Bohol's BEST Kept Secret: Blue Ocean Bohol Beachfront Paradise!
Bohol's BEST Kept Secret? Blue Ocean Beachfront Paradise… or Maybe Just a REALLY Good Secret? My Humbling (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (slightly sandy) tea on Blue Ocean Bohol Beachfront Paradise. I came, I saw, I… well, I mostly relaxed. And maybe got a little too sunburnt. But let's break it down, shall we? Because trying to wrangle all these categories is like herding cats, but I'm game.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
- (Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Facilities for disabled guests) Here's the deal: it says it has some accessibility features. I did see an elevator, which is a massive plus. However, the grounds are… well, Bohol-style. Meaning, some areas are a bit of a trek, with uneven pathways and the occasional rogue step. So, while they try, I wouldn't say it's fully "wheelchair accessible" perfect. Give 'em a call and double-check if this is a dealbreaker.
- (Getting Around, Airport Transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking) Airport transfers were smooth, thankfully. Free parking? Yes, please! And taxis are readily available, though I mostly just wandered the beach in a blissful daze, so I'm no expert on the taxi situation.
Safety & Cleanliness: Feeling Safe-ish
- (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms) Okay, COVID-era travel is a minefield. Blue Ocean tries. They were definitely spraying stuff, and I saw hand sanitizer galore. Masks are on the staff, which is comforting. Room sanitization opt-out? Nice touch for anyone wanting to skip the chemicals! They have the basics down, but frankly, it still feels a tad… hyped in some areas. You're still taking a risk travelling, so keep that in mind. The 24-hour security was reassuring, though, and the soundproof rooms DO actually work. Bless.
The Room: My Little Beachside Bunker
- (Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) My room? Cozy. Let's just say the aesthetic is… functional, not necessarily Instagrammable, if you catch my drift. BUT, the air con blasted like a champ (essential!), the bed was comfy (extra long, yes!), and blackout curtains are LIFE. Coffee maker? Check. Complimentary tea? Double check. And a fridge for my San Miguel Light? Triple check! Wi-Fi, thank the heavens. The bathroom? Clean, functional, with the usual suspects (hairdryer, toiletries, etc.). I didn't utilize the bathtub (beach life, am I right?), so I can't comment much on that. All in all, I'd give it a solid B+.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and Occasionally, the Lack Thereof)
- (Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) Okay, this is where things got a little… uneven. The breakfast buffet? Perfectly adequate. Eggs, fruit, a decent attempt at pastries. The coffee, sadly, tasted like it was brewed in a sock. But again, functional. The a la carte menu was alright, leaning towards international cuisine. I tried the burger one day, which was… passable. The poolside bar? Awesome. They had happy hour specials, and the cocktails were STRONG. Now, room service… that was a lifesaver after a long day of sun-worshipping. The snack bar? Limited, but enough to grab a quick bite. Overall, the food situation is okay. Not a foodie paradise, but not a disaster either. I'd recommend venturing offsite for some truly amazing Bohol flavours.
Things to Do (and How to Relax): Paradise Found (and Then Somewhat Bored)
- **(Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Proposal spot, Terrace, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Wi-Fi for special events) **The pool situation? Glorious. Seriously. Crystal-clear water, shaded areas, and a view that screams "Instagram me!". They also have (theoretically) a kids' area, but it was… well, let's just say it didn't look like it had been used much. Now, the spa? I booked a massage. It was… okay. A bit perfunctory. Don't go expecting a life-altering experience. Still, after a long day in the sun, it was… a massage. They have a fitness center. I didn’t go. It felt… stuffy. Honestly, I’d rather just swim in the pool or chill on the beach. The beach, by the way, is the real star. Soft sand, clear water, and that perfect Bohol serenity. I spent a solid three days just… existing. Bliss. Meeting facilities? Didn't use them. For the kids? Again, just… okay.
Internet & Connectivity: Thank God for Wi-Fi!
