Amarela Resort

The staff made our stay: from the shuttle drivers and front desk to the restaurant team, groundskeeper and security, everyone was smiling and courteous. The food was amazing, prepared to a high standard with local produce and vegetables grown on the property. I also appreciated the free gallery, with local art, crafts and relics from around bohol, and its collection gives you a lot to see. The garden supplies some of the restaurant's produce, too. Amarela is a peaceful, private place for people who want to unplug and spend quiet time with family or loved ones. It is a bit out of the way from other main destinations, which seems tied to the owners' focus on privacy and serenity. Getting around is manageable: you can rent a scooter for Php 500 for 24 hours, with a partly filled gas tank. A waiver is required, and you need a valid driver's license and scooter experience. Gas is cheap, and 100pesos can last a few days. Or, get a tuktuk driver's number on your first day and ask about arranging rides around your schedule. I used a scooter, so I can't say what the tuktuk rates are. Our room, 104, was nice overall, though the shower head holder kept tilting down. It had the usual things, including a TV, blowdryer, bathrobes and slippers, flashlight and fridge. The shared infinity pool looks out over the beach, and there's also a private villa with its own pool. For the beach, they rent equipment like kayaks and snorkeling gear, which is free for guests, plus corn-hole decks and a pingpong table. There is WiFi across the resort in most areas, with average speeds that worked for Zoom meetings and video streaming. At low tide, watch out for the many sea urchins. Non-swimmers should wear sandals or aquashoes. The resort also has a garden with plants used in the restaurant. You get what you pay for at Amarela resort, and your first visit may turn into a second, then a third.

The room was clean, the beds were comfortable, and we could look out at the beach and pool. Everywhere, the well-kept gardens and lush plants made the place feel peaceful. They welcomed us with drinks, and the staff were courteous, friendly and especially helpful in the restaurant. There is a good selection of books in the library, and you can read by the pool or in your room. The museum has some interesting pieces of art. The owners' excellent taste shows in the furniture, especially the ornate chairs. My husband and I would happily recommend Amarela Resort to friends and relatives, and we'd like to return.

It was a pleasure to stay somewhere that feels so thoughtfully put together. Amarillo is clearly a real labour of love, with the owner having considered every detail. Hand-carved pieces and paintings by local artists are displayed throughout, and the gallery is well worth a visit for its wonderful history of Bohol. Our seaview room was spacious, comfortable and immaculately kept, like the rest of the hotel. The views were breathtaking. The staff were charming and well trained, and we ate very well at the restaurant. The hotel is a 10 minute drive from the craziness of Alona Beach, which suited us. The front desk can readily order a Tuk tuk when you want to go into town. The tide only comes in during the afternoon, but if you want an earlier swim, a short walk along the beach takes you to a spot where you can swim, though it isn't very deep. A welcome antidote to mass-produced resorts. Thank you.

We took a one day trip to the Chocolate hills, the Tarsiers (monkeys) and the Loboc river during our four nights on Dumaluan/White beach. We spent two nights at Amarela Resort, and it was easily the best part of our stay, and the best property along that stretch. The service felt genuine, and the beach, food and pool were all great. Highly recommend!