La Parola Orchids Beach Resort

The rooms were basic but clean, and the staff were kind and helpful. The food was just okay: generous portions, average flavor, and a long wait for delivery. The place has no beach access, and the nearby area you have to cross to reach the sea yourself felt dirty and unappealing for swimming. The property itself is quite nice and has a somewhat luxurious look, though the design taste may not match Western standards.

The beach wasn't a highlight. Its dark sand gets very hot in the daytime, so early morning or late afternoon is better for a swim. The hotel has a private stretch with cottages, though walk-in visitors use it too. During Holy Week there were lots of families and plenty of noise and activity. By sunset, though, everything turned wonderfully still. The sunset we saw from the river mouth on our second evening was breathtaking. I wish I'd brought my camera after going for a swim. I stayed with my wife and little boy during Holy Week 2014, and it was a lovely break from everyday life. The owners and staff were friendly and keen to make guests happy. The main house, restaurant, and grounds were thoughtfully laid out, and the amenities were better than average. The restaurant in particular was well equipped and had lots of dishes to choose from, more than I expected in such a rural place. The one thing missing was a pool, which our toddler would have loved, but the owner planned to build one that year.

Once you get there, you don't need much else. The domestic airport makes the trip from San Jose and other places considerably shorter. The resort is largely self-contained, with a pool, bar, comfortable rooms and all the amenities. There's also German food prepared by pinoy cooks, cool shower water, and a pleasant walk to the beach. Dieter does his best as owner and host to make your stay pleasant, and the staff are accommodating and well trained.

I walked in without booking, haha, and nobody made me feel unwelcome. The customer service was so good it felt like a seven-star resort, and the food was seriously tasty. Definitely try the dishes. Just let them know when you're checking in and what you'd like to order, and ask whether the pool has been cleaned. My stay wasn't perfect: the pool hadn't been cleaned, and I even spotted a crab. It was cute, but the algae? Nope. We also had a complete blackout at night. Luckily I'd brought a solar light. They don't have a generator, which I think is because they're trying to keep the place peaceful. Still, I gave it five stars. It's a great spot if you want a quiet, peaceful environment.