PANGLAO ISLAND, Bohol—As you soak up your surroundings while relaxing on a hammock—white sand, tranquil sea, light breeze, time standing still—you realize this is the perfect spot to unwind, recharge and, yes, finish that novel you’ve always wanted to read.

“This is the place where you can finish reading your unfinished book or start writing your novel,” Katalene Agmata, marketing director of resort group One-Of Collection, tells Inquirer.net, adding it is where world-weary guests can go to unwind and recharge.

She is talking about Momo Beach House, an “eco chic” boutique resort tucked in a quiet part of Panglao Island, Bohol, where the view of the sunset is majestic.

From nature-inspired architecture, home-style dining choices and environment-friendly amenities to a meditation-conducive vibe, Momo Beach House is set on becoming one of the Philippines’ top wellness destinations by offering its guests an escape from urban life through opportunities to rejuvenate in a resort setting.

“We developed Momo Beach House as a peaceful, inspiring destination where guests can share our passion for having a healthy lifestyle,” says Ria Hernandez-Cauton, president of One-Of Collection, the hotel company that manages Momo Beach House.

“Here, we foster a nature-driven culture so that guests can get away, exhale all the big city toxins, relax and soothe their mind, body and soul,” says Cauton.

Al fresco areas

An open-air reception area welcomes the guests, giving off a chill and laidback vibe. There are wooden sofas with paisley-print pillows in bright colors, a shelf filled with books and magazines for guests’ enjoyment. The al fresco Beach Tree Café serves comfort food using locally sourced organic and healthy ingredients. The dining area is made up of whitewashed tables and chairs. All furniture pieces here are made of wood, emphasizing a rustic feel.

With only 15 rooms to ensure just an intimate number of guests, Momo Beach House offers not only privacy but also tranquility. No boisterous crowds here, says Agmata.

The rooms are of pastel hues, such as yellow, blue and tangerine, exuding calm and peaceful vibes perfect for that much-needed relaxation.

Inside the well-lit rooms are the necessities enough to make your stay comfortable: Queen-sized beds with wooden frames, a cozy dining set, couple of vintage couches with a pop of color, quirky frames and designs adorning the rooms’ walls, organic bath products and poolside lounge chairs.

A few steps just outside the rooms, at the center of the resort looking out onto Panglao Island’s Momo Beach, is the swimming pool, sized just right to accommodate the guests and shallow enough for children’s safety.

Yoga retreats

Not too far away in front is a small dining area consisting of low tables and throw pillows on the sand, so guests can just lounge and dine with a view of the sea, while hammocks hung nearby between thick palm trees.

Ultimate wellness and relaxation are what Momo Beach House promises its guests. There is no party scene here, no loud music, not even noise. A few events, however, have been lined up to further promote health and meditation among its guests.

The resort is home to regular retreats and wellness activities, with an on-call yoga instructor available to lead practice sessions for beginner and advanced participants.

In line with this, Momo Beach House will be holding the third installment of its SeaChi Yoga Retreat, a yoga and wellness event on July 17-19 that will feature yoga sessions on the beach, massage therapy sessions and watersports activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling, with Bohol SUP (stand up paddleboard) Yoga tapped to lead the sessions.

Retreat participants will be treated to healthy meals by One-Of Collection head chef Paeng Ongchiong using ingredients either picked from the Momo Beach House garden or bought at the local fresh market.

“We aim to continue the SeaChi yoga retreat and help promote wellness and balance among travelers who seek the experience,” says Cauton.

Outdoor adventures

Guests who wish to burn excess calories may also use the resort’s kayaks and paddleboards. There is also space and equipment for croquet lovers.

Just 30 minutes away from Tagbilaran Airport and only 20 kilometers from the famous Alona Beach, Momo Beach House seeks to give its guests an authentic getaway as its location, Panglao Island, is one of the country’s top destinations for diving and other outdoor adventures.

“Here at Momo Beach House, our approach to wellness is holistic,” says Cauton. “The facilities, features and services in our resort are all aimed at strengthening our ability to engage with and cater to travelers who demand greater options for getting away and rediscovering themselves.”

Momo Beach House is one of the resort properties of One-Of Collection, the group that also manages The Funny Lion Inn in Coron, Sta. Monica Beach Club in Dumaguete, and its flagship Amorita Resort, also in Panglao.

If you’re looking to do some soul-searching, an “eat, pray, love” as the book and movie put it, or to simply finish reading that book, Momo Beach House is the right place. “This is your getaway, your calm, serene place, your home away from home,” Agmata says.

“If you want to wake up to the sound of the sea, or the birds, Momo is your place,” she adds.

Visit www.momobeachhouse.com and follow Momo Beach House on Facebook www.facebook.com/MomoBeachHouse and Instagram (@beachholidaysPH).