- (Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas) The Wi-Fi? Actually pretty decent! It’s the most reliable thing. No complaints there. (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)
The Verdict: Not the BEST Kept Secret, But Still Pretty Good
Okay, so Blue Ocean Beachfront Paradise? Is it a paradise? Honestly, not quite. Is it a secret? Hardly. It’s got its quirks and imperfections, for sure. The food is… adequate. The spa is… okay. But the beach? Divine. The pool? Amazing. And the overall vibe? It's relaxing and comfortable.
If you're looking for a chill beach getaway, with comfortable rooms, solid Wi-Fi, and a pretty pool, then yes, Blue Ocean is worth a look. Just don’t go expecting pure, unadulterated perfection. Leave room for some sun, some sand, and a healthy dose of "good enough." And maybe bring your own coffee. ;-)
Escape to Paradise: Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Blue Ocean Bohol Beachfront – or, as I'm now calling it, "Paradise Found… and Possibly Slightly Mislaid." Prepare for a rollercoaster of sun, sand, and questionable decisions, because this itinerary is less "polished travel guide" and more "my brain's attempt to remember everything."
Day 1: Arrival – The "We Made It!" and the "Did We Pack Enough Sunscreen?"
- Morning (or what felt like it after the airport chaos): Landed in Tagbilaran Airport. Honestly? Navigating that airport was a masterclass in organized chaos. Finding our pre-booked van transfer was a victory worthy of a ticker-tape parade (which I mentally gave to myself). The drive to Blue Ocean was glorious! Coconut trees swaying, the salty air kissing my face… Pure bliss.
- Afternoon: Check-in Craziness & Beachside Stroll of Joy: Reached Blue Ocean, a stunning sight. The staff were lovely, bless their hearts, dealing with my jet-lagged grumbling. Check-in was… efficient, let's say. Apparently, my memory of which room we booked was… optimistic. But hey, we got a room with a slightly obstructed view of the ocean. Ocean view adjacent is still a view, right? After all the chaos the sandy beach was calling my name.
- Afternoon/Evening: Sun, Sand, and… OMG, IS THAT A GECKO?!
- The Beach: Walked on the beach. The sand was white, soft, and practically begged for a foot massage. The water? Turquoise perfection! I spent a solid hour doing absolutely nothing but staring at the waves and feeling my stress melt away. (Until, that is, a cheeky little gecko decided to take up residence on my balcony. I may have shrieked. Loudly. More on that gecko later…).
- Dinner: The hotel restaurant. Food was alright. I'm pretty sure I ordered something that had a hint of chili, and ended up with a nuclear explosion in my mouth. Learned my lesson.
- Evening Activities: The evening ended with a drink that was too watered down for my liking and the sound of the ocean.
- First Thoughts: If the trip is just laying next to water like this for every day, then this is what perfection is.
Day 2: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, and the Trauma of the Mosquito:
- Morning: The Chocolate Hills Adventure: Early wake up call, thank god the room had coffee. We hired a driver (a local gem, bless his heart) to take us to the Chocolate Hills. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Pictures do not do it justice. I swear, I almost cried from how stunning it was. I mean, little piles of chocolatey perfection? Who wouldn't get emotional?
- Afternoon: Tarsier Trouble (But Mostly Adorable): Moved on to the Tarsier Sanctuary. Seriously, these little guys are the cutest thing ever. Tiny, wide-eyed, and clinging to trees like little furry monkeys. I almost lost it, in a good way. The sanctuary was a little… rustic, let's say. The facilities are a little rough around the edges, but I could not care less. The Tarsiers are worth any inconvenience. I, on the other hand, am still convinced one winked at me.
- Afternoon/Evening: Mosquito Mayhem: A trip back to the hotel after the Tarsiers. The evening was ruined. Absolutely ruined. First, the mosquitoes. They were voracious, tiny, blood-sucking monsters. I swear, I looked like a walking pincushion by the end of the night. Swatted, slapped, and cursed my way through dinner. I spent the rest of the evening plotting a full-scale mosquito eradication mission.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: One moment, I was blissfully happy, gazing at a Tarsier's eyes, and then BOOM, mosquito city! My mood shifted from peaceful glee to utter, incandescent rage. The unpredictability of it all!
- Food: The dinner was a failure. I did the unthinkable and was persuaded to try authentic Filipino food… Let us forget the taste, or the aftermath.
