Paradise in Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort

After spending our company outings in Boracay, Palawan and Bohol in the previous years, our company decided to spend it in Davao this year.  We stayed in Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort in Samal Island, Davao. 

Unlike most resorts that we've been through before, this resort is a 'never heard' for us. So when we learned that we're going here, what we did was rushed in front of our computers and googled everything that there is to know about the beach resort.  We found a lot of interesting stuff but personally, compared to the well'known resorts that we've been to in the past, I didn't really put my expectations that high.  It's still a good thing, though, because when we were there I was really amazed with what Paradise Island can offer.

From the airport, we rode a van going to their port. They have very polite and helpful staff in the port that had wooden carts ready for our trolley bags to be transported from our van to the boat.  The walk isn't that long but isn't short either, but with the sandy walkway that they have a push cart is really a great help.

From the port, we traveled by boat for about 15-20 minutes to arrive Paradise Island.  Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the resort's staff with a lively serenading band that seems to really enjoy what they're doing. It made me shift my mood from being tired of the very early travel to being giddy about our whole 3 days and 2 nights stay.

the band

No foods and drinks from outside are allowed so don't be surprised if they ask you to check your bag.  Corkage fees apply to any food / drink that'll be brought in their premises, which is not new to us since almost all the resorts implement the same rule.  As of our visit, their cover charge are as follows:

day tour and overnight rate as of May2012

room rates on the right most side as of May2012

In fairness, they offer reasonable entrance fees for both day tour and overnight stays.  Their room rates aren't that bad too.

Countless tables and chairs are situated right after we entered the beach resort.  We were informed afterwards that it is where they serve meals for their guests and it also serves as their entertainment area at night. 

this photo doesn't do any justice to show how much tables are by the beach

The photo above shows the first half of the numerous tables and chairs situated by the beach area.  The second half is on the far end right after the reception area.  It is the area for day tour guests.  The area above is for long-staying guests, if I'm not mistaken.

A couple of tables were reserved for our group.  Those served as our designated area during meals, which is a very good thing because it is just a few steps away from where they set up the buffet table and a few tables away from the stage.

as were getting our room keys.  

 The resort staff in pink (photo above) is the one who assisted us during our 3 days and 2 nights stay.  I remember asking him his name but I'm so sorry I can't remember it now.  Anyhow, from day one until the last, his attentiveness didn't waver.  He can be seen everywhere we are in the resort making sure that we're okay. He was there when we checked in, he was there assisting us when we're having group activities. He was there making sure that we doesn't run out of cups and water when we had a volleyball game in the afternoon. He was supervising the staff during dinners and drinks right after that lasted until the wee hours of the night.  And if it's still not enough, he was still present the following mornings to supervise our early breakfast--all with the same energy that we seen he had on our first day. On our last day we thought, this is serious. We're here for leisure, he's here for work but still this person doesn't want to be left out! haha! We actually had the notion that maybe this person doesn't sleep.  

I had to commend their staff as well.  None of them failed to greet us whenever we come across to one any time of the day (or night).

Going back, after getting our keys we're all set to go to our rooms.  The walkway to the rooms are full of greens and directions to the different areas of the resort are very visible.

Directional signs.  More directional signs as you walk along  the way

Aside from the numerous outdoor activities, they have this bird country too.

Lush greens

THE ROOM

Just like the service, the room didn't disappoint either.  It may not be as luxurious as those we've been to before BUT it has everything that a guest needs.  I think every element in it is well thought of. Just the fact that they're complete with the basics is already comforting.

nice and neat walkway going to the rooms

Duplex bungalows with door bells

Their duplex bungalows are designed with a private veranda.  I love that each room has their own walkway.  It's as if the sign where your private area starts. I find the door bell by the entrance in front a nice touch.  I love that they didn't squeezed in rooms in an overcrowded way still making room for lots of greens around.  It actually added to the relaxing feel of the whole resort. 

Wet clothes hanger before reaching the veranda.  Photo made bigger for it to be seen.

You're maybe wondering why have I come up with something like it was "well-thought of" statement? For one, they have this cool wet clothes hanger.  See the two green posts by the room's walk way? those that are joined by a blue nylon rope behind the 3 plants? That's the wet clothes hanger.  Now we don't need to hang our clothes by the veranda for everyone to see. I actually didn't know what it is for at first, I just thought of it as a cute touch to the pocket garden area of our space until I saw how guests from other rooms used it.

private veranda

Next of course is the private veranda.  Who wouldn't want their own private veranda? Now let's discuss what I liked about it.  I don't know if it's just me but I, personally, was happy to see an electric fan in the veranda. A very nice idea.  How come other's didn't thought of doing the same thing?  I remember complaining about how hot it is in a certain resort's veranda a few summer outings ago. Smokers will be delighted in this area, they have ash trays ready by the table.  They have more than one trash can situated in every room. This resort didn't scrimp in placing furnitures to place in their guest rooms as well. It may not be those luxurious ones but it is comfortable. It's just in the little things, really.

chairs and table inside

three of us shared in this spacious room.
The extra bedding is at the far right 

ENTERTAINMENT

When we went there a live band plays every night while we're having dinner.  Right after dinner fire dancers performed as well.

3 fire dancers.  It will be much better though if they have something like a, dance number, maybe?
'Cause when we watched them they seem like challenging each other for the audience's attention

They really want to make sure that their guests will feel comfortable anywhere they are in the resort.  And I think their management is considerate enough to think about their guests in this way.   They made sure that everything that they can provide for the guest is already available.  We don't even remember calling one of their staff to ask for something that we needed.

They have lots of activities available within their resort so I don't think anyone will get bored while being here.

I would definitely go back here given the chance :)

P.S.
Their beach is great :)  I'm sorry I wasn't able to take pictures of it :)

Visit www.paradiseislanddavao.com