Escape to Paradise: Hotel Fleuris, Palawan's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Fleuris Hotel - Or, My Palawan Adventure (and Tiny Gripes)
Okay, so picture this: I'm fresh off the plane, crispy from the flight, and desperate for some serious R&R. Fleuris Hotel in Palawan. That's the name on the brochure, at least. And the promise? Escape. Paradise. Well, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? Because paradise, my friends, is never quite what it seems. But Fleuris? It gets pretty darn close.
Accessibility: A Cautious Optimist
Right off the bat, let's talk practicalities. I'm not dealing with mobility issues myself, but I always keep an eye out for accessibility. Fleuris is listed as having facilities for disabled guests. They've got an elevator! Yay! But, and this is a BIG but, I didn't see ramps everywhere. So, while I'm hopeful, I'd strongly advise checking their specific setup before booking if full accessibility is a must. The staff seemed lovely and eager to help, but a heads-up is always a good idea.
Internet. Oh, the Internet… And the Blissful Lack Thereof.
Okay, so the Wi-Fi situation? It's a thing. They shout "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" from the rooftops. Okay, great. But it’s sometimes about as reliable as a politician’s promise. I'm talking moments of blissful connection followed by periods of… well, let’s just say it forced me to gasp actually look at the ocean. And honestly? That was fantastic. There’s internet [LAN] too, which I’m not entirely sure I remember using, but I'm assuming its there.
But the Wi-Fi, really, you're in Palawan. Embrace the disconnect!
Rooms: My Little Bamboo Sanctuary
My room? Chef’s kiss. Seriously. Air conditioning that worked like a dream (essential!), blackout curtains (absolute life saver), a comfy bed, and a window that actually opened. The little details were lovely: fresh flowers, complimentary tea, and a mini-bar stocked with… well, mostly water, but hey, hydration is key. They had all kinds of things, from a coffee/tea maker to a safe - but you know the best thing? Slippers! Heaven! It also had a desk, which was pointless since I wanted to be outside! Oh yeah and my room had a nice view!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fuelling the Paradise Machine
The food situation at Fleuris? Generally, pretty damn good. They offered a buffet in the restaurant for breakfast and included Asian, international, and western options, all with vegetarian choices. The coffee shop was a lifesaver for that midday caffeine hit, and the poolside bar? Crucial for the happy hour.
Now, the staff? They were genuinely lovely. They were on top of it, making sure everything was sanitized. And they had an Asian breakfast, which was really cool.
The a la carte meals in the restaurant were delicious and the snacks were fine. They even have bottle of water and all that!
Things to Do (or, Ways to Do Absolutely Nothing): A Mixed Bag of Bliss
Okay, the whole "escape" thing? Fleuris is killing it in this department.
- The Pool: The pool with a view? Majestic. I spent a disgraceful amount of time just floating. The water was crystal clear, the sun was beating down, and the world just melted away. Seriously, the pool was the highlight. I could've stayed there forever.
- The Spa: They had a full spa, with massages, body scrubs, and wraps. I went for a massage because, you know, I needed it. Let me tell you, that massage therapist worked MAGIC. I was practically a puddle of blissful goo by the end. Definitely treat yourself. The sauna, stem room and foot bath.. yeah! I might have checked those out more than I really should've!
- Gym/Fitness: I saw the fitness center. I considered it. Then I went back to the pool. You do you, but I'm on vacation and I'm on the lazy side!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
This is where Fleuris REALLY shines. They were super serious about hygiene. Hand sanitizer everywhere, daily disinfection in common areas, and staff were all trained and masked up. I even saw them using anti-viral cleaning products. They offered room sanitization opt-out, which I thought was a nice touch (though I never took them up on it). They also have a doctor/nurse on call.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Luxuries That Matter
You know, it’s the little things that make a difference, and Fleuris really gets this. Cash withdrawal, concierge service, a convenience store for forgotten essentials, and daily housekeeping that was fantastic. The staff were friendly, always ready with a smile, and genuinely helpful, doing their best to handle everything.
Getting Around: Airport Transfers and Tiny Hiccups
They offered airport transfers, which made arrival and departure a breeze.
Okay, The Tiny Gripes (Because Nothing is Perfect)
Look, I'm being nitpicky here. My internet issues were a minor annoyance. I would've loved more variety with the food. Also, I saw a few ants marching in formation on my balcony. But honestly? These are tiny blips in an otherwise fantastic experience.
