A treasure uncovered

The island of Bohol is among the greenest and unspoiled in Central Visayas. The water that surrounds it offers a bounty of seabound activities including diving, snorkeling, wind surfing or pottering about in a pleasure boat.

Inland, the island holds many treasures that it gladly shares with the holidaymaker who has an eye for beauty.

In the last few years, Bohol has become a popular, but thankfully not overcrowded, weekend or honeymoon destination.

On the invitation of Cebu Pacific Airways and Amorita Resort, we ventured to savor the exquisite surprises that awaited us in Bohol.

As we were escorted to our accommodations past luxuriant greenery, a sense of exclusivity and wellbeing overwhelmed us. This is a resort where privacy is paramount.

Amorita prides itself not just on its world-class amenities, but also on its spectacular cliff-top location that sprawls over 1.8 hectares of lushly landscaped gardens on an elevated perch overlooking Panglao’s world-famous Alona Beach and the Bohol Sea.

The 20 deluxe rooms, situated in a two-story structure, are spacious and large with a veranda that opens up to either the gardens or a balcony, which offers a perfect vista from which to view the kaleidoscope of colors on the sea. Amenities include hot and cold shower, hairdryer, mini bar, in-room safe, cable  TV and air-conditioning.

It is in the villas where Amorita showcases its creativity. The villas are 150 square meters each, including a pocket garden. They contain special amenities such as a widescreen LCD TV, iPod docking station and a set of toiletries from the French company L’Occitane to delight the most fastidious guest.

The latter complements the remarkably designed bathroom, which is located outdoors and artfully concealed from the outside world yet fully in-touch with the elements.

The Garden Villas located inland have their own private gardens with flowering plants and tropical foliage while the Ocean View Villas are perched near the edge of the cliff where the unobstructed vista of azure water, pristine white sand, verdant mountains all come together in a breathtaking panorama.

An intimate dinner that evening on the veranda adjacent to the infinity pool proved to be a pleasant experience. The resort’s Saffron Restaurant, named after the glorious color of the sunset, caters to every culinary whim. It is a visual feast of crisp linen, candlelight, excellent wine and an always ready-to-serve delightful staff.

Gracious hosts Annie Convocar, Amorita sales and marketing consultant, Ruth Escalona, Manila office manager, with Viveca Singson, corporate communications manager for JG Summit Holdings, RG Orense, corporate communications manager of Cebu Pacifc and their consultant Charles Lim ensured that each guest would bring home a memorable experience.

For just a little while, life felt complete having discovered the pathway to fulfillment, wellbeing and enduring personal joy.

Amorita, quietly refined and delightfully stylish, fully deserves its popularity with both honeymooners and families.