promise to show you the beauty of the province.”

(Published March 24, 2014, The Philippine Star)

10 reasons to book at Bluewater Panglao Resort

If there is one destination in the Philippines that offers tourists a smorgasbord of things to see and do, it would have to be Bohol. The first time I was in Bohol, the 10th largest island in the Philippines, I was amazed and awed at its natural beauty. Almost every town in the province has something to show to local and foreign travelers. 

A second visit cemented my belief that Bohol is a tourist haven. After all, it is one of the most visited destinations in the country. With a number of accommodations—first-class and budget alike—that can be found in the island, make sure that the resort you choose to book in can promise a memorable vacation for you and your companions, especially this holiday season.

A great pick would be Bluewater Panglao Resort. Check out 10 reasons why it's easy to fall in love with this place!

1. It is located in Panglao.

If you find yourself in the beautiful island of Panglao in Bohol, you are definitely in for a one-of-a-kind resort vacation. Panglao is situated on the southwest tip of Bohol Island and is home to long stretches of white, powdery sand beaches and emerald blue waters that beckon you to take the plunge and get wet.

Sunset at Alona Beach in Panglao.

When in Panglao, you may also opt to join an island tour that includes a visit to the Bohol Bee Farm, Dauis Church, Hinagdanan Cave, among many others.

Bohol Bee Farm.

Inside the Hinagdanan Cave.

Another tour you can join is the countryside tour which allows you to see the famous spots in Bohol, including the Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church, Blood Compact site, and Tarsier Sanctuary.

Chocolate Hills.

Hello there, tarsier!

2. The resort is 100 percent Filipino-owned.

Bluewater Panglao Resort is the third and newest property under the Bluewater Resorts brand. Bluewater Resorts, a wholly Filipino-owned group of resorts, aims to showcase the best of Filipino culture: creative, warm, friendly, attentive, caring, and relaxing. Bluewater Panglao Resort takes after its older siblings—the Bluewater Maribago and Bluewater Sumilon which are both in Cebu—in terms of elegance and sophistication.

Lounge by the beach.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

"The resort is very Filipino as it is owned, managed, and run by Filipinos," says Adie Gallares, resident manager of Bluewater Panglao Resort (writer’s note: at the time the article was published).

Bluewater Panglao is owned and run by Filipinos. 

3. It honors the island's natural beauty but still keeping the designs modern and sophisticated.

Tagged as the "future of luxury in Bohol," Bluewater Panglao Resort features Filipino architecture and design that complement Bohol's colorful culture, warm people, and environment-friendly initiatives.

Where to?

Wash your feet before going inside the room.

The design of the rooms and facilities are a reflection of the resort's aim to showcase local beauty. The spotless, superb and sophisticated 54 rooms are the product of a creative mind—that of world-renowned Filipino architect Benjie Reyes.

The resort promises R&R for you. 

4. You'll love the homey ambiance of the rooms.

At Bluewater Panglao Resort, there is a room for all types of travellers. Guests can choose from 46 Deluxe Pool View Rooms (68 sqm, pictured), four Family Lofts (68 sqm. at ground floor and 65 sqm. at loft), three Honeymoon Villas (142 sqm), and one Family Villa (224 sqm).

Family room, ground floor.
Room photos courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

Family room, loft. 

Family room, stairs.

These rooms were designed with the idea that it should exude a harmonious blend of modern amenities and eco-friendly elements. Your personal space in the resort also come complete with either a dipping pool or a view of the resort's famous swimming pool.

Honeymoon Villa. 

Architect Benjie Reyes' creative imprint is seen in the resort's signature cantilevered beds. The rooms also feature oversized bathrooms with a bathtub where you can relax after a long day under the sun.

Cantilevered beds are the resort's signature. 

The oversized bathroom features a bathtub.

"Bluewater Panglao is considered a higher category resort as we also feature different villas for honeymooners and families with their own pools, and a family loft. We always design spaces with families in mind. Even our deluxe rooms are bigger than the usual hotel rooms," says Gallares.

5. The resort is environment-friendly.

"The challenge was to introduce a unique design concept that will match well with the environment," says Gallares. "What the resort came up with is a design that is organic yet elegant, innovative and functional."

The resort's beachfront.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

In your stay here, you'll see pieces which are made from recycled and native materials. This is also something that the resort is most proud of!

The path from your room to the beach. 

Also found in the sprawling 5.5-hectare property are a garden as well as a playground for kids to make the most out of their vacation.

The playground.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

6. Its swimming pool make for a perfect background for your pictures.

Need to post something on your social media pages? Then head to the resort's famous swimming pool, which already served as a background for many a pictorial. There is also another pool near the Aplaya Restaurant. Needless to say, swimming is one of the main activities when staying in this resort.

Swimming pool by the rooms.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

Swimming pool by the Aplaya restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

7. Get your adrenaline pumping with watersports activities.

What is a beach resort vacation without some watersports activities? Unleash your inner water baby when you try anything from diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and hobbie cat sailing to glass-bottom boat rides and stand-up paddle boarding.

Ready to swim?
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

Want to see the wonders under the sea without diving? Try the glass bottom boat. 

A marine sanctuary is found at the resort's beachfront, making it an ideal location to enjoy some action under the sun or in the blue sea!

But diving will still allow you to have a close encounter with the denizens of the deep.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

8. A feast for the palate awaits you.

Head to Aplaya Restaurant for a gastronomic feast. It offers Filipino and Asian delights made from fresh local products. Enjoy al fresco dining in Aplaya with a view of the Bohol Strait while you munch on culinary goodies like adobo rice, hinalang na manok, and lechon kawali.

Aplaya Restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

Lechon kawali, one of the resort's bestsellers. 

You may also choose to relax by the poolside at nearby Baroto Poolside Bar. Choose from a wide array of cocktails to help you unwind and de-stress.

9. Get some spa-mpering at the Amuma Spa.

Soothe tired muscles by availing yourself of a massage at the Amuma Spa. Most recommended is theAmuma Hingut, a 15-minute sampler that involves a gentle hair-pulling technique which stimulates circulation, relieves headaches and induce rest and sleep. This is a perfect way to cap off a day of tours and water activities.

A massage by the poolside can be very relaxing.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

Choose your massage oil. Mine's lavender, always. 

10. Bluewater Panglao Resort cares for the community.

The resort builds a long-term relationship with the community it operates in. Aside from eco-friendly initiatives, the Bluewater Properties—where Bluewater Panglao is part of—hold various projects like "My BlueArth" and "Walk Among Stars." The former, which involves recycling and conserving water in the resort, is held every April when Earth Day is celebrated. Meanwhile, "Walk Among Stars" is organized so that Bluewater Resorts can donate to chosen non-governmental/non-profitable organizations through a benefit dinner. The event also kickoffs the resort's Christmas celebrations.

It's a different kind of Bohol experience in Bluewater Panglao Resort.
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Panglao Resort

(Published Dec. 2, 2013, Kristn.com)