Donatela Resort & Sanctuary is a mere 10-minute drive from the Bohol-Panglao International Airport and once you set foot on its premises, filled with lush greenery and beautifully homey villas, throw in that breathtaking view of the Bohol Sea for good measure, you will immediately feel a sense of calm and peace.
During our visit, eight of the 12 villas were occupied and four were being refurbished. Still, if you were one of the guests in the 7.5-hectare property, you’re bound to feel like you have the resort all to yourself. Which is perfect, especially if you’re a honeymooning couple, or someone who values your privacy and that sense of tranquility and exclusivity.
If you require your own private plunge pool, book the Pool Villa or the Honeymoon Villa. Otherwise, you may go for a swim at the Tropika Pool or the private beach cove that’s accessible via the Paprika Restaurant. The cliffside view on this side of the resort is stunning, a perfect spot for pictures and/or introspection.
The resort’s lush green spaces also serve as a playground for the property’s ponies and horses, which the guests can ride and interact with. “[They’re] very friendly. They’re used to having humans around,” offers general manager Mimi Dib, who toured us around Donatela.
In addition to swimming, snorkeling, diving, and walking through the botanical gardens, guests can also look forward to enjoying the food. The Ilonggo executive Chef Rod Nasis says a significant portion of the resort’s revenue now comes from walk-in diners at Paprika, which offers “a taste of the world.”
Their Coconut Samba salad, which is Nasis’ take on the popular Thai-Style Papaya salad, is refreshing. This version, a bestseller, has ripe papaya, pomelo, pan-seared prawns, cilantro and Asian dressing, and it’s served in a buko shell.
We enjoyed the Salmon in Papillote; the fish is baked in banana leaves (instead of baking paper) for added flavor and aroma, and served with organic black rice. You can never go wrong with their Roasted Chicken and Grilled BBQ Baby Back Ribs, which Nasis says, are two of the most ordered dishes. The Spaghetti A La Vongole and the Gambas Al Olio are also winners in our book; they pair well with Paprika’s homemade baguette and crispy lavash, which are served with hummus and vinaigrette.
The Ilonggo chef is especially fond of the Crustacean Stir-fry, which is “like a deconstructed paella.” It’s truffle risotto with scallops, mussels, clams, and shrimps in garlic pesto. Balikbayans, on the other hand, will like his Filipino specialties Bagnet Kare-Kare and the Sinigang sa Ube.
Live a little and give in to your sweet craving—try their Chocolate Hills (cream puff filled with mouthwatering chocolate ganache) and Chocolate Truffle (chocolate chiffon cake with chocolate ganache filling and covered with chocolate chips).
Even their complimentary breads during breakfast—the soft and spongy pandesal and the buttery and flaky croissants—are worth coming back to. “Our guests actually buy our baked goods and take them home as pasalubong,” offers Nasis. They don’t have a pastry display though so better ask what are available or order in advance.
Donatela had to close down during the pandemic. They reopened in December of 2022. It’s managed by Enderun Hotels. General manager Dib proudly tells us they have been able to welcome returning and new guests from all over the world. “We have a lot of Chinese, European, South Korean, Middle Eastern guests,” she says. The resort also hosts a lot of intimate celebrations, reunions and get-togethers.
“Since the re-opening of Donatela last December, the team has been working tremendously hard in restoring the beauty of the resort,” adds Dib. “We have been blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful landscape and scenery and it is our job to maintain the authentic beauty of Donatela—from our unique villas, to our restaurant, and our guest facilities.”
Donatela Resort & Sanctuary is located at Km. 16 Hoyohoy, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol.
Photos shot by Rhia Grana using Oppo Reno10 Pro 5G