Panglao Island is one of the most visited islands in the Philippines. Along with this popularity comes the rising of hotels that are sure to cater to different types of personalities; each promising a distinct kind of experience from its neighboring counterparts. Shocking as it may sound, it was our first time to visit Bohol! After much probing and researching, we chose to settle in the newly-opened Bellevue Resort found along the lengthy Dauis-Panglao road; a good 35-minute ride from the Tagbilaran airport.

THE LOBBY

Touring Bohol for a whole day is both exhilarating and exhausting mainly because of the scorching sun and the long rides entailed in between our destinations but seeing the airy and spacious lobby of the hotel evaporated all of our exhaustion as it is evident that we are assured of a good, mind-clearing and relaxing stay in Bellevue.

The lovely architecture was infused with modern Asian designs and interiors such as this chandeliers made with Rattan-like material and ceiling dressed with Abaca.

In every nook and corner, there are sofa and chairs where you can lounge and enjoy the lovely breeze that circulates around the lobby. The hotel lobby is very eco-friendly as it is being cooled only by the ambient air.

THE ROOM

We are welcomed by this nice, sweet treat from the hotel. Their signature "B" infused in this biscuit, gave off a nice and personal touch in the presentation!

Oopsie! I did not get the chance to take a photo of the room prior ransacking it. This is the cleanest and most organized state I found it in during our stay. The room was large; floor area of 41 - 45 sqm which could easily accommodate 4 people. It has 2 queen-size beds dressed in fluffy, cotton duvet covers, a chaise lounge, a LED TV with satellite, an Ipod Dock Speaker/Radio where you could play your default, summer playlist and a nice balcony overlooking the ocean.

THE BATHROOM

I have a penchant for sleek or unique bathrooms and the ones in Bellevue does not disappoint.

The combination of earthy and neutral colors that abound the bathroom is warming and reliving. There are some bathrooms that give me an eerie and cold feeling but here, I could stay in it forever!

Most of all, they did not scrimp on the necessities which I extremely adore on hotels that are generous like this. They prepared 2 sets of this bottled toiltetries, each day during our stay!

THE INFINITY POOL AND BEACHFRONT

The sunrise in Bellevue was enchanting. Witnessing mornings like this emanates from me a sense of pride for my birth country. I am really blessed to be a Filipino!

This wooden deck in the middle of the pool houses lovely lounge sets for the guests to laze off on. The recliners seemingly encourage their guests to just take a deep breath in and to worry about nothing. "Just cast off your problems and worries to the horizon", they told me.

If you got tired of the pool, you may just hop your way to the beachfront! Recliners are lined up on the 250-meter white, sugary beach; just take your pick!

If you wish to be closer with nature, this covered bamboo raft may tick your senses! How nice it is to jump off to the water and climb back in to have a quick rest when you got tired frolicking in the water.

THE RESTAURANTS

The resort has 3 restaurants that you could choose from depending on your mood and what cuisine your palate is looking for. The one above is called Flujo which transforms into a bar during the night. They offer lounge drinks & delectable tapas!

The Lamian is where the breakfast buffet is presented. It offers all-day international buffet and a la carte meals. You can dine inside if you could not take the heat outside or dine al-fresco style if you would like to enjoy the warm weather.

The gazebo houses Marea, which is set al fresco style. You could order in Lamian and have it delivered instead in Marea for you to enjoy your food nearer the ocean.

The vibrant and happy colors are what had enticed me!

I fell in love with the orange tree backdrop that extends to the ceiling. This gives you a virtual feel that you are being shaded by real tree branches.

They even have a lounge area, conducive for that afternoon bonding with your family and friends. Parang bahay lang!

There even has a big chess set set out in one of the tables for enthusiasts who would want to show off their skills!

OTHER AMENITIES

For those who would want to pamper themselves after touring around Bohol, the Azurea spa offers body massages, body scrubs, treatments, facials that ranges from, as low as, Php 1800 to Php 2700. Azurea also have on-spot, 15-minute massages for just Php 600 if you want them to just concentrate on certain areas of your bodies like tired muscles in your back, neck and shoulders!

For health buffs out there and individuals who would not want to miss their threadmill session and gym workout while on vacation, Bellevue also has a well equipped gym for your basic workouts!

A world class resort, Bellevue was built to please. I would never think twice in booking here if I'll ever visit Panglao island again. A fairly new hotel but it is no wonder that they had already gained and received abundant praises and recognition from travellers all around the world! The staff is very attentive to our needs and is warm and welcoming. They entertain our questions with smiles and answer each one with more suggestions and recommendations. They even lent us goggles when we failed to bring one! The food choices are extensive and superb! I forgot to mention about the lifeguard who is always on the watch for people swimming in the pool and even in the beach which makes you feel safe that they are really looking out for your safety and welfare! Parents would feel much peace in this place even if they let their children roam around the area by themselves or leave them to swim in the waters.

I have so much praise for this place that adjectives and stories would never do justice on how excellent Bellevue is. My suggestion? Book this hotel to experience it for yourself!