Junior and Nemesia Cottages

We had a nice time overall, with a beautiful beach, great snorkeling and lovely locals. The meals were cooked for us, and lunch and dinner were really good. Breakfast, though, was literally one pancake with some jam. You can ask for more, but the prices are like what you'd pay at a four or five star hotel. The hut is very basic. There was no faucet in the toilet, and the bedding was thin and worn. Some kids from nearby kept peeking through the windows, which felt pretty nosy. Also, booking for two through Airbnb means paying about twice what you would on Booking.com.

The staff weren't very chatty, but they were friendly and helpful. We stayed at another hotel on Bohol Island itself, so I can't speak to the accommodation here. The toilet seemed manageable, and in my opinion about what you'd expect from a one star place. We came for a day trip with dolphin watching and snorkeling. We were lucky enough to find a whole pod of dolphins and stayed near them for about half an hour. The guide treated them respectfully, which we appreciated. The snorkeling was the best I've experienced so far, with clear water, lots of wildlife and an intact coral reef.

The quiet beaches and how easy it was to catch both sunrise and sunset with a short walk to the water made this a highlight of our month in the PH. Pamilacan and Juniors' & Nemesia's cottages felt like a real paradise. I first booked six days and ended up staying twelve. Their whole family made us feel welcome, and people across the island were among the friendliest I've met. The food was delicious, and we soon found ourselves looking forward to every meal. The huts are simple and traditional, with a fan and bug net. They were cozy enough for me. Power is now available around the clock and cell service is reliable, so working remotely while looking out at the ocean seems possible. Don't skip this place.

Bring mosquito repellent. The cabins are lovely but very simple. We loved our four nights in a beachside cabin, and the place felt like a dream. Nemesia and Junior were some of the warmest, friendliest people we met in the country. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, and the food was exquisite. It's quite cheap for all that. They can arrange tours, and there's a store just a few steps away where you can get snacks and cold beer. I'd go back a thousand times.