It’s not easy to find a vacation destination that offers everything for everyone. Weary city dwellers may lean toward the quiet relaxation they have been longing for, while many wish to make the most of their time away from the city–a luxury amid their busy schedules–wanting to opt out of being holed up in a hotel room. The good news is, finding the sweet spot between luxury and enjoying the unadulterated beauty of nature is within reach in Bohol’s newest luxury resort.
A newbie in Bohol’s tourism palying field, Tarsier Botanika in Panglao, Bohol boasts of offering the most luxurious of amenities while still giving nature lovers their fill of Bohol’s raw beauty.
“Tarsier Botanika is a new player in the resorts industry here in Panglao, Bohol. We just officially opened our villas in the second quarter of this year,” Catherine Cabahug, Resident Manager of Tarsier Botanika said during a product launch held here.
Despite being new to the game, Tarsier Botanika is a promising player in the resorts industry as Bohol’s draw as a tourism destination continues to grow. The resort uses clever architecture while taking advantage of the environment–the perfect mix between luxury and adventure.
Nature and adventure
The 8-hectare oceanfront “botanical sanctuary” is tucked away from the typical Bohol tourist haunts, making it the perfect place to wind down and quietly revel in the beauty of nature.
Look at any corner of the resort and you’ll see that each detail is well-thought-out–and why not? One of the owners, Nicolas Moussempes, is an architect, after all. The owners’ personal touch becomes more evident as you explore the property, with “souvenirs” from their own travels sprinkled all over the place.
“You’ll notice that the property features an eclectic design, you can be transported to Bali by the sight of the reclining Buddha, and [be brought] to Santorini in an instant when you step on the seafront corniche. Tarsier Botanika is also very appropriate for destination weddings,” said Cabahug.
The Buddha garden draws inspiration from Bali, Indonesia, complete with a reclining Buddha in the Lotus Pond, which serves as the garden’s highlight.
A trip to the resort’s very own museum further accents the owners’ love for travel and the arts. The museum features the owners’ personal collection of paintings–from impressionistic to abstract–sculptures and even airplane parts, enough to awaken your artistic inclinations.
CAMILLE DE GUIA/INQUIRER.net
Far from the typical resort, Tarsier Botanika even has its own animal sanctuary, home to different species of birds, monkeys, a squirrel, and even a bearcat. And if the animal lover in you isn’t satisfied, you can get up close with the resort stable’s 15 beautiful horses, of which 3 are Lusitanos from Portugal. At the resort’s equestrian center, you don’t only get to see these magnificent creatures, you can also learn how to ride a horse and, if you are more inclined, you can also take a stable management course with Nicolas’ wife Patricia, an equestrian expert.
Wind down from your tour of the resort with a serene view of the Bohol Sea at The Cove. The site is inspired by Santorini in Greece and is perfect for romantic evenings and for taking dining with a view to another level.
If the mere view of the sea simply won’t suffice, you can explore more of it by going snorkeling or diving at nearby Pamilacan Island’s waters, where a wealth of fish species and beautiful corals await. The view under the sea and the beach’s white sand can easily rival some of the country’s finest beaches and diving destinations.
Peaceful pampering
After hours of exploring in and around Tarsier Botanika, you can look forward to taking respite in one of the resort’s luxurious villas. Tarsier Botanika has 12 villas that are sufficiently spaced apart to provide guests with privacy and quiet. The owner’s strong architectural leanings are manifest here–the hut-like appearance draws inspiration from traditional Ifugao architecture and, inside, wood beams give more architectural interest while other wood and native accents add a cozy feel. The villa’s warm vibe is perfect for quiet relaxation indoors or sipping hot tea or coffee on the veranda.
READ: Resort lodges conform to Bohol’s ‘Nature Park’ surroundings
Upgrading your relaxation experience is no problem as the resort’s Spa Village offers services such as the signature massage, aromatherapy massage, traditional Filipino massage or hilot, and pampering foot massage. They also have signature body scrubs–the Bohol Chocolate Latte body scrub and the Organic Red Rice body scrub.
Delightful, delectable
As if the luxurious amenities and the breathtaking view were not enough, Tarsier Paprika, the resort’s restaurant, serves food you cannot possibly say “no” to. Just like the resort’s inspiration, Tarsier Paprika’s offerings also span the globe, all masterfully prepared with a French chef at the helm. Must-try dishes include Shrimp Flan with Ginger Butter Sauce, Ratatouille, and Chicken and Spinach Pie. End your meal with their delectable desserts like Lemon, Blueberry, or Cappuccino Cheesecake, Apple Pie, Chocolate Mousse, Lemon Meringue Tart, and many others.
Tarsier Botanika is a gem not to be missed. Truly one of a kind, it sets the bar high for other resorts and destinations looking to set themselves apart in the crowded world of travel and tourism.
Getting to Bohol is easier than ever as Philippines AsiaAsia offers regular flights to Tagbilaran for as low as P888. Check their website (https://www.airasia.com/ph/en/home.page) for this and other deals. AirAsia flies to Bohol three times daily and is the official airline partner of Bohol tourism since 2015.