Day 3: Island Hopping – Seasickness, Surreal Sandbars, and Snorkeling Shenanigans (and the gecko's vengeance):
- Morning: Island hopping! Which, for yours truly, translated to "Sea Sickness City." I was on the boat for maybe 30 minutes before I started to feel the waves. I spent most of the journey white-knuckling the railings, clutching a ginger candy, and praying to the nautical gods.
- Afternoon: Balicasag Island. OMG, the sandbar! It's like walking on a cloud of pure, pristine white sand in the middle of the ocean. Surreal. I snorkeled, and I went down to the bottom of the ocean with the best experience. The fish! The coral! It was like swimming in an aquarium the only thing missing was a scuba diver.
- Afternoon / Evening: Seafood, Sunburn, and Still That Gecko! After all the beach activities, we went out for lunch. We found this tiny little restaurant on the beach, fresh crab and grilled fish, the best meal I had. I paid the price for the sun, and the sunburn was starting to hit. I got back to my room, and there she was. The gecko. After that I quickly shut the door, and spent the rest of the night hiding under the covers.
- Rambling Thoughts: I'm beginning to suspect that gecko is some sort of avian predator, sent to torment me. The sea sickness almost ruined the morning. But the sandbar… the sandbar was worth the price of admission, no question.
Day 4: Panglao Island, Beachside Lounging, and Farewell Cocktails (and the lingering scent of sunscreen and regret):
- Morning: Decided to skip any more activities, and spend some time on the beach. I feel like I've experienced a lot, and my brain is starting to tire.
- Afternoon: Spent the entire day on the beach! I finished reading my book, enjoyed the breeze, and didn't think about a single thing.
- Evening: Farewell drinks at the hotel bar. Said my final goodbyes to the gecko (from a safe distance, obviously). Sat there at the bar, the sun setting over the ocean, I felt a wave of sadness. I didn't want to leave! Goodbye Bohol, its beautiful, and I will return.
- Quirky Observations: I'm pretty sure the bartender was judging my cocktail choices. But, hey, it's my vacation, and I'll drink what I want!
- Emotional Reaction: Goodbye Bohol, which left me with the taste of saltwater, sunscreen, mosquito bites, and a ridiculous amount of love.
Day 5: Departure – Reality Hits (and the Longing Begins)
- Early morning, airport chaos, and a long flight back home.
- I’m already planning my return.
Notes & Disclaimers:
- Pacing: I'm an over-thinker, so expect a lot of details about feelings and the little things.
- Food: Food is subjective, so mileage may vary. (And I ate the chili, so your taste buds are in safe hands.)
- Gecko: He deserves his own documentary at this point.
- Recommendations: Pack extra sunscreen, insect repellent, and a sense of humor. And maybe a gecko-proof room.
Enjoy your trip! (And try to avoid the mosquitoes. Seriously.)
Hotel Colbert: Your Dream Saint-Jean-de-Luz Escape Awaits!
Blue Ocean Bohol: The (Maybe Not So) Secret Paradise - FAQs with a Twist
So, is Blue Ocean *really* Bohol's best-kept secret? Or is that just marketing fluff?
Okay, so... "secret" is a *slight* exaggeration. Let's be real, if you're reading this, the secret's out, right? But hear me out. It's not *massively* overrun like Alona Beach. See, I went last year, and there were these two German tourists... they were *loud*. Like, REALLY loud. Talking about their "authentic German sausages" and how the ocean wasn't salty enough. I thought, "Yep, this is a good one. They haven't found the *true* secret yet (the perfectly balanced saltiness!)." Blue Ocean felt... more... *personal*. Less "resort" and more "family-run haven" vibes. Granted, family-run with a very enthusiastic owner who might corner you for an hour about his prize-winning orchids. Worth it, though!
What's the beach like? Is it all Instagram-worthy white sand and turquoise water?
