Cerca Parola Beach Resort by Cocotel

Circa Farola is a peaceful place to get away from crowds and the commercial feel of busy hotel strips. The rooms stood out for their size and cleanliness, and there’s a lovely pool area. You can also walk straight to the unusual shell-covered beach, which was a nice change from the usual sand. The staff were professional and kind, especially about safety. While we swam at the beach, they kept watch, which made us feel secure. The food was delicious; just order your meals early so they're ready when you want them. A lovely stay if you're after quiet and good service.

The price felt too high for the experience. Even cooking and grilling cost extra, and the atmosphere wasn't especially Instagram-worthy enough to make the expense feel justified. I'd look for another resort that's better value, especially in white sand areas.

We were three adults and three kids, and paid P5,000 for one night. The restroom was clean and the air conditioning worked well, which made things more comfortable. The room itself was just okay, neither bad nor great. There were some real inconveniences, though. No toiletries or breakfast were included, and there was a corkage fee. The restaurant was closed while we were there, so we had to travel about 17 minutes to find an open place to eat. The shower area by the pool was out of service too. I was also concerned that the door hadn't been installed properly. I could open it without a key. The floor felt sticky, so it seemed it hadn't been mopped before check-in. We'll probably try another resort next time, or maybe Calatagan or Laiya, where service and accommodations are usually more tourist-friendly for the same price range. 🙂

Nanay was accommodating when we arrived, and the place was clean. We brought our dog, but remember there’s an entrance fee for pets. The beach access is right behind the resort, and the seawater is very clean. We had a quiet, peaceful stay, with videoke available, and it's a great spot for family and friends. Don't count on Wi-Fi or food being available at the resort. You can bring or buy your own food, just be mindful of your waste. I'd recommend staying here.