Perhaps the most expensive island resort destination in the whole Southern Mindanao is the Island Buenavista in the Island Garden City of Samal. It may seemed pricey but it is also the most exclusive island resort in the whole Davao Gulf. You can own the island the period that you booked making it your private island getaway.
A four hectare paradise, the island is thriving with lush tropical vegetation and numerous palm trees. A white sandy beach, as well as crystal clear waters of the Davao Gulf encircles the sparkling island. Several meters from the shores, you will find beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life–making Buenavista a remarkable diving destination as well.
More details about the Island:
Buenavista Island Resort, Inc.
JFM Corporate Center
848 Atis St., Juna Subd., Matina, Davao City
Tel: +6382 299-2992 to 94 local 113 Fax: +6382 296-0135
Email: [email protected]
When I got the invitation for the Food and Travel Bloggers’ Familiarization Tour tagged as “Heart of Davao”, I never wavered to say yes. Who am I to say no for a 4D/3N stay at Davao’s finest and most luxurious hotel – the Marco Polo Davao? Besides, it’s not only the Marco Polo that is part in itinerary. The world-class Pearl Farm Beach Resort and the Eden Nature Park and Resort are also on the list. Hence, this sounds one great staycation and the best time to revisit some of my favorite destinations in Davao.
Staycation In Style
Though I live in the city and I enjoy my pretty relaxing home here, staying in different hotels has been my favorite way of treating myself as self-reward. Long before the word staycation was created, I would call this “reward” as hotel hopping. Though I have stayed in different hotels in Davao, this stay at Marco Polo Davao would be my first. Thanks to this Heart of Davao Tour.
The Lobby Lounge
Two weeks before this tour, I was in my hometown of Cateel doing some laborious task. I got back in the city worn out, sunburns all over my body and with aching muscles. And luckily, this posh staycation was just so perfect. This is the kind of staycation I was looking forward to experience. So from my hometown, I traveled back to the big city and went straight to my luxurious 4D/3N pampering at the Marco Polo Davao.
Reception and Main Lobby
Despite the rapid increase of new and posh hotels in the heart of the city and north bound of the Davao, The Marco Polo has exquisitely maintained its reputation as the most luxurious hotel in the City assuring its guests with its exceptional blend of Western comforts and Asian hospitality! Be it for business or for pleasure, Marco Polo Davao promises its guests to be a home away from home. Even for local Davaoeños seeking for weekend respite, staying at Marco Polo Hotel guarantees one amazing staycation.
Checked In: The Travel Teller
Nestled at the very heart of the city, Marco Polo Davao offers spacious 5-star accommodations that overlook the majestic Mount Apo and the tranquil Gulf of Davao.
The view of Samal Island and the Davao Gulf from the Marco Polo DavaoThe majestic Mount Apo on the other side.
As I entered, I immediately fell in love with my room. Indeed, size does matter and yes, this Deluxe Room where I was booked is so spacious for one person. Everything inside the room is a work of style – beautifully designed to complement such beautiful ambience. The bed is exceptionally comfortable I could stay there for the whole day. The pillows are so soft I cuddle them for hours. And just as I prayed, my room is at the 12th floor overlooking the gorgeous Samal Island. The view was just superb. The bed, the pillows, the cozy room, everything – they promised me for a sound sleep and an unforgettable stay.
My Oh-So-Relaxing Room at the 12th FloorHotel bathrooms like this are simply irresistible.How I love BUBBLE BATH! 🙂
But it wasn’t just the rooms of the Marco Polo Davao I adored most. Talk about food, they filled us with gastronomic experience I still crave until now. The hotel’s Café Marco serves a wide array of international buffet that delectably satisfied my palate. The selection and variety of food is good. They got good selection of Japanese, Italian, French, American and even Filipino cuisines that definitely delighted my cravings. I took my power breakfasts here for three days.
