Oldwoods by the Sea Nature Resort Bani Pangasinan

A quiet resort with plenty of privacy, and the breakfast was great, especially the brewed coffee. There were too many trainees on staff, and they often seemed unsure what to do. Still, everyone was very nice.

The restaurant was a highlight: the food was reasonably priced and better than I expected for the money. The resort also has a lovely atmosphere, fresh air, and kind staff. Getting around can be awkward, especially for students relying on tricycles, and reaching the beach means going down 395 steps. When we arrived, there was nobody available to welcome us, so we had to call for help. Our room had several practical issues. The shower barely had any pressure, which made bathing take longer, some outlets didn’t work, the Wi-Fi was weak, and there was no hair dryer or water boiler. Sound also carried between rooms. Loud music in the morning wasn’t prohibited, and noisy guests woke us around 6 a.m. -addaan

We were happy with our stay. The owner even showed us how to play golf, and they offered complimentary coconuts and papaya. In August, we didn’t see any insects at all. It’s a charming, pet-friendly place with a calm, secluded setting that’s great for stargazing and away from crowds and noise. There are a few quirks, including some dust, and the noise at 6 a.m. caught us off guard. We were told it was to keep mosquitoes away. This isn’t a typical, polished 5-star hotel, but the peaceful natural surroundings more than made up for it.

The views are a big reason to stay here, especially if you book a seaview suite. We found this one of the best places to wake up to, with gardens and spots to sit around the clean resort. The spacious rooms are well-appointed, and staff were accommodating, even when we asked to keep the pool open longer for a night swim. The resto-bar menu is small, but the food was good, and we especially liked the pancit canton. Getting there takes a little effort, though we felt it was worth it. There’s a trail down to the seaside, but there isn’t much beach to explore, and reaching the water means walking over coralline rock. The water looked like it could be good for surfing. I wouldn’t choose this resort if the main plan is beach activities and swimming in the sea. For a peaceful getaway with tremendous views, it’s a great choice. We’ve stayed at some excellent resorts during our 2023 vacation in the Philippines, and this was easily in our top three.