The Verdict: Go. Just Go.
If you want an escape, a truly relaxing vacation, Fleuris is a winner. It’s got a great location, beautiful rooms and a great staff. I’m trying to find flaws, but honestly, I can't. It’s a little slice of paradise – imperfect, yes, but utterly charming and restorative. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and your flip flops. You're going to need them!
Luxury Moscow Apartment: Hanaka Eletskaya 33 - Unbelievable Views!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. This isn't your perfectly Instagrammed travel diary. This is… well, it's my attempt to experience Hotel Fleuris in Palawan, Philippines. Get ready for a bumpy ride.
Hotel Fleuris: My Palawan Pilgrimage – A Messy, Heartfelt, and Possibly Sunburnt Tale
Day 1: Arrival, Awe, and the Dread of the Mosquito Gods
- 6:00 AM (ish): Wake up on a humid, slightly damp flight. The seatbelt guy is already sighing, I'm pretty sure he saw my passport image and thought "Oh, not her again."
- 11:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Puerto Princesa. The air hits you - thick, warm, a promise of adventure or the inevitable sunburn. I stumble off the plane like a newborn giraffe. The airport? Tiny, but efficient. Praise be. Seriously. I'd heard horror stories.
- 12:00 PM: Taxi to Hotel Fleuris. The driver, bless his soul, navigated the chaotic streets with the zen-like calm only a Filipino can possess. I, on the other hand, was gripping onto the seat for dear life, muttering prayers to the gods of good driving.
- 1:00 PM: Hotel Fleuris. Finally. The lobby is… pretty. Lush plants everywhere. A tiny pool I can see right now. And the staff? Smiling, welcoming, ridiculously polite. I feel instantly guilty for my travel-weary grumpiness. Check-in? Smooth as butter.
- 1:30 PM: My Room! Okay, room is small, but clean and with a balcony! And the air conditioning works! This is paradise after the plane. I immediately unpack my entire life (aka all my travel clothes) and spread them out like a human clothes-based offering. I take a moment to really appreciate the view. Palawan is gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. Which brings me to my next observation:
- 1:35 PM: I immediately encounter the Mosquito Mafia. These guys are relentless, and I've forgotten my bug spray. This is not a good omen. I've slapped two already. My first opinion of Fleuris? Lovely but prepare for war!
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Chicken adobo. Holy. Mother. Of. Goodness. It's divine. Savory, tender, a perfect explosion of flavor. I could easily spend the entire trip just eating this.
- 3:00 PM: Dip in the pool. Which is also lovely. I am beginning to feel my stress melt away. I manage to forget the mosquitoes for a solid 10 minutes. Bliss. Until…
- 4:00 PM: Back in the room. More mosquitoes. Spraying my entire body with the weird complimentary floral room freshener and hoping for the best (spoiler: it doesn't work).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. Seafood. Seriously, the food is amazing. I'm starting to worry I'll gain 10 pounds on this trip. Which, let's be honest, is a distinct possibility.
- 7:00 PM: Attempted relaxation on balcony. More mosquito attacks. I swear they are evolving. Retreat indoors. Sulk but also drink coconut water (yay for hydration!)
- 8:00 PM: Early bedtime, hiding under the mosquito net, listening to the sounds of the jungle outside. Hoping to survive night one.
Day 2: Island Hopping, Seasickness, and the Uncontrollable Laughter of the Damned
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, covered in sweat and the faint memory of mosquito bites. Okay, this might be a challenge.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. More amazing food. Seriously, send help (and maybe a personal chef).
- 9:00 AM: Island hopping tour! Hopping onto a large Bangka boat. The ocean looks stunning, turquoise and inviting.
- 9:30 AM: First island: a beach paradise! I'm instantly mesmerized. The sand is white, the water crystal clear. I snap a hundred photos. I feel a thrill, is this what it's like to be a travel influencer.
- 10:30 AM: Second island: snorkeling time. I've never snorkeled before, and I'm surprisingly okay with it. The coral is beautiful, the fish are colorful, and my mask keeps fogging up. I end up choking on saltwater. Still the visual experience is amazing.