Cafe Marco Serving International BuffetDessert for my Sweet ToothPower Breakfast
For Chinese Food lovers like me, Marco Polo’s Cantonese restaurant called Lotus Court is heaven. From the choices of delectable platter of Dimsum to the perfectly-cooked Yin-Yang Garoupa which is a Lotus Court signature dish, in-house made Tofu with Mixed Mushroom and Broccoli to famed Yang Chow Fried Rice – ahhhhh, Lotus Court is heaven on earth. And for a heavenly dessert, the Dark Chocolate-filled Buchi is a winner!
The Lotus CourtDimsum Platter
Shredded ChickenYin-Yang Garoupa
For inter-continental ala carte cuisines, the Polo Bistro is a must try. This is only outdoor restaurant of the Marco Polo Davao and it provides an exquisite ambiance and superb food. I’m highly recommending the brandied pepper steak with herb for main course. Quite pricey but worth the money.
The Polo Bistro
Marco Polo Davao arranges tour for their guests. In our part, we were treated an extraordinary Davao Tour which includes a visit to Davao Museum that houses Davao’s colorful past. We also had a day trip to the world-class Pearl Farm Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal and a quick visit to Malagos Cheese House. They also included our trip to Eden Nature Park and Resort and the Philippine Eagle Center. These are the must-visit places when in the city and Marco Polo Davao proficiently arranges tours to these destinations. Though I’m from Davao and have been to these places, I never get tired visiting them.
The Pearl Farm Beach ResortSkycycle of Eden Nature Park and Resort
After those fun-filled trips to Davao’s must see places, it was time for some pampering. Marco Polo Davao’s Lazuli Spa is expert to that. Being the best and most luxurious Spa in Davao, no one leaves the place without feeling the sense of Royalty. Inside, Lazuli Spa is an exquisite work of architecture that blends the elegance of Modern and Asian settings. Each room comes with complete amenities which include rain showers & steam room and each has separate toilet for total convenience and privacy.
Lazuli Spa, the best and the most luxurious spa in Davao City
Lazuli Spa offers varied array of Spa treatments which absolutely meet the clients’ needs. Since I needed pampering from my two exhausted weeks of hard work, I chose the most relaxing two-hour aromatherapy massage. And just as they promised, the warm relaxing hands of the therapists and the relaxing ambience of the room soothed and reinvigorated me leaving in a state pure serenity and rejuvenation.
Just beside the Lazuli Spa is the Marco Polo Davao’s Fitness Center well equipped with cardiovascular and strength training equipment with well-trained fitness instructors. There is an aerobics room and sauna rooms for male and female. Though hotel guests have accessed to use all the facilities for free, I didn’t have the luxury of time sweating out here. But what I didn’t miss was taking a dip at the hotel’s pool. I have to admit it, it is just simply irresistible.
Marco Polo Davao is also just a stone-throw away from pasalubong centers, banks, schools, even shopping malls, government offices and churches. Everything is within reach making one’s stay, be it for business or simply just staycation, so worthwhile.
Staying at the Marco Polo Davao gives me the opportunity to experience that glamour and that luxury that Marco Polo Hotels around the globe are known for. It was by far the best and most luxurious staycation I’ve had here in Davao City – pampering myself with the quality of hotel services only this type of hotel can offer. Given a great chance, I shall come back and stay again in this place I can now call – A True Gem in the Heart of the City!
Given a great chance, I shall come back and stay again in this place I can now call – A True Gem in the Heart of the City!
HOW TO GET THERE:
Marco Polo Davao is about 12 kilometers away from the Davao City International Aiprort. It is about 20-minute drive by car. You can arrange a hotel’s shuttle bus, which plies to and from the airport at a minimal fee.
MARCO POLO DAVAO
C.M. Recto Street
Davao City 8000, Philippines
Tel. (63 82) 221-0888
Fax. (63 82) 225-0111
Maragusan in Compostela Valley is among the popular destinations in Southern Mindanao especially during summer. It lies amidst the majestic valleys of Davao Region and home to enticing mountains teeming with a great number of waterfalls and countless springs. Aside from its natural attractions, Maragusan also boasts a number of manmade tourist spots popular not only among locals but even for tourists lured by the beauty of this silent town. Among these is a mountain resort called the Haven’s Peak Highland Resort.
