Mindanao always gets a bad rap, but it’s a place that is so diverse in language, culture and setting that not visiting at least one city or province is a missed opportunity. In Davao, you get to see the Philippine Eagle; in Cagayan de Oro, you get to ride the rapids; and in Surigao, you get to enjoy surfing some of the best waves in the world. And that doesn’t even include the wonderful culture and history present in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Marawi, Zamboanga City and Iligan – just to name a few.
The Philippines is truly a diverse nation with lots of places worthy of exploration, and some of the best can be found in Mindanao. So, when you want to visit but want to stay in a luxury hotel, there are quite a few to choose from, and these include:
Siargao Paraiso Resort
A secluded paradise, if you will. In its official website, the resort claims to be “the crown jewel of first-class resort accommodation in Siargao, The Philippines.” It’s also hard to argue with them when everything they’ve said is true.
From the design of the resort itself down to the materials, you’ll notice that enough care was taken to make the resort look its very best even when located in a secluded part of the island. It’s basically a private tropical paradise where you’re surrounded by palm fringed white beaches and turquoise waters. Also, it’s just minutes away by speed boat from famous surf breaks such as Cloud 9, Rock Island and Stimpy Island – just to name a few.
Park Inn by Radisson Davao
Those who want to pleasures of city life will enjoy a stay in this hotel. Located right next to SM Lanang Premier Mall and the SMX Convention Center, experiencing the sights and sounds of Davao City has never been easier. In addition to that, the hotel is conveniently located 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes away from Samal Island.
The rooms and suites are done in contemporary style with lots of in-room amenities such as an LCD television, a DVD player and coffee and tea provisions. Park Inn also houses the RGB Bar & Grill which serves local cuisine, as well as cocktails.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Nestled in a quiet cove in Samal Island is Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Each of the accommodation options of this resort offer only the best. For one, they afford the visitor breathtaking views of the sea and surroundings. Plus, they’re all designed to reflect the tribal ethos of Mindanao.
For your stay, you can choose from suites, executive villas and cottagges on stilts. Each of these have cable TV, a phone, minibar and a safe.
Pearl Farm isn’t short on facilities either as windsurfing, water polo, jet skiing and scuba diving are among the water-based activities available to you. There’s also a game room with tennis / basketball / badminton courts.
Limketkai Luxe Hotel
With 213 guest rooms all fitted with state-of-the-art amenities, you’ll surely be at your most convenient and comfortable at this hotel in Cagayan de Oro. Services you get while at the hotel include room service, laundry, airport transfers and car rental, airline and tour reservations, hotel clinic, 24-hour reception, concierge, parking and valet, business center, round-the-clock security and high-speed wireless internet access.
Dakak Park & Beach Resort
Located in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, Dakak Park and Beach Resort is paradise at its best. What’s great about the resort is that it eludes the typhoon belt thanks to its location. It’s the first ever five-start resort in Mindanao which got AAA accreditation from the Department of Tourism.
It has a range of accommodation options that include bungalows, deluxe rooms, executive rooms and beachfront rooms, among others. The dining options are varied as well which include the Bamboo Cafe, Capiz Room (for fine dining), Aqua Sports Bar and Pirates Disco Bar.