Escape to Eskaya
It is almost sundown. As I climb up a craggy hill to the villa, I catch a glimpse of the Bohol Sea. Its waters were blue and inviting, but I wasn’t too tempted. There was no need to hurry down the beach because there’s a pool only a few steps away that’s as equally blue. More deliciously so, the pool is my own—or at least it’s mine for the next three days and two nights of my escape to Eskaya.
A World All Its Own
Nestled in Panglao Island, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa offers what most vacation destinations cannot promise—exclusivity and privacy. With only 15 villas spread over a 16-hectare property, it’s a rare occasion to see fellow guests wandering along the landscaped grounds. Because seriously, why leave your villa when everything you need is already there?
Each villa is a world of its own. Designed by accomplished Filipino architect Bobby Manosa, every villa, or balai as it is locally called, is built with bamboo, cogon, and timber, making it blend seamlessly with the tropical environment.
Outside, the villa is ensconced in a veritable field of green; its garden filled with different kinds of ferns, all sorts of flowering plants, about three varieties of bamboos, and a smattering of coconut trees.
Inside, a big, soft bed with a duvet and goose down pillows invite you to a deep slumber. Not too sleepy? Well then, take a long, hot bubble bath with your honey. Or dip your feet in the pool outside with an incredible view of the sea. Or just hold hands with your beloved, take in the sunset, and enjoy the beauty of silence.
Indeed, the Eskaya experience is something like being stranded on an island paradise with five-star accommodations and yes, room service!
A Table of Pleasure
Yes, you can very well decide to just order room service and eat in. But then, you’ll be missing the pleasure of dining at Lantawan Restaurant.
Designed with the same aesthetic values as the villas, Lantawan Restaurant offers one of the most scenic spectacles in Eskaya with a picturesque infinity pool overlooking Bohol Sea. But it’s the food that’s the star here.
Lantawan primarily serves Asian cuisine with a European twist. But Eskaya guests, who mostly come from Europe, delight in its lusciously fresh seafood, which the kitchen staff buys daily from the nearby market.
Feast on grilled seafood like pampano, kitang, and talakitok. Enjoy regional specialties like the humba or chicken inasal. Or indulge on a plate of Wagyu. But for a most memorable meal, order some Tuna Tartare, high grade tuna seasoned in salt and pepper, tossed in wasabi mayo and Kikkoman sauce, and then finished off with tugarashi powder and sesame seeds; or go for the Kilawin Tanigue served with onions, bell peppers, chilis, and strips of fried wanton. Finish your meal with a most beautiful Crème Brulee.
Lantawan is but one of the many pleasures that you may partake at Eskaya. Spend an afternoon of massage bliss at Handuraw. Book a dive at Balicasag Island. Or give your honey a back scrub in your whirlpool tub. Don’t worry. You have all the time in the world. The beach can wait. In fact, everything can wait.
TURISTA GUIDE
Getting There
From Manila, there are daily flights to Bohol. From Tagbilaran Airport, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa is only 30 minutes away.
Accommodations
There are only 15 villas in Eskaya, 11 of which have their own pool. Most villas are the same in look and dimension; the difference lies in the amenities. Three of the pool villas are located in the garden, the other three by the creek, the other three by the sea. The Family Villa has a pool and two bedrooms with a view of the sea. The Presidential Villa has an infinity pool, an expansive veranda, a spa pool, two bedrooms, and butler service. All villas have whirlpool tubs.
Activities
Complimentary use of pedal boat, kayak, mountain bike, board games, table tennis, and DVD is offered every Eskaya guest.
For guests who want to explore Panglao’s underwater delights, they can sign up for dives with Sunrise Reef Divers. Run by French dive instructor Yannick Epitalon, it offers a wide range of PADI courses from open water diver level to divemaster level. Schedules are flexible as Eskaya wants their guests to be unhurried during their stay.
Some of the sea creatures that you might encounter underwater are sea turtles, barracudas, octopuses, and jackfishes. Sometimes, whale sharks and dolphins can be seen as well.
Meals
For intimate dinners, meals can be set up on your garden, sea view deck, or on the beach. Sea view villas have barbeque pits where seafood and meats can be grilled to your standards. If you prefer to dine on the beach, the staff can set up a bonfire to set the mood for a romantic evening.
Thumbs Up
The Handuraw Spa blends traditional therapies with modern spa technology to give guests a rejuvenating experience amidst a tropical island setting. Located on a cliff by the sea, guests may have their treatments at the luxuriously appointed therapy room or at the view deck with the beach in the background. Couple treatments include the six-hour Handuraw Healing Journey with Artemis Salt Scrub, Malumo Mud Wrap, Pang-ayo Herbal Soak, and Hilot Kaayo Body Massage. A variety of massage, facial, and hair spa treatments are available. A steam and sauna along with a private infinity pool complete the Handuraw spa experience.
Contact
Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa
Panglao Island, Bohol
(6338) 502-9516; (6338) 502-4079
