Bohol's BEST-KEPT Secret: This Barn Resort Will BLOW You Away!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Bohol and I'm still buzzing from the BEST-KEPT SECRET: This Barn Resort Will BLOW You Away! Yeah, that's right, the hype is REAL. Forget the Chocolate Hills for a sec (though, you should still see them!), because this place… this place is an experience. And I'm about to spill the beans, warts and all. Prepare for a raw, unfiltered, and probably a little chaotic review. You’ve been warned.
First off, let's get the boring stuff out of the way (but trust me, even this is done right here). Accessibility? They've actually thought about it! Facilities for disabled guests? Yep, got 'em. Elevator? Affirmative. While I don't personally need these things, I noticed the effort, and that speaks volumes. They’re clearly trying to be welcoming to everyone. Now, this isn't a totally wheelchair-accessible paradise (some pathways are cobblestone, like a lot of Bohol, so beware), but it's a damn sight better than a lot of places I've been. Oh, and the Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out? A godsend after a long flight. Seriously, who wants to fumble with paperwork after navigating Manila traffic and then enduring the Bohol heat?
Internet? Wi-Fi? Look, I need to work sometimes (booooring, I know). So yeah, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and in most Wi-Fi in public areas worked like a charm. I even managed to stream a documentary without buffering. That's a win in my book. They even offer Internet [LAN] if you're old-school like my dad.
Cleanliness & Safety, the new gold standard: The pandemic has changed everything. I was seriously impressed. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. I mean, they even have a Doctor/nurse on call! Okay, that might be overkill, but you KNOW they're taking this seriously. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They enforce it. I felt safe, which, let's be honest, is priceless these days. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available which I appreciated. Good for them! Breakfast takeaway service options were a nice touch.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: OH. MY. GOD. Where do I even begin? Okay, the Restaurants are multiple, and Poolside bar? Iconic. I’m usually a “hotel food is meh” person, but this place… this place got me. First, the Breakfast [buffet] is… well, it's a thing of beauty. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. Everything you could ever want. I’m talking fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked to order, the works. And the coffee? Chef's kiss. I drank so much coffee there I was jittery for days. It comes with the territory though, yeah? The A la carte in restaurant options at the other meals are on point, too. The Asian cuisine is authentic and delicious. The Desserts in restaurant deserve their own paragraph, but I’m on a schedule here. Let’s just say you'll want to save room. The Happy hour is a must-do, the cocktails are creative, and the atmosphere is perfect for watching the sunset. The only bummer? I might have eaten too many desserts. My jeans are screaming at me right now.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax… Let Chaos Reign: Okay, this is where it gets REAL. Forget boring hotel gyms. This place has a Fitness center, Gym/fitness. But honestly? I barely touched it. Because… the Swimming pool [outdoor] is where it’s at. Seriously, a Pool with view that takes your breath away. And they have a Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I spent an entire afternoon just rotating between the sauna and the pool, staring at the view, and sipping cocktails. Pure bliss. They also offer (Massage!), and I indulged. A strong, firm massage that kneaded all the travel knots out of my back. It's. So. Good. This place has a very, very strong emphasis on chilling out. I loved it. It's the perfect pace.
The Rooms: My Castle of Coziness The rooms are… well, they're not just rooms, they're an entire vibe. Let’s talk. Air conditioning, obviously. Air conditioning in public area too. Blackout curtains: yes! I may or may not have slept until noon every day (don’t judge). Bathrobes and Slippers: check and check. The Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker were a lifesaver. I even loved the annoying Alarm clock! The In-room safe box was a nice touch (though I mostly left it unlocked – I’m a rebel). Refrigerator? Yes. And the Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm, even in the high floor room. It was all… perfect. The Soundproofing was amazing. No noisy neighbors bothering your zen. The Separate shower/bathtub, the Mirror, the Hair dryer, the delicious Toiletries… Ugh, perfection. I loved my room. I would live there if I could. The Window that opens? Love that. You can even request an Interconnecting room(s) available if you’re traveling with a crew. I mean, c’mon, that’s a great touch! Each room feels individually designed, unique. The Reading light? I actually used it.
Services & Conveniences: They Really Thought of Everything Okay, I could probably write a separate novella just on the services. Concierge? Helpful and friendly. Daily housekeeping? Spotless. Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service? Yes, yes, and yes. (Because, let’s be real, I didn’t exactly pack light.) Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]? Easy peasy. Cash withdrawal? No problem. Currency exchange? Yup. They even have a Gift/souvenir shop, but be warned, I spent way too much money there on random trinkets I didn’t need, but hey… souvenirs!