Okay, buckle up. The sand? Pretty darn good. White-ish, soft-ish. I mean, it's not pulverized diamonds, let's be real, but you can comfortably plop down and do some serious sun-worshipping. The water...oh, the water! Turquoise? Check. Clear? Mostly. I did see a bit of seaweed one day (the sea gods were having a bad hair day, apparently). But the next day? PERFECT. Like, I spent hours just swimming and staring at the fishies. One time, I swear I saw a tiny, neon-blue...thing. Maybe a fish? Maybe a mermaid's lost earring? Who knows! It was magical. And the sunsets! Forget it. Breathtaking. I nearly cried. (Okay, I *did* cry. Slightly. Don't judge me. The sun was *gorgeous*.)
Are the accommodations luxurious? What can I expect?
Luxurious? Define *luxurious*. Are you expecting a gold-plated toilet and a personal butler named Jeeves? Go somewhere else, dahling. Think "comfortable, clean, and charming." My room had a balcony with a *killer* view of the ocean. Killer! I spent a whole afternoon just reading and listening to the waves. The air conditioning worked (thank goodness, because, humidity!). The bed was comfy enough. Is it the Ritz? No! Do I care? Absolutely not. One thing, though: the shower pressure... It was... *gentle*. Let's just say, if you want to feel truly *cleansed*, you might need to take two showers. But hey, that's a small price to pay for paradise, right? Right?!
What is the food like? Is it worth the hype?
RIGHT, THE FOOD. Listen, I'm a food person. A serious food person. And the food at Blue Ocean? Was. Amazing. I’m already craving it. Okay, so they have a restaurant that's not a fancy place, a very down-to-earth place, but the food is unbelievably good. I mean, fresh seafood, cooked perfectly. One night they had this grilled mahi-mahi that literally made me tear up. The flavor! The texture! Oh my god. And the adobo? They do it slightly different every night. If you're a meat-eater, you *HAVE* to try the *lechon*. Get extra rice. Trust me. You'll need it, and you'll want more. However, one night, I ordered the fish and chips, I might have regretted that a bit. Everything tastes good on vacation, so it was still alright.
Are there activities to do nearby? Or is it just chilling on the beach?
Chilling on the beach is definitely a priority, let's be honest. But yes, there's stuff to do! The staff can arrange tours. I did the Chocolate Hills tour. Absolutely stunning! I mean, the hills are like...giant chocolate kisses scattered across the landscape. Totally worth the bumpy ride. Also, go snorkeling! The coral reefs are vibrant and full of sea life. I saw a sea turtle! I almost swam after it (maybe not the smartest idea, but, hey, it was tempting!). And then I did the Tarsier Sanctuary! The *tarsiers*!!! Tiny, adorable, HUGE-eyed creatures! Seriously, bring your camera. Just, uh, don't use the flash. They're sensitive. I also ended seeing a really beautiful waterfall. The water was freezing cold!
How's the service? Are the staff friendly?
The staff? Oh, the staff! They're the real stars of the show. They're friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem like they enjoy what they do. They're not in your face all the time, which is perfect. I mean, I'm not one for being constantly bothered. But if you need something, they're right there. They remember your name. They remember your coffee order. They even remembered I had a slight allergy to peanuts! (Which I may have forgotten to mention at first, oops.) Seriously, they made me feel like I was part of the family. One of the housekeepers even taught me a few Tagalog words! (I've already forgotten most of them, but hey, the effort counts, right?) Honestly? The service was one of the best things about Blue Ocean.
Is it kid-friendly?
This is a bit of a "it depends" situation. There weren't a ton of kids when I was there, I really enjoy the peace and quiet but, I did see a few families. If you're looking for a place with a dedicated kids' club or a huge, splashy water park, this isn't it. However, the beach is relatively safe, the water is shallow, and there's plenty of space for kids to run around and play. The staff is super accommodating and friendly to children. But, if your children require constant amusement, perhaps look for somewhere with more scheduled activities. They have a pool, but it’s not a dedicated kids pool.
Any downsides? Anything I should be aware of before booking?
Okay, real talk time. Perfection is a myth in this world. A big downside, not a fault of the resort, the wifi can be a bit spotty. I mean, fine, I had to detox from Instagram for a week (gasp!). But if you need to be constantly connected, maybeNomadic Stays
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