Something else to do in Bohol @ the Peacock Garden
I always associate Bohol with a river cruise, chocolate hills, marine sanctuary or sumptuous organic meal. Last May 28, 2011, I went to Bohol for an overnight trip. It was supposed to be a birthday celebration but was transformed into an ocular inspection weekend. That is one downside of being a traveler-travel agent in one. Sometimes it is a challenge to identify which is a business or a leisure trip. I always enjoy checking out rooms and resorts, there is always something new that is being built or a new hotel being renovated.
So we headed towards Loboc, turned left soon after the Baclayon church, passed this almost empty (mean very few houses) uphill road but densely forested area, and came face to face with a big molave gate, welcome to The Peacock Garden.
From the outside you will not see the resort, only those who has prior arrangement will be allowed to go inside. Beyond the gates of the Peacock Garden is certainly a jewel of Bohol.
Upon arrival, the staff will greet you with a cooling welcome drinks and a cold towel, much needed for the very sunny day of May. I found the iced tea very sweet for my taste but probably it is the effect of my preference for no sugar drinks.
As we go around the property, there is a sense of peace and quiet in the place. There are a lot of staff but their presence is not strongly felt. There are many guests but there seems to be a lot of space for all of you. There is the space we all wanted as travelers but not the point of it being snub and exclusive.
East meets West, that is the description of the place. The German owner is a Rizalista and his collection of Rizal memorabilia can be found all over the resort. One of which is a cordoned sofa that used to be owned by Jose Rizal himself.
Furniture are 'heavy' in the Peacock Garden, from the cigar lounge, the restaurant and the wine cellar. Even if it is all leather and imported from Europe yet the clean appeal remains in the amenities. Probably the aircon has gotten into me. It was very hot day. Such a relief that all the rooms (cigar lounge, disco, wine cellar, restaurant) are cooled even if no one is using it. For the sake of global warming, why are they doing this? So that all of the guests including those who are availing for the day tour package can enjoy every room in the resort. Usually day trippers are assigned in one place and you stay there for the whole day, but in Peacock Garden they will allow you to go around the resort and enjoy your money's worth.
So what is benefit of staying overnight from day trippers? You can get to use the pool and sun tan in one of the most amazing lounge views that Bohol can offer.
Lets talk about food. They have 2 dining areas, one fine dining and one dedicated for breakfast. Average meal will cost you between Php 350 - Php 950 and breakfast is free for all in house guest. Definitely its international with German specialty, meat lovers you are in for a treat. We had the chance to pass by the breakfast area and noticed that the selection is not so ideal for vegetarians like my 'photographer' but given the resort's reputation I am confident that they can whip a meal for people with preference.
Standards are set very high for the rooms as the whole resort is so impressive. Some rooms have balcony with sea view, some only has the garden view with no balcony but the size and the furniture inside are almost the same. I can't say I'm floored with the rooms because it felt like I have seen it before in a hotel in Manila or maybe this is European standards. Oh well, hard to say really as I had never been to Europe yet, that is a long way for ocular inspection. It has complete amenities that we WANT in a room, basically so much more than what we need for a holiday. What I like about it is the rooms are spacious enough for a decent extra bed. Its a big plus for group of 3 or for those who have small children.
My favorite in The Peacock Garden is the Roman Spa. In all my blogs, I have never written about the spa. I am so not into this kind of luxury unless its promises to make you lose some weight. When we step in Fontana Aurelia Spa, right away it reminded me of my friend Myra. Happiness. This is so IT for us. Girlfriends hanging out and just enjoying life but not so much to break the bank. The spa services you will get from here is the same price you will pay in FF RCBC with Bohol in it and they only use Pevonia Botanica, the award winning spa products. The best things in life are almost free, ALMOST!
The best time to come here and stay for a few nights will be October. Octoberfest hello? The Peacock Garden serves beer from Germany with a German Band. It is a real thing. Well if you don't drink like me, there is always the Spa. A day in The Peacock Garden with put a different twist to the usual Bohol vacation you have initially planned. We all deserve some kind of luxury from time to time.