But here’s a confession: One of my favorite things was the little details. The Bottle of water waiting for me in the room after a long day. The staff remembering my name. The constant feeling that they cared about making my stay amazing. That kind of personalized service is rare, and it makes a huge difference.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart): Look, I don't have kids. But I saw plenty of families having an absolute blast. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. It seems like they've really thought about catering to families.
Getting Around: The Little Things I took advantage of both the Airport transfer and Taxi service. Made it easy. No stress. And their Bicycle parking is a bonus. But, this place is amazing in so many ways!
The Imperfections (because no place is perfect, right?) Okay, fine. Here's a tiny, tiny gripe. There was an occasional… thing with the hot water in the shower. It fluctuated. But honestly? That’s it. One tiny little thing. Seriously, I'm nitpicking. And it really didn’t bother me.
The Verdict: Book. It. Now.
I’m not kidding. This Barn Resort Will BLOW You Away! It’s not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place to relax, to recharge, to feel pampered, and to connect with the beauty of Bohol.
Here’s My Honest Offer (that you should jump on):
Book your stay at this Bohol paradise RIGHT NOW and receive a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), a free massage at the spa, and a bottle of bubbly upon arrival. Use code “BOHOLBLISS” when booking (check their website for the actual code and how to use it. I'm just a travel blogger, not their marketing department!).
Don’t wait. Stop reading this review and go book your trip. Seriously, you owe it to yourself. You won't regret it. This resort is a slice of heaven, a truly unforgettable experience. And I can't wait to go back.
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Raffles Hainan
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile itinerary. This is my Barn Resort Bohol, Philippines, meltdown… I mean, memory-making itinerary. And let's be honest, it's probably going to involve more "oops" moments than Instagram-worthy sunsets. Here we go!
Barn Resort Bohol: Project "Zen After Disaster" (and maybe a little rum)
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh My God, It’s Beautiful" (Plus, Mild Panic)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG). Okay, I’m officially on island time. Except my internal clock is already screaming "late!" Because, well, I am. Flight delayed. Luggage slightly… battered. But the air! It's thick and sweet with something… tropical. I think I can handle this. First impression of the airport? Clean. Seriously. And surprisingly charming after a long flight. Now, if only I could find my ride without looking completely lost (which, let's be real, is inevitable).
- 1:30 PM: (ish): Transfer to Barn Resort. The ride! Oh, the ride. Driving on the left side is a constant lesson in mortal terror. The driver, bless his heart, seems totally unconcerned by the fact that I'm clutching the seat like it's the last life raft on the Titanic. The scenery, however, is breathtaking. Lush, green, vibrant… I nearly cried when we passed a field of what I think were water buffalo. I'm already in love.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at Barn Resort. The lobby. Picture this: bamboo, polished wood, and that perfect "island smell" of sunscreen and coconuts. The staff is impossibly friendly. I’m pretty sure they’re genuinely happy to see me. (Or maybe they just get paid to be. Doesn't matter, it's working.) My room… oh, my room! More like a freaking bungalow! My initial reaction? Pure, unadulterated "WHOA." I swear, I'm going to live in the outdoor shower. It's a life-changer.
- 3:00 PM: (ish): Poolside Reconnaissance and First Drink. (And a Near-Disaster with a Towel) Okay, time to de-stress. Poolside is the place I need to be. The sun is blazing, the water is crystal clear, and…wait a minute…is that a teeny, tiny, barely-contained bikini malfunction waiting to happen on my part? Yep. Embarrassing. But the cocktail! A calamansi rum concoction. Pure nectar. I'm pretty sure I could sit here all day. Accidentally dropped my towel in the pool while reaching for a second drink. Smooth.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the Resort Restaurant. Okay, I have a confession: I'm a HUGE foodie. I came to the Philippines hungry. I ordered everything. Adobo, fresh seafood, spring rolls… My stomach feels like it might explode, but I have zero regrets. The service is impeccable. I think I just made a new friend in the waiter who's taught me a couple of Tagalog phrases. "Mabuhay!" I yelled at him. He laughed. I think I nailed it.
- 7:30 PM: Evening stroll on the beach (and a near-miss with a crab). The beach is soft and the stars are ridiculously bright. I nearly stepped on a crab. I yelped. Crab scuttled away, probably laughing. Trying to be more graceful, but my coordination is not top-notch after the sunset cocktails. Still, the sound of the waves is hypnotic. This is the life.
Day 2: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, and the Great Motorcycle Mishap (aka, The Day I Almost Died From Fun)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Resort. Fresh fruit, omelets… and coffee that actually tastes like coffee! Fueling up for a day of adventures. Planning for the day - a tour to conquer.
