After a rugged night missing
out on much needed slumber I arrived in the province of Bohol under sunny skies
– barely escaping the wild weather brewing in Manila. I have been looking
forward to a return trip to the island of Panglao and as I survey the scenery
along the way I can feel sleep starting to take a grip of me. The idea of resting would
soon come as I arrived at the doorsteps of Eco
Hotel and was handed my room key fixed in a small wine cork. The amiable
front desk staff smiled and welcomed me instantly. Preparing to nap the remaining
morning I hurriedly entered my room – a King Studio nestled beside the garden
side, only to be greeted by an interesting set of interior fixtures; the eco
bricks adorning the walls of the shower room, the headboard made of reclaimed
woods, up-cycled wine bottles turned into hanging light fixtures, a framed art
work featuring intertwining tree branches and the wooden based aesthetics made
from refurbished furnishing - all combined to give the room a unique and
Earthly vibe.
The feeling of exhaustion from the trip was quickly replaced by a growing curiosity, as I shelve my need to rest and went outside of my room to explore the small yet charming space encompassing the rest of Eco Hotel. As I stepped out into the outdoor lounge, I met four female Spanish travelers who were staying at the Dormitels wing of Pops District – which is built a few meters from the hotel and offers dorm type of rooms for the more budget conscious travelers. They offered me breakfast consisting of bread, I said “Si salamat” as I grabbed a piece.
 |
| King Studio |
We were huddled around a
table at the breakfast area built around a century old tree. The setting dishes
a more provincial feel typical of island living. A stark contrast to the huge
and modern themes that dominate the insides of the surrounding resorts in the
island.
Wooden floors, tables and counter
tops highlighted by hanging recycled bottles further inject that eco-friendly
feeling to the hotel. Because they were heading out to catch an afternoon
flight out of Tagbilaran, our small talk lasted for a few minutes as they
excused themselves to pack their stuff. Under the giant shade of the
century old tree I plotted my itinerary for the day. I decided to rent a
motorcycle or a mountain bike the next day while I take it easy the rest of the
afternoon.
The notion of sleeping was
soon thumped out of my mind as I stretched my feet and enjoyed the cool
breeze of the wind. For the next three nights I would find the modest yet pleasant character
of Eco Hotel as the perfect base of my brief stay in the island of Panglao. Quiet, less crowded and not too far from the beach and the nightly happenings.
Situated an easy 10 minute walking distance
away from Alona Beach and smack in the emerging Pops District along Ester
A. Lim Drive, Eco Hotel sits in the middle of an exciting part of
Panglao where rows of restaurants, pubs, convenience stores and tour offices
dots the street leading to the aqua blue waters of Alona Beach.
 |
| The Family Room |
Back in my room I noticed
the other features such as the fully-equipped small kitchenette, solar powered
shower heater, flat screen TV and a soft King-sized bed that has been calling me out to
doze since I arrived. Surrendering to its heed, I spent my first few hours in
Panglao making up for lost sleep.
The next day, the helpful
front desk helped me in finding a place to rent a mountain bike – ditching my plans
of exploring the island on a motorbike. This way, I will have a much needed
cardio workout since I have already missed gym time for a few days. My next few mornings in Panglao was
spent on riding the bicycle taking me as far as Baclayon Church and to other less
crowded beaches such as Bikini Beach. After each day of tiring exploration, I found myself fortunate to have a place to recharge my energy, as comfortable and homey as Eco Hotel.
Almost lost among the
towering walls of its neighboring beach resorts, Eco Hotel occupies a space
where one can still feel the island ambiance while being surrounded by artistic
representations of nature. At nighttime as the other guests lounge by the
common area, the atmosphere turns notches more 'chill' as mellowed talks of
travel floats away under the signature upcycled spoon lanterns adorning the branches of
the century old tree.
About
Eco Hotel Alona
Address: Pops District, Ester Lim Drive, Alona Beach
Area, Panglao Island, Bohol, 6340 Panglao City, Philippines
Contact Us
Central
Reservations (open daily from 8am to 6pm)
+63
2 8815318 to 19
info@ecohotelbohol.com
Alona
Hotline (after 6pm): +63 917 8553869 / +63 38 4228490
For
more information check out Eco Hotel’s official Website / Facebook Page