The Haven’s Peak Highland Resort is not just a place to stay for a night or a place to eat good food. This mountain resort is also the best spot to enjoy the scenic panoramic view of this sleepy town and a perfect place to enjoy the cool weather Maragusan is known for.
Nestled atop Tarago Hills overlooking the whole town of Maragusan, Haven’s Peak Highland Resort enjoys a naturally cold weather making it an ideal getaway especially on hot summer days. The highland resort is widely known for its cool weather all year round. Mornings at the Haven’s Peak is filled with thick mountain fogs crawling on the thick vegetation that encircle the entire area.
To get to the top, Haven’s Peak provides 208 beautifully designed landscape steps that lead to its cozy restaurant and reception area. Up there provides a picture-perfect backdrop of green foggy mountains surrounding the rustic town.
The resort is handsomely designed to be a place to enjoy nature. It has beautiful and well-manicured landscape with two swimming pools. Lush vegetation abound the place. Various ornamental plants are beautifully positioned at different places. Everything is designed to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
Swimming PoolsReception Area
For room accommodations, Haven’s Peaks offers room types that suit one’s budget. It has a dorm type accommodation at P400.00 per person per night. There are also tribal huts that can accommodate a family of four at Php 2,800.00 a night. Choices are T’boli Hut, Ifugao Hut, Bagobo Hut or Mansaka Hut for this kind of accommodation. For campers, the resort has tent rentals that come with beddings ranging from 250 to 750. If you come with your own tent, you only have to pay P150.00 a night.
Dorm Type AccommodationTribal HutOne Dorm Type Room can Accommodate up to 8 Persons
Haven’s Peak takes pride being the only resort in the whole Valley that grows its own organic vegetables. They also raise organic chickens, goats, and pigs. Its organic garden and farm are just situated at the back resort. Guests can walk and tour around the organic garden and farm.
Haven’s Peak Organic GardenOrganic TomatoesStrawberriesFlowers in Bloom
The food served are really delectable and everything if not all comes from the Organic Garden. The brewed coffee tastes so heavenly. One of the best coffees I tasted in Davao Region. Among the food served to us, the Nilolot is incredibly good – a native chicken dish cooked in a bamboo shell.
Fresh Organic Garden SaladDeep Fried Eggplants with Bagoong Fresh from the GardenDeep Fried Coated ChiliNilolot, a Chicken Dish Cooked in a Bamboo Shell
Maragusan is home to a dozen of waterfalls and countless springs in the Valley. It takes pride being home to the endangered Rafflesia Magnifica, endangered species of the biggest bloom in the world which can be found in the mountain ranges of this town. Haven’s Peak arranges guided tours to these must-visit destinations in Maragusan.
ACHIEVED! The Travel Teller and Maragusan’s RafflesiaRafflesia buds blooming in a months time. Don’t you know that Rafflesia only lasts for 5 days after it is fully bloomed?Rafflesia Magnifica, endangered species of the biggest bloom in the world which can be found in the mountain ranges of this town
Davao Region never runs out of destinations to enjoy and discover. Indeed, Maragusan is among those towns worth traveling – whether just to enjoy the cool weather or discover the rich natural attractions of the town. And when in Maragusan, there is only one place that truly makes one’s stay memorable – and that is the Haven’s Peak Highland Resort.
WITH MY CRAZY MARAGUSAN BUDDIES
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Haven’s Peak Highland Resort Tarago Hills, Maragusan
Comval Province Philippines
Davao Booking Office:
204 2nd floor Doña Segunda Bldg.
Ponciano Street, Davao City, Philippines
Landline: (082) 295 9251
Website: http://thehavenspeak.com