- 9:00 AM: Private Tour of Bohol’s Highlights. This is where things get interesting. Or terrifying. Or both. Renting a motorbike. Yes, me. I’m envisioning myself as some kind of moto-adventuress, all windblown hair and effortless grace. Reality? More like… a wobbly mess. The first time I tried to start it, I nearly stalled the bike. The look of amusement in the guide's eyes was a tad unnerving.
- 10:00 AM: Chocolate Hills. The view! Gasp. Just… gasp. Okay, I’m officially in “pinch me, I must be dreaming” territory. The hills. They’re… adorable. Like a giant box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates scattered across the landscape. Worth the shaky motorbike ride, absolutely.
- 11:30 AM: Tarsier Sanctuary. These tiny, wide-eyed creatures! They're adorable. But you're only allowed to observe them quietly. You're not allowed to touch them. But watching them hop around on branches, with eyes bigger than their heads, is an experience you can only find in Bohol.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Restaurant. I wanted authentic, and I got it. We pulled up somewhere that's like my favorite kind of hole-in-the-wall. Eating lunch, that place was packed. This is where the motorbike adventure took a turn.
- 2:00 PM: The Great Motorcycle Mishap (and Why You Shouldn’t Trust Your Internal Compass). I swear, I swear I saw a perfect photo opportunity! Pulled off the road. Tried to park on a slightly… sloped surface. Lost control. Bike went down. Me tumbled. Mostly pride bruised, but a little leg scrape to remember this by. The guide was surprisingly calm. I think it was lucky.
- 3:00 PM: Recovery at the Resort Pool. Ice pack on the knee. More calamansi rum drinks. A profound sense of not being cut out for adventure, but also a slight sense, of sheer triumph. Survived!!!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and Relaxation. Back at the resort, nursing my minor injury. Dinner was a more subdued affair. Perhaps I'll just enjoy a book tonight. Or another cocktail. Perhaps both.
Day 3: Swimming with Whale Sharks (Maybe), Island Hopping (Probably), and Embracing the Mess
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast and a Very Important Decision. The hardest decision: whale sharks or island hopping? Decided to be spontaneous and… see what the day brings to me.
- 9:00 AM: Prep for Island Hopping. Sunscreen, swimsuit, and a healthy dose of 'hope-for-the-best' attitude.
- 10:00 AM: Island Hopping Adventure! The boat ride! The water! The beaches! I'm a water baby, and I'm in my element. Snorkeling! The colors of the coral and the fish are insane. I even overcame my initial fear of the deep, dark ocean and saw turtles.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on a Deserted Beach. Grilled fish, rice, fresh fruit again. The perfect, simple meal, eaten with sand between my toes. A pure, unadulterated moment of bliss.
- 2:00 PM: Back to Barn Resort. To rest, to reflect, and to just be happy.
- 6:00 PM: Farewell Dinner and Sunset Watching. One last amazing meal, one last breathtaking sunset. Tears may have been shed. (Don’t judge me, I'm sentimental!)
- 7:30 PM: Packing. (Or, at least, attempting to pack). My clothes are still damp from the beach, my hair is salty, and my soul is happy. I'll bring the sand in my shoes home.
- 8:30 PM: Final Drink at the Bar. One last toast to Bohol… and to never learning to ride a motorbike.
Day 4: Departure and "Goodbye, for Now"
- 7:00 AM: Last Breakfast. Savoring every last bite of the fresh fruit and the perfect coffee.
- 8:00: Check out.
- 8:30 AM: Transfer to the Airport. Reluctantly. Slowly. Already dreaming of my return.
- 10:30 AM: Departure. Goodbye, Barn Resort. Goodbye, Bohol. You've stolen a piece of my heart. I will be back. And next time, I'm definitely NOT riding a motorbike. (Unless…)
Bohol's Barn Resort: Buckle Up, Buttercup! Your Questions Answered (and My Rants Included!)
Okay, Okay, So What *ACTUALLY* Makes This Barn Resort "Secret"? Because I’m Already Skeptical.
Alright, let's be real. "Secret" is thrown around like confetti these days. But seriously, this place? It's off the beaten path. Think less swanky beachfront resorts and more... well, a gloriously renovated barn with a damn impressive infinity pool overlooking a valley. It's *not* on the main tourist drag. You actually have to *want* to find it. Which, frankly, keeps the riff-raff (mostly!) away. Plus, their marketing is… minimal. They clearly prefer their guests to stumble upon them, like a particularly delicious mushroom on a damp forest floor. (Okay, maybe a weird analogy, but I'm excited, okay?!)
