As I paced the rhythm of my steps, having stumbled into a serene trail that ultimately led me to a breathtaking panorama of the sun-kissed shores adorning the island’s eastern flank, my attention was abruptly arrested by a signpost bearing the inscription, “Baluarte (watchtower) 250 meters.”
Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort: A Taste of Leisure, Sense of Adventure and Dose of History | Cebu
With a quickened pace, it only took a few minutes until I stood gazing at the majestic lighthouse. Its imposing stature reached skyward—a towering presence that stood at an approximate height of thirty-five feet. Nestled beside it were the ruins of a nineteenth-century watchtower. In an instant, the enigmatic presence of these two structures, remnants of bygone years on the southern point of the island, made the hideaway vibe of Bluewater Sumilon all the more evident.
A Secluded Beach Getaway
A half-hour by boat from the town of Oslob, Bluewater Sumilon Island, while still clearly visible from the mainland of Cebu, effortlessly projects a secluded setting. Amidst tropical trees swaying to gentle breezes and the verdant cloak of a mangrove forest, turquoise waters navigated by baby sharks surround the island’s rocky edges and white sandy shores.
Here, civilization tends to recede with the ebbing of the sundown's low tide. Throughout the day, one can easily cradle solitude on the island resort’s many charming spots. Whether you relax inside your luxurious villa or on a hammock fronting the beach, or get a soothing massage in the outdoor Amuma Spa, there’s much to do to guide you into mindful meditation.
Located on the southeastern tip of Sumilon Island, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort boasts a perfect escape thanks to its surrounding twenty-four hectares of awe-inspiring natural beauty.
In 1974, thanks to the work of Silliman University Marine Reserve, the seas around Sumilon Island were designated as a fish sanctuary, making it the first marine protected area in the Philippines.
Guests who choose to embark on underwater expeditions are met with a wealth of marine species, occasionally graced by the presence of blacktip sharks. When one opts to explore on the surface, one shall in turn come across pristine expanses of off-white-hued shores, where the sand glistens to the brilliance of the sun.
Elegantly Rested
I was billeted in their Premier Deluxe room that comes with a balcony offering a panoramic view of the blue waters and the southern mountain range of Cebu. Upon entering the glass door, I was welcomed by an inviting space of a comfortable couch, beckoning me to unwind and relax right away. Adjacent to it are a couple of steps that add a touch of architectural intrigue, guiding me toward the two queen beds resting behind a plain wall adorned with a lighting fixture made from coconut fibers. The setup of the bed not only provides privacy but also conceals a closet and the entrance to a private bathroom. Inside, the gentle ambient lighting creates an atmosphere of peacefulness that almost made me stay in my room the whole day—were it not for the itch of exploring the island.
There are fourteen Premier Deluxe rooms and fourteen Deluxe villas spread out evenly along a winding path with views of southern Cebu, ensuring each guest has adequate space. On the more isolated part of the island sit two sizable villas—a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom villa ideal for a more remote retreat.
Resort staff I came across would always grace my ears with a pleasant “Maayong buntag” whenever I walked to have my breakfast, and “Maayong hapon” during my stroll to the sandbar to catch the sunset. The resort's hospitality stems from the concept of “Amoma,” which Arnel Barreta, Bluewater Sumilon Island's Resort Manager, explained to me as the Cebuano word that means “to pamper.” Incorporating this with the renowned trademark hospitality of the Filipinos, the resort has seamlessly blended a warm and inviting atmosphere for its guests.
Throughout my whole stay at the resort, which included some work assisting on a photo shoot for a cover story on this issue, I always found myself waking up elegantly rested the next morning. From the charming island with all its splendor, to the mouthwatering dishes served to our group at the in-house Pulo Restaurant, to an invigorating massage at the resort's Amuma Spa, all contributed to a very relaxing workcation—I know, it was supposed to be a working trip, but it felt more like a vacation.
A Walk in the Woods, a Dip in the Pool and Everything in Between
In between our photo shoots, I would escape for a walk that would lead me to the other parts of the island. On our first afternoon, I ventured to the glamping portion of the resort.
Set up on the eastern side of Sumilon Island are a few opulent tents designed with glamping aesthetics in mind. Equally spaced out to provide privacy, these tents offer guests a sophisticated take on camping in the great outdoors.
Mr. Barreta told me that Bluewater Sumilon’s no-frills glamping experience is elevated with a personalized service courtesy of a butler and a Camp Master who teaches guests important outdoor survival skills. The glamping option may be a far departure from the ultra-luxurious villa accommodations of the resort, but it surely delivers a fun and memorable experience. I would definitely try it the next time I visit Sumilon.