- 11:30 AM: Seasickness hits. And it hits hard. The gentle rocking of the boat transforms into a rollercoaster of nausea. I cling to the railing, my face turning a delightful shade of green. My lunch is not happy.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on the boat. I try to eat, but my stomach rebels. I retreat to the back of the boat.
- 1:00 PM: Third island. Another beautiful beach, but my stomach is still churning. I attempt to walk around but succumb to the rocky beach terrain.
- 2:00 PM: The worst of it. I'M FINE NOW!
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Shower, nap, feel a renewed sense of self.
- 4:00 PM: Attempting to enjoy the pool, but my stomach is still a little bit off
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, this time at a restaurant down the road. I'm starting to explore! More amazing seafood, and I manage to keep it down. A small victory.
- 8:00 PM: Early bedtime, now slightly calmer - thanks nausea drugs!
Day 3: Underground River, Cave Crawling, and Existential Dread (With a Side of Deliciousness)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (still delicious. I'm starting to think about buying a one-way ticket and becoming a professional food taster here).
- 9:00 AM: Underground River tour. The highlight of Palawan, they say.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive. I pay the very reasonable entry and prepare for the experience.
- 11:00 AM: Into the cave! The boat glides along the river, the darkness engulfs you. It's undeniably impressive, but I find myself unexpectedly focusing on:
- 11:15 AM: The bats. Okay, so bats aren't my friends. I have a mild bat phobia that's now screaming internally as they chirp and squeak in the darkness.
- 11:30 AM: I also experience: the realization that this is really dark. The boatman's commentary is lost on me.
- 11:45 AM: The echoing. The dripping. The dampness. A wave of existential dread washes over me. I'm just a tiny human in a vast, mysterious, and bat-infested cave.
- 12:00 PM: Thank goodness for the end of the tour. I am relieved to see the sun.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. We eat at the restaurant near the river. No bat-related trauma this time..
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. More pool time. I can't get enough of this pool.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. I'm becoming a local on the menu at this point.
- 7:00 PM: Planning my exit strategy. (I'm kidding. Mostly.)
Day 4: Relaxation, Reflection, and the Sadness of Departure
- 9:00 AM: I'm sleeping in! I wake up to the sun and some much needed relaxation.
- 10:00 AM: A long walk on the beach.
- 12:00 PM: I decide to re-visit my favorite restaurant. No more seasickness!
- 2:30 PM: Just lounging around the pool.
- 4:00 PM: Packed my suitcase, and sadly am about to depart tomorrow.
- 6:00 PM: Went to my favorite local restaurant.
- 8:00 PM: Relaxing at my balcony, writing this. Final thoughts: Palawan is magical. The food is incredible. The people are kind. The mosquitoes are evil. Hotel Fleuris is a fantastic base for exploring. I'm going to miss it, even the bat-infested parts.
Day 5: Departure and a vow to return with more bug spray (and maybe some Xanax for the bats)
- 6:00 AM: Woke up and packed everything up.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Ate an extra large portion of adobo.
- 8:00 AM: Made my way to the airport.
- 9:00 AM: Back home.
Final Thoughts: This trip was a mix of breathtaking beauty, mild discomfort, and a whole lot of delicious food. Hotel Fle
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Zia Piera, Chiavari's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Fleuris FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, Planning is Hard)
Alright, spill the tea. Is Hotel Fleuris REALLY as good as the Instagram photos?
Okay, deep breath. Instagram? It's a crafted reality, okay? But… yeah, it's pretty darn close. Like, the photos *don't* lie about the turquoise water. Seriously, it’s the kind of blue that slaps you in the face and says, "You're finally on vacation, dummy!" But here's the thing: real life has a few quirks. The sand isn't always pristine – sometimes you get a stray piece of seaweed (I actually think this adds character, though), and the wind can occasionally whip up a frenzy that messes with your perfectly coiffed hair. (My hair? A disaster. But that's a me problem, not a Fleuris problem.) Overall? Yeah, it's ridiculously beautiful. Prepare to spend half your time just staring at the scenery with your jaw hanging open.
How do I actually *get* to this secret paradise? Because "Palawan" is pretty vague.