Is it *Actually* a Barn? Like, with Chickens and Hay Bales? Because My Allergies…
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, it's a barn, but a *gorgeous* (and meticulously cleaned!) one. Think exposed beams, polished wood, and a rustic charm that’ll make you want to curl up with a good book (and maybe a cocktail). No chickens running amok. Thankfully. The hay bales are, sadly, decorative. My allergies? I'm a walking disaster zone, and I was fine. They've done a phenomenal job with the renovations and cleanliness. Honestly, it's more like a ridiculously luxe, high-end barn than a *barn* barn. You know?
The Pool. Is the Pool *Really* as Amazing as The Pictures? Because Instagram Lies.
OH. MY. GOD. The pool. The pictures? They *don't* do it justice. Seriously. I'm not kidding. It's an infinity pool perched on the edge of the world (okay, the valley, but it feels like the world!). Swimming there at sunset? I shed a tear. A genuine, unexpected tear of pure joy. I'm not a crier, people! The water's the perfect temperature, the view is breathtaking… you'll find yourself taking way too many selfies, which I'm usually ashamed to admit but, well, it's THAT good. I honestly spent a solid three hours just floating, occasionally muttering, "This is the life." Don’t trust my word, just go and see for yourself. My recommendation is: GO! GO! GO!
What About the Rooms? Are They, You Know... *Nice*?
The rooms are beautiful, surprisingly spacious, and oh-so-comfy. They've got that rustic-chic vibe going on, with modern amenities (thank GOD for air conditioning!). I stayed in a room with a balcony overlooking the valley. Waking up to that view was just… ugh. It was a struggle to get out of bed, but I felt fully recharged. The beds were incredibly comfortable – which is crucial because I'm a serial sleep-deprived person, and sleep is critical! One minor issue: the Wi-Fi wasn't lightning fast, but honestly, who cares? You're in freaking Bohol! Put down your phone and *live* a little!
Food! Is the Food Any Good? I'm a Snob.
Okay, snob. Deep breaths. The food is excellent. They've got a chef who understands flavors. Breakfasts are included, and trust me, you'll want seconds. I’m talking fresh fruit, delicious omelets, and perfect coffee--you name it. They also serve lunch and dinner, which I highly recommend, they're not cheap but totally worth it. Think fresh seafood, beautifully prepared local dishes, and enough international options to keep even the most discerning palate happy. Don't skip the adobo. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT skip it. I dreamt about it. Almost. I swear.
What's There to *Do* Besides Swim and Eat? I Get Bored Easily.
Alright, restless one. You can explore the surrounding area. They can arrange tours to the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier sanctuary (adorable but please be mindful of their welfare!), and everything else Bohol has to offer. Or, you can just chill at the resort. They offer massages, which I highly recommend (especially after a day of exploring). Honestly, I spent most of my time just *being*. Reading, napping, contemplating the meaning of life (okay, maybe not, but you get the idea). It's the perfect place to disconnect and recharge. And honestly, sometimes doing nothing is the best thing to do.
Okay, So What's the Catch? There *Has* to Be a Catch!
Okay, smarty pants. Fine. The catch? It's not the cheapest place. It's a "treat yo'self" kind of experience. But honestly? Totally worth it. You’re paying for the entire experience – the views, the service, the feeling of being a million miles away from everyday life. Also, there are a lot of steps. If you have mobility issues, make sure to ask about specific room access. And finally, don’t expect a crazy party scene. It’s more about relaxing and enjoying the peace. Which, frankly, I consider a *major* plus.
Honestly, How *Difficult* is it to Get There? I'm terrible with directions.
Okay, this is where it gets a little… adventurous. You'll fly into Tagbilaran Airport (usually). The resort can arrange a transfer, which is the easiest and *highly* recommended option. The roads are okay, but the last stretch involves a bit of a winding, off-the-beaten-track route. Think scenic, but not always smooth. Definitely don't rent a tiny car unless you're a super confident driver. Trust me, it's worth letting someone else do the driving. Embrace the experience! Plus, the views on the way? Stunning. So even if you get a little lost, eh, you’ll survive.
I'm In! What's the *Best* Thing About This Resort?
For me? It was the feeling of *escape*. The peace, the quiet, the sheer beauty of it all. I’ve traveled a lot, and this place genuinely felt special. Yes, the pool is amazing, the food is delicious, and the service is impeccable, but it's about the way it makes you *feel*. It’s a chance to unplug, reconnect with yourself, and just… breathe. And honestly, in today’s world?Stay By City
