Pearl Farm Beach Resort

We spotted starfish, a seahorse, and a sea cucumber all in one day, and there are little beaches around parts of the island. The pool also looks out over the sea, making this a lovely choice for a romantic break or a family holiday. The resort reflects Filipino hospitality and culture in its design and service. Breakfast had a good range of options, and the waiters and servers were courteous and clearly knew their work. A wonderful place.

Once we reached the island, our honeymoon was everything we'd hoped for: quiet, tropical, and private. At times it felt as if we had the beach to ourselves. We stayed in a Samal water house, and the water around the villas was crystal clear, with plenty of marine life. We could see lots of starfish right from our room. The staff across the resort were consistently kind, attentive, and helpful. The property was very clean, and although the infrastructure is a little old, it's clearly well maintained. There was a wide choice of Filipino food, seafood, and meat. The lechon was the standout, and the dessert selection was great too. Getting there was frustrating because the transfer arrangements weren't clear and the hotel didn't respond. I'm updating my review after the stay, since the experience on arrival was so different. We had a rough start, but the resort itself delivered a memorable honeymoon and felt fully worthy of five stars.

The full-board meals made the stay feel well worth it, and the service was wonderful. At dinner, they even brought us an anniversary cake. We celebrated our 10th anniversary at Pearl Farm and loved every moment. It was our first visit, and we'll definitely be back.

The Samal Suite upgrade was worth it, and everything else was perfect: the staff, the location, and the food. A few spots could use some care, though, with paint touch-ups here and some redecorating there, especially the wallpaper in the suites. Still, it was a truly amazing, luxurious five-star trip.