Ever wondered what’s inside the most expensive resort in Bohol?
Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa has made a name for itself as the most luxurious, private and exclusive resort property in Bohol for the last couple of years.
We stayed there for three days and we realized that Eskaya is more than just luxury. It is genuine Filipino culture, heritage and values for everyone to experience.
The word “Eskaya” refers to an indigenous tribe from the highlands of Bohol which is known for their unique culture of writing, language and culture.
Until now, there’s still so much mystery behind this tribe. Their unique language and writing system still hasn’t been linked to any other known language, thus, making the Eskaya tribe an interest to journalists, researchers and scholars.
Fusing this with modern luxury, the resort shows off our very own heritage as a holiday destination, that guests from all over the world may see a glimpse of Filipino traditional life.
>> (Check also Our TOP 10 Picks for the Best Luxury Resorts in Bohol, Philippines) <<
Here’s a peek inside Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, and 12 luxurious things that you will experience in the most expensive resort in Bohol.
Privacy
The moment you step into the resort, you will already feel how exclusive the resort is. Probably one of the reasons why a lot of big personalities prefer to stay in Eskaya is because they want to enjoy privacy in their vacations. And they get to have that in Eskaya.
The resort is boutique in style which accounts for its exclusivity.
Modern Filipino-inspired Villa Interiors
Whenever we go to a different country, we always love to experience the local and immense in their culture. Most of the time, these kinds of experiences cost more. Same thing with Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa.
Designed by National Artist for Architecture Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, Eskaya villas are inspired by the Filipino “bahay kubo”. The villas are called “Balai”, Filipino word for thatched villas. They are rustic, simple yet sophisticated traditional villas. The cogon roofs, bamboo and wooden interiors take you back in the country’s golden days.
Entering the villas gives you warm and homey ambiance of Bahay Kubo with modern comforts in it. Very Filipino but world-class design!
For your reference, the best villa view is Balai 15 and 18. 😉
We stayed at Balai 15, an infinity villa for two. 🥰
Luxurious Outdoor Bathroom
While the villa interiors look rustic and simple, the outdoor bathroom is the opposite. We stayed at the infinity villa and it has a jacuzzi tub with 2 outdoor showers, one that’s modern and another one from the bamboo.
Their bathroom amenities? Just WOW! Their soap is BVLGARI, how insane is that? Definitely bathing in luxury!
One thing that we noticed though is despite the luxurious amenities, they still added Filipino comforts in the bathroom like a dipper. Interesting!
Breathtaking Views
Not only will you experience privacy and luxury at Eskaya, you also get to feast your eyes on breathtaking views. As we stayed in their infinity villa, we had our own dip pool with an ocean view. On the other side is a relaxing garden view as well.
If you want to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, staying at the resort will help calm your minds with their gardens to uninterrupted ocean views.
Posh Gym
We loooove their gym! If you love to workout even when on vacation, you will also love it here.
Out of all the luxury resorts we’ve stayed in Bohol, Eskaya’s gym is by far the most outstanding. It’s huge and extravagant, air conditioned and complete with equipment. The gym is even surrounded with plants, which makes the workout view relaxing as well.
You’ll never want to miss working out when you stay in Eskaya. 🙂
Running and Biking Around their Huge Space
With the property covering 16 hectares, biking around the resort was a delight. There’s a long road from the entrance of the resort to the villas that’s perfect for biking. You can even go near the infinity pool area where there’s a commanding view of the sea.
If you don’t know how to bike, you can go for a run around the resort or go for a walk early in the morning. It’s calming, relaxing and a perfect way to start the day.
Diverse Swimming Areas
We’ve stayed in many luxury resorts in Bohol and so far, Eskaya has the most diverse and complete swimming areas. Other resorts have beachline but no infinity pools, others have infinity pools but don’t have beaches. From private pools to the common infinity pool and beach, Eskaya has it all.
Every villa has a dip pool, which is bigger than dip pools in other resorts. Their infinity swimming pool, which is a focal point of the resort blends with the sea at its bluest. Down the beach is a long stretch of white and powdery sand for you to enjoy.
Romantic Cliffside Dinner
What’s a luxury resort without a romantic venue for dinner, right? At Eskaya, they can set it up for you by the beach, beside the infinity pool, in one of their viewing decks or just in your villa.
Our villa has an exclusive viewing deck below us so we requested our dinners to be served there. Eskaya is just full of surprises, they dressed it up with torches, flowers and candles. What a perfect romantic dinner!
Unique Resort Facility
A resort with a pond and hanging bridge, how cool is that? The pond is located near the reception area. You can easily see it along the road when the resort attendant drives you to your villa via golf cart.
Meanwhile, the bridge is near the infinity swimming pool, guiding your way down the beach. Unique? Yes. Picturesque? Definitely, yes.
Handuraw Spa
‘Handuraw’ is Visayan word which means “the power to imagine or reminisce” sweet memories.
With Eskaya’s Handuraw Spa, guests will experience wellness from centuries-old healing and traditional pampering practices such as bathing in coconut milk or Ciquate, the local chocolate.
It also offers a gracious fusion of traditional therapies with modern spa technology, Asian healing practices and European spa traditions. With a combination of sound, touch and color therapy, your holiday is going to be heavenly.
For now though, due to COVID-19, the spa treatment facility is still closed.
Bonding Games
No room to be bored with board games.
Eskaya is probably the first resort, if not the only resort here in the Bohol that has board games in every villa. They have the classic Chess and Scrabble and even Pinoy games such as Sungka.
Water Activities
Eskaya Resort has it’s own private beach down the cliff, complete with activities like jetski, paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boat and speedboat.
It was extremely low tide when we stayed in the resort so we didn’t get a chance to enjoy their water activities. Hopefully, we can try next time.
Genuine Filipino Hospitality
Probably one of the things that we love about the resort is their people. From it’s villas to food selection and amenities, Eskaya boasts of Filipino culture and heritage.
Even with their hospitality, the staff are very welcoming and accommodating, always attentive to our needs.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
By far, Eskaya has the strictest requirements for safety protocols, which for us is a good thing.
Guests need to present a medical certificate that’s taken without 24 hours prior to checking in.
The staff were wearing facemasks, face shields and gloves. Also, they limit direct contact by skipping the usual reception and instead driving guests directly to their villa upon arrival.
Luggages were sanitized. Washing areas are located outside the villas and alcohol inside the villas, too. They didn’t provide face masks, though.
Thanks to everyone in Eskaya for making our staycation memorable and safe.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the Resort Manager (OIC), Eugene and to our personal butler, Jay for taking care of our needs during our entire stay. You have been so welcoming and accommodating to our requests.
>> (Check also Our TOP 10 Picks for the Best Luxury Resorts in Bohol, Philippines) <<
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
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