With us on our second day exploring the island was our model Naelah Alshorbaji, the 2021 Miss Earth Philippines. Taking advantage of the abundance of beautiful settings on the island, we ended up on the serene lagoon next to the dense mangrove forest. As we took more photographs of Naelah, the bright blue skies presented themselves to create a fantastic background with the deep green hues of the mangrove trees and the lagoon whose calm water is where one can go kayaking in utmost peace.
This part of the resort would be swarming with day-trippers during the day because it faces a long shoreline and is very near the aforementioned picturesque lagoon and mystical mangrove forest.
Mr. Barreta informed me that the resort has begun promoting a “day-use” package that grants guests access to the Pulo swimming pool and a buffet lunch in an effort to attract local beachgoers to also enjoy the island.
I found it a great gesture since Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort has all the trappings of a super exclusive resort. Yet, they open portions of their property to guests who are mostly coming from the nearby towns of Oslob, Boljoon, and Santander.
“Eighty percent of our staff are from Oslob, while the rest are from other places in Cebu,” Barreta explained to me. Even after Sumilon Island saw its original settlers move to the mainland many decades ago, the resort sustained ties to the local community by hiring locals, some of whom could even be direct descendants of the island's original inhabitants.
When in Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, one can indulge in more than the usual leisure activities offered by most resorts. “We have a divemaster who takes guests on scuba diving excursions, as well as for the whale shark sighting in Oslob,” Barreta told me. “In our lagoon, guests can indulge in catch-and-release fishing or go hiking to the lighthouse. We even have a baby shark feeding area,” he added.
After spending time in the pool, I joined our photographer and makeup artists who were on break from their shoot for an afternoon swim on the island’s sandbar.
The sandbar is another key attraction of the island. During certain seasons, it may extend like an inviting pathway, summoning beach bums to traverse its length. At other times of the year, it may shrink and curve, creating secluded pockets of pristine sand zigzagging the crystal-clear waters. This ever-changing shape of the sandbar adds an element of wonder and surprise to Sumilon Island's countless allures.
In between swimming in the resort’s infinity pool, walking barefoot over the island’s lengthy sandbar and finding relaxation spots all around, I regarded my morning trek to the lighthouse as the most welcome surprise of my stay at Bluewater Sumilon. Along the way, I passed by a cave used by the Japanese as a hiding place during WWII, a grotto with an image of the Virgin Mary, a vegetable garden, a number of stunning view decks, and most of all, a wooden trail that provides a moderate hiking pace fit for even the young adventurers.
As I leaned on the walls of the nineteenth-century watchtower built by Spanish Augustinians to serve as a guard against slavers and attacking marauders, I felt myself not only experiencing the invigorating impact of Bluewater Sumilon's revered Amoma service, but also immersing myself in the profound historical narrative of the island, spanning numerous centuries.
I guess in Bluewater Sumilon, the convergence of leisurely pursuits, gastronomic indulgence, adventurous endeavors, calm reflection, and historical immersion all combine to make Sumilon Island an unparalleled destination where one may temporarily escape and get satisfyingly lost for a while.
This article first appeared on the 2023 2nd Quarter issue of AsianTraveler Magazine
Hotel Fact Box
Room & Villa Categories
Deluxe Room 116.6 sq. m. | Maximum 2 adults and 2 children. Lined up on the side of the island facing the shifting sandbar, offering a private veranda, hot & cold showers, and a double-bed layout.Premier Deluxe Room 142.6 sq. m. | Split-level space overlooking the ocean with panoramic views of the southern Cebu mountain ranges. Features two queen beds, an in-room sitting lounge, and a spacious veranda with a basket swing.
One-Bedroom Villa 91.2 sq. m. | A secluded luxury hideaway tucked into an exclusive pocket of the island. Features premium privacy, expansive layouts, a private dipping pool, and a deep soaking bathtub.
Family Villa (Two-Bedroom) 192 sq. m. | Sprawling multi-room configuration built for larger groups or families, paired with a private dipping pool, spacious lawn, and standalone bathtub.
Glamping Tent 27 sq. m. | Premium beachfront safari tents set on the tranquil eastern shoreline, introducing an eco-luxury outdoor camping experience elevated by a dedicated butler and Camp Master service.
Dining Outlets
Pulo Restaurant (The Pavilion) The resort's open-air, signature thatched-roof hub serving local Filipino favorites (like free-range Chicken Inasal and local Tanigue steak), fresh seafood platters, and international selections. Features daily themed buffet spreads and standard breakfast selections.Pasilong Bar A relaxed cocktail lounge venue offering custom tropical beverages, spirits, and sunset appetizers overlooking the Cebu Strait.
