El Rio y Mar Resort

The whole place is beautiful, well maintained, and has a welcoming feel. Staff were friendly and attentive from the start, and we felt at home right away. We also appreciated the resort caring for a few rescued dogs. They’re hardly noticeable unless you look for them, so they weren’t a disturbance at all. For us, they added extra warmth and charm. Highly recommended!

We spent our first two nights in the Philippines here after arriving from NYC, and it was a perfect introduction to the country. We were welcomed by the whole staff and settled into a clean, comfortable room with an ocean view and our own veranda. The property feels very well thought out, even down to the little foot baths for rinsing sand as you enter your villa. Each morning we kayaked and explored the mangroves across the bay, which were beautiful. The free SUPs were another great perk. We loved the restaurant, the food and service were outstanding, and breakfast was especially good. Robert and Vanessa at the front desk answered our questions and helped arrange a massage on the bay. The massages were among the best we’ve had, and watching fish while getting one made it memorable. We worried it might be too hot, but the shade over the water kept it comfortable. In two weeks in the Philippines, this was probably our favorite stay. We just wish we could’ve stayed longer.

The service at El Rio y Mar was the best I’ve experienced anywhere. From arrival, the staff were welcoming, attentive, and quick to respond. Meals came promptly without making us feel hurried, and the food was consistently delicious and beautifully made. The over-water bar and seaside restaurant are gorgeous. Kayaking and the other water activities were free, which I really enjoyed. Everything feels peaceful and well run, with unforgettable scenery. It’s a wonderful place to relax, and I highly recommend it.

It’s a calm place for a quiet getaway, with attentive, helpful staff and rooms that feel like standard Western-style 3-4 star quality. Just don’t come expecting a tropical beach or great swimming. The water in the photos looks different from what you find there, and the sea is more like a river, so it’s not really suited to people who love swimming.