Okay, so getting there is a little quest, but worth it. You fly into... what was it? El Nido Airport I think . Small planes. Prepare to be cozy with your seatmate. I swear I bumped elbows with this guy who was clearly trying to read a book the ENTIRE flight. Then? It's a transfer, maybe a car and a boat (depending on what you book, and book smart, trust me, this place fills up!). It's not *complicated* complicated, but it’s not like jumping out of a taxi in front of a Starbucks, you know? Think "rustic charm"… and maybe pack some Dramamine if you're prone to seasickness. (Learned that the hard way. My stomach and I… aren't always friends on boats.) Ask about their transfer options when you book! Makes everything SO MUCH easier. And pack light - those small boats are NOT forgiving of over-packing.
What's the food situation? I need to know if I'm gonna starve. Or, you know, eat like royalty.
The food? Okay, LISTEN UP. The cooks at Fleuris? THEY ARE MAGIC. Fresh seafood, prepared beautifully. I'm talking grilled fish that melts in your mouth, and that fresh mango juice? Forget about it. Pure sunshine in a glass. Breakfast is included – a decent spread. Dinner? Definitely eat dinner there at least a few nights. Their "catch of the day" is a MUST. There's a little menu with Filipino and western options, and it changes a bit based on, well, what they can get. And honestly? That makes it GOOD. Keeps it interesting! It’s not some stuffy Michelin-starred place. It's REAL food, cooked REALLY well. Just be prepared to shell out a little extra cash for meals. But trust me, the view while you eat makes it worth it.
Okay, but *what about the bugs*? I'm a mosquito-phobe.
Alright, bugs. Look, you're in the tropics. There will be bugs. End of story. They're not EVERYWHERE, though. The hotel provides mosquito nets (USE THEM!). They'll spray your room, which is great! I had a rogue mosquito or two sneak in once, and let me tell you, I spent a solid half hour on a mosquito hunt. (Seriously, a full half hour. My husband, bless his soul, just slept through it.) Bring bug spray. Seriously, bring the good stuff. And accept that a tiny bit of nature is part of the deal. If bugs are a total dealbreaker, maybe paradise isn't for you, or perhaps you hide in your room, but you will miss out on the magic!
What's there to *do*? Besides, you know, existing on a beach and looking pretty.
Haha! Besides existing? Okay, so you can snorkel. The snorkelling right off the beach is actually pretty decent. Saw a SEA TURTLE! A REAL, LIVE, SEA TURTLE! I almost cried, I swear. You can also arrange island hopping tours (absolutely do this!), kayaking (free! Take advantage!), paddleboarding (also free!), and massages (yes please!). They can arrange everything! Honestly, the most difficult decision will be deciding which activity to do first. Just... be prepared to be relaxed! It's not a place for non-stop activities. It's for slowing down and letting the magic happen.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they actually nice, or just tricked out in photos?
Okay, the rooms. This is where things get a little… well, it depends. I stayed in the beachfront bungalow, which, HOLY MOLY. Waking up to that view? Worth the extra cash, hands down. The other rooms are still lovely, but being right on the sand? It's something else. Some are a bit rustic-chic, others are more modern. Some have AC, some do not. Research the details! Check the photos on booking before you book! But even in the more basic rooms, the vibes are great. Expect simple comforts. Beds are comfy. Showers *usually* have good water pressure. (There was one slightly lukewarm shower, which, honestly, felt refreshing in the heat.) The best part? The balcony or porch. Seriously, spend time there. That's where the real magic happens.
Is it good for families? Or am I better off leaving the kiddos at home?
Families…hmmm. It *can* be, but it's not a "kid-centric" resort. There isn’t a kids' club or a water park, or anything like that. Think more, a relaxed family vibe. If your kids are happy playing on the sand and swimming and are not expecting constant entertainment, then yes. There isn’t a ton of space in some rooms, so check the sizes. Keep in mind a boat trip might be... challenging with a toddler. If you have teenagers? They’ll love it if they're the type who appreciate natural beauty and chilling. If your kids are high-energy and need non-stop stimulation, maybe not. Think about your kids!
Okay, let's talk about the staff. Are they nice? Do they speak English? (because my Tagalog is… well, nonexistent.).
The staff! Okay, prepare to be charmed. They are the absolute BEST. Warm, friendly, helpful. AND YES, they speak English. (Thank heavens, honestly.) They're genuinely happy to help with anything, from arranging tours to fetching you an extra pillow to answering your slightly crazy questions. Hotel Finder Reviews
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