Bohol's Newest Garden Resort Will Transport You to Bali

When you think of Bohol, the first few things that will probably pop in your mind are its picturesque Chocolate Hills, immaculate white-sand shores, and clear-blue waters. These natural wonders, like most of Mother Earth's creations, have the power to leave people in awe through their effortless grandeur and beauty—and that's just the effect Donatela Hotel gives its visitors. In fact, this new garden resort in Panglao was made with nature in mind.

IMAGE courtesy of Donatela Hotel

IMAGE courtesy of Donatela Hotel

IMAGE courtesy of Donatela Hotel

IMAGE Criselda Carreon

Formerly Tarsier Botanika, Donatela Hotel is an eight-hectare botanical sanctuary—once you get past their inviting reception hut, you'll immediately get the feeling you're in a secret Balinese village deep within a tropical forest. Greeting you are fresh-water fish ponds left and right, stone-paved paths, striking Buddha sculptures, and, of course, the resort's lush flora.

Pool Villa

Donatela Hotel's pool villa boasts a spacious living roomÂ

Donatela Hotel houses 12 villas that could pass as ultra-luxurious nipa huts; each having its own garden and balcony where guests can just relax and chill with nature. One of the noteworthy details about the resort is it's actually an eco-friendly respite as it tries to minimize carbon footprint. Look closer and you'll notice the use of solar-powered LED lights and sustainable mahogany wood in all rooms.

Honeymoon Villa

King-sized bed, a built-in Bluetooth sound system, and unli-WiFi; What more can you ask for?

The Honeymoon Villa's bathroom flaunts gorgeous tropical-themed interiors

Besides those, the air-conditioned Pool Villa and Honeymoon Villa are every staycationer's haven—extra-spacious bathrooms, high ceilings, mini-bars, unlimited WiFi and flawless Bluetooth sound systems, and, yes, private pools.

IMAGE courtesy of Donatela Hotel

Paprika

With all these amenities, not to mention excellent service from their well-trained staff, leaving your room can be quite a challenge. Perhaps the only thing that could make you plop out of your villa's cozy king-sized bed is the pristine seaside view of the South Bohol Sea. And the only way to witness this breathtaking sight is through Paprika, the resort's fine-dining, ocean-front restaurant, which is peacefully perched on a cliff.

For big appetites: Paprika's 1.7-kilogram Grilled Tomahawk Steak

Don't leave without ordering any of their signature dishes, like the 1.7-kilogram Tomahawk Steak, which is grilled to smoky perfection and served with a chock-full of sides including roasted tomatoes and potatoes. If you prefer something lighter, the Italian Fritto Misto is a tasty must that gives you assorted seafood, deep-fried in a lip-smacking batter. Their wide array of handcrafted desserts and oven-fresh breads and pastries are also something to look forward to.

IMAGE Criselda Carreon

Once you've had a filling lunch, resist the temptation to lounge in your villa as there's still a lot more to see here. Apart from Donatela Hotel's stunning infinity pool, guests can also have a stroll inside the resort's very own animal sanctuary where they keep over 20 kinds of rescued and adopted animals.

IMAGE courtesy of Donatela Hotel

IMAGE courtesy of Donatela Hotel

The Equestria, on the other hand, is Donatela Hotel's equestrian area, which has over 15 horses for beginner to advanced classical dressage lessons. If horseback riding isn't up your alley, yoga classes within the resort, and scuba diving and snorkeling at nearby Balicasag Island are your next activity options.

Meanwhile, you can arrange for a day trip around Bohol, too—explore the province's worthwhile eats, visit the tarsier sanctuary, go firefly watching at night, or even see the world-famous Chocolate Hills. Donatela Hotel is also conveniently located just 30 minutes away from Tagbilaran Airport.

IMAGE courtesy of Donatela Hotel

Bohol may be an underrated destination compared to Boracay and Palawan, but that's what makes trips here worthwhile—and with Donatela Hotel's thoughtful ode to nature, the resort is just one part that adds to the island's beauty.

Rates start at P16,000. Donatela Hotel is managed by Enderun Hospitality Management and is at Km. 16 Hoyohoy Tawala, Panglao, Bohol. For inquiries and reservations, visit Donatela Hotel's website or email [email protected].

This story originally appeared on Spot.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.