The IvyWall Resort-Panglao © Jojie Alcantara

Bohol welcomes its first international resort in Panglao

Witerary by Jojie Alcantara

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Bohol is a captivating destination for travelers who relish an island vacation that allows a beach escape, a river trek, a delightful tarsier spotting and Chocolate Hills climb experience within a day. Last November 2019, a new accommodation opened to entice more visitors.

Famous Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol © Jojie Alcantara
Famous Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol © Jojie Alcantara

I was invited to the grand opening of Best Western Plus The IvyWall Resort-Panglao last November 15 along with selected media. Seeing Bohol again after many years was an exciting prospect.

The IvyWall Resort-Panglao © Jojie Alcantara
The IvyWall Resort-Panglao © Jojie Alcantara

The hotel with such a prestigious long name is the first international-chain resort to open in Bohol.  The second hotel property of Data Land Inc., it commits to delivering superior customer service and world class amenities as promised by its famous brand. Best Western® Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning global chain of hotels which offers accommodations for all types of guests.  Considered among the largest hotel chains in the world, it is also one of the fastest-growing hotel chains in Asia as well.

GM Yvonne Villacorte with Jojie and Ian
GM Yvonne Villacorte with Jojie and Ian

The General Manager Yvonne Villacorte, is excited to share the resort’s unique offerings for business or leisure travelers. There are 80 spacious rooms in five categories which include one handicap room.  The establishment is carefully designed in modern contemporary Filipino settings with native touches, but vibrant and hip from its posh interiors.

Me and Ian Garcia of Mindanao Times
Me and Ian Garcia of Mindanao Times

Its intricately constructed facade makes the whole building unnaturally stacked in uneven geometric shapes, a recurring theme throughout other facilities: the Teraza, a view deck and bar on the third level filled with colorful sofa seats as you bask in a stunning sunset; Agos, the pool bar which serves cocktails, pizza and juices sourced out from local fruit ingredients; and Alon, a dining restaurant and bar lounge in two levels, one of which opens a pathway to Panglao’s famous Alona Beach.

Other amenities include the Flora Spa, a fitness center, business center, souvenir shop, function rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and an indoor playground for kids. I love my room view as I witnessed both stunning sunrises and sunsets visible from my balcony on the fourth floor.

The IvyWall Resort-Panglao © Jojie Alcantara
The IvyWall Resort-Panglao © Jojie Alcantara

The grand opening was organized by JMG Infinity Events, starting off with a mass, then a fashion show of Ditta Sandico’s impressive outfits. Hosted by Miss Universe Philippines 2011 Shamcey Supsup, she was joined by Matteo Guidicelli who serenaded the guests with Visayan songs, and hotel officers and VIPs during the outdoor Christmas tree lighting. Tasty cuisine was prepared by the culinary team led by celebrity Chef Sau del Rosario.

The event was graced by Danilo Tamayo and Cynthia Tamayo of DDT Konstract Inc., Andrea Tamayo-Ulep, President of Dataland Corp., Bohol Governor Arthur Yap, Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, and Panglao Mayor Leonila Montero, Dalareich Polot, among others.

View of Teraza from my room balcony

Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort-Panglao promises to lead by example as an environmentally-conscious establishment which strictly adheres to the guidelines set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR). This means taking care of the guests, the community and most especially its environment that makes Bohol uniquely fascinating.

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