I have been fortunate to stay at two amazing properties during my previous trips to Samal Island. Chemas by the Sea captivated me nearly fifteen years ago with its bungalow accommodations surrounded by a well-kept garden, a tiny pool, and a private beach. Last year, Pearl Farm, one of the island's most celebrated resorts, satisfied my long-standing desire to experience its unique brand of beachfront hospitality.
Where to Stay in Samal Island | Discovery Samal
While these two aforementioned resorts come highly recommended, my third time on Samal Island—as part of the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines’ post-PHITEX familiarization trip—gifted me with yet another opportunity to stay in one of the biggest and newest properties, the Discovery Samal Resort, which had just opened in August of that year.
On the final leg of our three-province tour of Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and Davao del Norte, we arrived at the private jetty of Discovery Samal just as the dusk skies slowly glinted their golden hues into the embrace of darkness. Nonetheless, the crystal-clear blue waters and powdery white sands immediately arrested my attention and made me take a mental note: “I must swim in these waters tomorrow.”
As we arrived at the spacious lobby and received our welcome drinks, the sheer scale of the resort dawned on me. It was opulent, expansive, and soaring, with plenty of open space to catch the breeze from the ocean, surrounded by meticulously chosen furnishings, modern wall and ceiling finishes, and lovely lighting fixtures.
My Room, the Junior Suite
The property features more than one hundred fifty spacious rooms and suites, as well as three massive pools that stretch out along the beach and are encircled by a maze of canopies, gardens, and pathways leading to the various facilities.
My room was located in one of the two five-story buildings that run parallel to the property’s third swimming pool, positioned right after the villas section. These suites feature cutting-edge architecture, modern fixtures, and high-tech conveniences. My room on the fifth floor opened onto a balcony that afforded me a bird's-eye perspective of the entire complex. I found the room adequately spaced to provide ideal comfort even for a family of four.
Being here for two nights gave our group a fitting bookend to our memorable six-day trip together. Our time at Discovery Samal consisted of feasting on appetizing fare, a morning snorkeling excursion to explore the giant clams of Samal, counting bats at the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, watching a spectacular fire-dance show, and enjoying a satisfying, leisurely rest.
A Sundry of Amenities
Choosing to rest inside my room between our beach and island exploration activities, I wasn’t able to personally experience the resort’s other amenities which are plentiful, such as the fitness center, the spa, and other recreational facilities. Instead, my experience centered heavily on the property's in-house culinary outlets: Morning Catch, The Shoreline, and Haribar Lounge. Two new dining establishments, Garden City Café and The Bistro, were slated to open in the near future.
Morning Catch was located at the front of the resort, adjacent to the beach club, offering stunning views of the Davao Gulf. It served a variety of delicious dishes, including the freshest catch of the day. From succulent shrimp and juicy crabs to roast beef and stir-fried vegetables, there was something for everyone. Guests could also enjoy options like chicken curry and a range of other dishes prepared through grilling, steaming, stewing, or frying.
Situated nearer to my room and positioned on the upper level of the resort facing the Davao Gulf, The Shoreline served as the all-day dining restaurant of the property, delivering a wide variety of tastes from international cuisine to local flavors.
I enjoyed having my breakfast in this location, where I could sit outdoors by the expansive swimming pool. Although their breakfast selections may not be as extensive as those offered at other five-star resorts, they were still incredibly delicious and easily satisfied my morning appetite.
The Haribar Lounge derived its name from the words “haring ibon” and “bar.” The lounge offered a diverse range of meticulously prepared cocktails, using only the highest quality ingredients and premium spirits available. We ordered our drinks there and had them served by the beach on our last night.
In terms of leisure, service, food, amenities, hospitality, and overall aesthetic, Discovery Samal unquestionably ranks among the top must-stay properties not just on Samal Island, but throughout the country. Having stayed at the best accommodations in the country and abroad, I see Discovery Samal, especially as it smooths out its operations over time, as a definitive shoo-in for any top-ten lists detailing the finest staycations in the region.
Hotel Fact Box
Room Categories
Junior Suite 52 sq. m. | Smart room equipped with cutting-edge tech, private balcony, pool view, and a luxurious bathtub.Samal Suite 50 sq. m. | Lavishly-appointed suite featuring private balcony and scenic views of the gulf and swimming pools.
Executive Suite (Garden / Beach) 60 sq. m. | Expanded luxury quarters with a dedicated layout and direct garden or shoreline access.
Premiere One Bedroom Suite 77-82 sq. m. | Elegant multi-room configuration with panoramic sea views and high-end accents.
One-Bedroom Villa 121 sq. m. | Ultimate island exclusivity featuring supreme privacy, expansive living spaces, and upscale curated finishes.
Dining Outlets
Morning Catch Seafood specialty restaurant serving the freshest catch of the day cooked to your preference alongside vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.The Shoreline All-day dining destination combining global international cuisine with classic local Filipino favorites, set adjacent to the grand pool deck.
Haribar Lounge An upscale bar and lounge serving masterfully crafted cocktails, premium spirits, and weekend glamping barbecue feasts.
