Bellaroca is Philippines' Santorini

It is Marinduque's pride to have an island destination inspired by Greece's Santorini. Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa is the Philippines 2nd world-class resort having Amanpulo as the 1st.

Tip1: For reservations and more informations please refer to http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com/?file=kop1.php
Tip2: It's more convenient to travel by air to Marinduque, you can try the budget airlines for cheaper airtickets.

The resort also have their own helipad for VIP guests.

 Upon reaching Marinduque airport, Bellaroca staffs are waiting to welcome their guests.

Tip3: Marinduque airport is not very techie compared to others. My first impression of the place is that it is still very rural. I find the people very polite.
Tip4: Please look after your belongings and negotiate with Bellaroca staffs only. The staffs are wearing Bellaroca's uniform.
Tip5: Service vans for the guests are waiting at the airport offering some bottles of water and cold towels.

Tip6: Need to travel by land for an hour to reach the port to Bellaroca Island.

Tip7: At the port, motorboats are waiting for the guests.

Tip8: Don't forget to wear safety jackets and cover yourself from water splashes with the provided towels.

Tip9: Bellaroca staffs are waiting at the resort's port singing and welcoming the guests with garlands.

Tip10: To reach the main lobby, golf cars are available. Staffs are available to drive the guests whenever requested.

Tip11: Welcome drinks are provided, take time to complete registration forms at the lobby.

 Tip12: Rooms are clean and complete with toiletries. Also, we found some complimentary chocolate crisps.

 

Tip13: Don't forget to secure the doors before leaving to avoid any hassles.

Tip14: Attached to every room is a balcony having the green mountain of Marinduque as the view.

Tip15: Buffet breakfast and dinner are available at the resort's restaurant near the main lobby.

You can choose to have an outdoor breakfast as well.

 Tip16: There are a lot of activities in the resort, from watersports to badminton to indoor games like billiards and chess. They have infinity pools near the beach and near the main lobby.

Near the main lobby infinity pool is very cozy at night. This pool is also near the rooms and it's perfect for night swimming.

The infinity pool near the port fits well for morning acitivties.

Tip17: From the restaurant, the sight of the nearby villas are very appealing plus the lobby's design is Santorini-inspired.

Tip18: The guests can also enjoy good movies at the theater room, play billiards and read books at the leisure room.

Tip19: The resort is also nice for jogging and morning walks.

Tip20: They also have a sanctuary and a spa, these places are usually peaceful and good for meditations.

Tip21: Kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling are offered for free for the guests. The staffs at the watersports station are very accomodating and assure the guests' safety. First come first serve rule for all water activities.

Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa is indeed a world-class resort, the place is a piece of Greece in the Philippines.

Sorsogon's Gem: Sirangan Beach Resort

Sorsogon City is a province in Southern Luzon, the region was blessed with many beautiful beaches but most of them are far from the city. I grew up in Sorsogon but often in Albay because I attended school in Legazpi City. During holidays we often visit our relatives in Sorsogon, I grew up near the beach and vacation for me means beach-capades.

For my wedding reception I only have one resort in mind ever since, Sirangan Beach Resort. Located at Caricaran, Sorsogon it is a place that I feel more familiar.

 I grew up in Bicol but raised as a Tagala ( my mother is a Nueva Ecija native ), somehow I am familiar of Bicol's and Tagalog's customs. It's easy for me to mix the two races together.

The resort is owned by a Spanish but managed by a local. The architecture and interior design of the resort is uniquely designed highlighting local materials.

 Tip1: To reach Sorsogon, the options are to travel by land or by air. By land, it will take more than 12 hours to reach Sorsogon from Manila. By air, it is only 1 hour 45 minutes. I suggest travelling by air.

From Manila to Legazpi City is 45 minutes, plus another bus ride to sorsogon for 1 hour. The resort also helps their guests regarding transportation.

Tip2: For reservations please contact the resort at http://www.forkandpillow.com/en/hotels/hotel-sirangan .

Tip3: To enjoy summer it is ideal to visit around April to May, these months are considered dry.

Tip4: The staffs are very accomodating and helpful.

Tip5: Their rooms are vast and most of them are named after the materials used in interior design. Choose the room with ocean view. The guests will definitely admire every room's design, the place is the perfect place to relax.

 

 This is the room where I had my wedding preparation.

For more photos of Sirangan Resort's wedding preparations and reception, you can browse on our wedding website http://www.mywedding.com/angeloandrachel/galleries.html .

Tip6: They also offer complimentary breakfast, I always look forward to a cozy breakfast by the beach.

Tip7: The chef also offers good menu for dinner, try their seafood dishes and I can say that it's worth the money.

Tip8: It's also nice to enjoy the beach, stroll and take a dip at their infinity pool.

Tip9: Sirangan Resort also have a bar for the guests to enjoy few drinks before calling it a night.

Tip10: The resort also have a souvenier shop offering paintings and other novelty products.
Tip11: For your Bicol adventure, don't forget to try LAING, Bicol Express, Pinangat, Pilinut candies and take home an Abaca product ( bags, homer decors and a lot more ).
Tip12: Before going home, please visit Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral at Sorsogon City proper and buy souveniers for a cheaper prize.

Sirangan Beach Resort is one of our most favorite destination, it is a place that is very special for me and my husband. A place that we'll definitely keep going back to.