This past weekend, Amorita Resort in Panglao, Bohol, celebrated its 10th anniversary. A recent winner of the 2017 Condé Nast Johansen Excellence Award for Best in Service, as well as being a regular Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Awardee, Amorita Resort is considered a top destination, not just in the country but also in the world.

To celebrate, Ria and Nikki Cauton, president and CEO, respectively, of One-Of Collection group, welcomed a small gathering of family, friends and partners for a weekend of fun and relaxation, and to introduce the new villas.

It was a night under the stars, highlighted by a sumptuous buffet of surf and turf prepared by chef Onnie Castillo. Miss World Philippines Katriona Gray sang a few numbers.

Since opening in 2007, Amorita, which loosely means “little darling” in Spanish, has gone from being a small boutique hotel overlooking Alona Beach, to a 5.5-hectare property offering 62 suites, 20 deluxe rooms and 16 villas with private garden and plunge pools.

Aside from Amorita, Momo Beach Club, also in Panglao, Funny Lion in Coron and Sta. Monica Resort in Dumaguete comprise the One-Of Collection group.

Luxurious villas

Sleek and luxurious are apt descriptions for Amorita’s brand-new luxury villas. Complete with all the modern amenities, including an oversize king-size bed, a day bed, flatscreen TV and private garden, the 120-square-meter villas are ideal for any romantic getaway, while the larger 240-sq-m family villas have a second room perfect for group bonding and creating great memories.

But without a doubt, the highlight of the villas is the new private plunge pool and patio. The patio is wide enough to hold a large round daybed, while the pool has been lengthened to allow guests to swim laps, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day under the sun.

According to Katalene Agmata, One-Of Collection’s director of marketing, guests’ comments were considered when the elegantly designed villas were recreated.

“We value what our guests have to say, so when redesigning the villas, we reviewed guest comments and gave them what they want,” said Agmata.

Aside from the villas, Amorita has also added a wing of deluxe room accommodations, and the Tomar Tapas Bar to complement its famous Saffron restaurant.

Tomar, located above Saffron, is a stylish restaurant of mixed wood, steel and leather. It creatively gives traditional Spanish cuisine the Boholano touch.

Also for beach lovers wishing to enjoy a more private experience, Amorita finally has foot access to a private beach at the back of the property. There is now a flight of wooden stairs leading to a deck with lounge chairs and the beach.

On top of these changes, Amorita Resort continues the personal service it is famous for. From personalized notes to Cheetos (for junk-food-junkie guests) and bedtime brownies, Amorita adds personal touches to make one’s stay distinctive.

In a country that is not short on destinations and resorts, it’s good to know that whether you are traveling alone or with family and friends, there are places that can help make vacations truly memorable. —CONTRIBUTED