So is this a business trip or a leisure trip?
So we headed towards Loboc, turned left soon after the Baclayon church, passed this almost empty (mean very few houses) uphill road but densely forested area, and came face to face with a big molave gate, welcome to The Peacock Garden.
From the outside you will not see the resort, only those who has prior arrangement will be allowed to go inside. Beyond the gates of the Peacock Garden is certainly a jewel of Bohol.
Upon arrival, the staff will greet you with a cooling welcome drinks and a cold towel, much needed for the very sunny day of May. I found the iced tea very sweet for my taste but probably it is the effect of my preference for no sugar drinks.
As we go around the property, there is a sense of peace and quiet in the place. There are a lot of staff but their presence is not strongly felt. There are many guests but there seems to be a lot of space for all of you. There is the space we all wanted as travelers but not the point of it being snub and exclusive.
East meets West, that is the description of the place. The German owner is a Rizalista and his collection of Rizal memorabilia can be found all over the resort. One of which is a cordoned sofa that used to be owned by Jose Rizal himself.
Furniture are 'heavy' in the Peacock Garden, from the cigar lounge, the restaurant and the wine cellar. Even if it is all leather and imported from Europe yet the clean appeal remains in the amenities. Probably the aircon has gotten into me. It was very hot day. Such a relief that all the rooms (cigar lounge, disco, wine cellar, restaurant) are cooled even if no one is using it. For the sake of global warming, why are they doing this? So that all of the guests including those who are availing for the day tour package can enjoy every room in the resort. Usually day trippers are assigned in one place and you stay there for the whole day, but in Peacock Garden they will allow you to go around the resort and enjoy your money's worth.
So what is benefit of staying overnight from day trippers? You can get to use the pool and sun tan in one of the most amazing lounge views that Bohol can offer.
Lets talk about food. They have 2 dining areas, one fine dining and one dedicated for breakfast. Average meal will cost you between Php 350 - Php 950 and breakfast is free for all in house guest. Definitely its international with German specialty, meat lovers you are in for a treat. We had the chance to pass by the breakfast area and noticed that the selection is not so ideal for vegetarians like my 'photographer' but given the resort's reputation I am confident that they can whip a meal for people with preference.
Standards are set very high for the rooms as the whole resort is so impressive. Some rooms have balcony with sea view, some only has the garden view with no balcony but the size and the furniture inside are almost the same. I can't say I'm floored with the rooms because it felt like I have seen it before in a hotel in Manila or maybe this is European standards. Oh well, hard to say really as I had never been to Europe yet, that is a long way for ocular inspection. It has complete amenities that we WANT in a room, basically so much more than what we need for a holiday. What I like about it is the rooms are spacious enough for a decent extra bed. Its a big plus for group of 3 or for those who have small children.
My favorite in The Peacock Garden is the Roman Spa. In all my blogs, I have never written about the spa. I am so not into this kind of luxury unless its promises to make you lose some weight. When we step in Fontana Aurelia Spa, right away it reminded me of my friend Myra. Happiness. This is so IT for us. Girlfriends hanging out and just enjoying life but not so much to break the bank. The spa services you will get from here is the same price you will pay in FF RCBC with Bohol in it and they only use Pevonia Botanica, the award winning spa products. The best things in life are almost free, ALMOST!
The best time to come here and stay for a few nights will be October. Octoberfest hello? The Peacock Garden serves beer from Germany with a German Band. It is a real thing. Well if you don't drink like me, there is always the Spa. A day in The Peacock Garden with put a different twist to the usual Bohol vacation you have initially planned. We all deserve some kind of luxury from time to time.
So is this a business trip or a leisure trip?
Hey Malakawon,
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of Peacock Garden! We really enjoyed our stay here! Excellent food and marvellous views as well! Enjoy the coverage of our stay at Peacock Garden Bohol as well!
Happy Travels Everyone!
Tom,
2bearbear.com