I find that when I travel I don’t often relax. I like to go out and explore cities and meet people. On my recent trip to Bohol, I was able to have the best of both worlds. My first impression when traveling to this island was “why am I NOT staying by the beach and instead staying up in the hills?” That would seem a bit strange for a trip to a tropical paradise .. but from the moment I walked into the Peacock Garden, the question had answered itself. I found myself in a secluded paradise overlooking the ocean. It was then I knew that my stay was going to be relaxing and nothing short of perfect.
About the hotel:
You will notice from the second you arrive that the hotel and grounds resemble areas of Europe, almost like you arrived in Europe and not the Philippines – but you are in fact in the Philippines. The architecture, the decor and even the food has European influences and it doesn’t disappoint.
The hotel is a boutique luxury property with all the trimmings of a high end resort, just on a smaller scale. The service is spectacular and the staff is there and ready to assist before you even know you need something.
One thing you won’t be able to miss is the amazing sunsets!
The rooms:
During my stay I stayed in a Premier Infinity Sea View Room. Fit with a modern marble bathroom, dual sink, luxurious bath amenities, spacious bedroom, king bed, 46″ flat screen TV, mini bar, coffee area, desk, a balcony, and incredible views of both the infinity pool, garden and Bohol Sea.
I love the modern vessel sinks
Luxurious bath amenities
The food:
I fell in love with the food here. My first introduction to UBE was here and then I couldn’t stop eating it. UBE is a purple yam that is on the sweeter side and the Filipino culture loves it. They have created such amazing dishes out of it from jam, to gelato, cakes, and so on.
Each morning I was welcomed to a wonderful buffet with fresh fruit, breads, pastries, jams, cereals, fresh juices, local dishes, and could even order main dishes from the menu to accompany. My favorite breakfast dish included an egg, bacon, corned beef hash, and chicken nuggets. I ate this every morning because it was so good.
Breakfast
Breakfast Buffet
UBE and Nutella <3
Fruit options
For dinner I ate the schnitzel twice! I know what you are thinking, “schnitzel in the Philippines?” Trust me – this schnitzel was better than the one I had in Germany.
The schnitzel was incredible
My grandmother used to make this cucumber salad and tasted exactly the same
Dining outside with a covered table is an option
Dine by the pool
The spa:
Treat yourself! Everyday! The spa, Fontana Aurelia, graces you with its stunning architecture and even better service. I received two massages while I was here and it was the ultimate way to relax. The spa staff work with you on the right amount of pressure to suit your needs and they are very professional. I do believe I fell asleep during both massages because they were amazing!
You’ll notice the touch of peacock feathers
calming spa treatment room
Activities:
Exploring the grounds at the hotel I found to be one of the most relaxing activities. The architecture is beautiful, you’ll find a Koi pond, a wine cellar, ivy leaves, and beautiful views in every direction.
Koi Pond
Gardens
The wine cellar
Hang out by the pool
Relax in the garden
Infinity pool
The hotel has an incredible infinity pool. I spent a lot of time laying by and swimming in it. The pool is the focal point of the hotel and should be used. You can order drinks and snacks by the pool and take in the surroundings.
Definitely explore Bohol when you get the urge to leave the hotel. I did a day tour and was able to experience so much that Bohol has to offer.
Chocolate Hills
Tarsiers
Read More: Top things to do in Bohol
Overall I really loved my stay here at the Peacock Garden. Amanda, the general manager is the sweetest and most hospitable person I think I have ever met. If you visit, ask for her – she will tell you about the property and loves having guests.
Information:
- You can fly into Bohol through Manila (~1.5 hours) and other islands.
- Distance to hotel: about 15 minutes without traffic from the airport
- Free WiFi
- Air Conditioning is excellent
- Beds are plush
- You can smoke on property and there is a cigar room
Disclaimer: I was hosted during my stay but as always, opinions are m own.
Looks like such a beautiful and relaxing place to stay! The pool looks amazing :O I’ll keep this place in mind if ever I go to the Philippines!
We almost stayed in this hotel but the Alona beach view from the resort we stayed at was constantly calling our name. It looks really nice and surprisingly, the rooms look really modern. I now want ube. 🙁
Oh my lord. I’d totally skip the beach for this resort! Were there no other guests? Seems like you had the whole place to yourself and lived like a queen 🙂 We’re not big fans of Filipino food, felt like our culinary experience in the Philippines was a letdown, but we’d be down with the food at Peacock Garden. I LOVE that photo with the cotton candy sunset by the way <3
This property looks beautiful! I’m headed to the Philippines late next year, so I love reading people’s recommendations 🙂
This hotel looks Colonial, rather than in the Philippines. Interesting to see in Bohol. It’s also good to see that the Chocolate Hills weren’t totally destroyed by the earthquake a few years ago.
Wow! This place looks amazing and that sunset is incredible. I love that you ate the schnitzel twice!
What a beautiful hotel. I can definitely see the European influence you mention. Ube is also one of my favorite foods from the Philippines. Did you get to try it in ice cream form? Yum!
I, like you, tend to go quickly from place to place and often forget to relax while traveling. But finding a place that allows you to take a step back and move at a slower pace is often so necessary. I’m glad you found the Peacock Garden to be so relaxing and peaceful. The facility looks nice and the sunset photo is absolutely stunning! And I’d love to do a day excursion into the surrounding hills!
Love your photo of the Chocolate Hills so much!! This place looks like a dream. I want to stay there solely because of that BREAKFAST!! IT LOOKS SO GOOD.
What a lovely grand property. It looks like the home of a movie star or someone famous. Purple yam? Did it taste good?
The sky you captured is breath taking, wow the purple and pink makes it seem like a painting. That is a quite great property you visited, the pool is just perfect <3
The whole hotel experience sounds fabulous – I would definitely be fine with not staying on the beach for a stay at Peacock Garden! LOVE that infinity pool, and the sunsets are stunning. Thanks for the tip – I’m only a short flight from Manila, so could catch a quick and easy connecting to Bohol 🙂
I don’t really travel to relax but to see things and meet people myself, so I’m like you. But, my husband is certainly that kind of traveler and he’d relish just hanging out in that hotel room all day and relaxing for sure. Looks splendid for both kinds of travelers.
I’m heading to the PH in a few weeks and have nothing planned so may need to chec this out. Looks really lovely
I love the stone step like waterfalls! I’ve never had Ube jam and am not sure what it is but it looks like it’d taste good to be up there with Nutella 😉 I also love the mountain views from Bohol!
Hahah I think you might went to a really bad place in Germany then,trust me, there are a lot of bad ones around. The hotel looks absolutely insane to be honest. The views, the food, the rooms.. Everything seems well taken care of, and looks like an absolute dream.
Ahhh were you on the FAM trip with Bobo and Chichi? I spent most of my time with them in Manila! Nice to have a little preview of what your Bohol trip was like. OMG YES UBE! I grew up with it (being Filipino) and now its becoming touted as the new matcha across the USA. I love how food trends come about. As I was telling Megan, we do love our processed meats. It was the first time she had ever tried corned beef! The sunsets are pretty riveting no?
These pictures make me want to visit the Philippines so badly. I bet you had a wonderful time by the looks of it.
I would love to stay at this place overlooking the ocean. Wow, I’ve never heard of the UBE. Looks delicious. I’ll make sure to keep an eye out for it when I’m visiting the Phillipines which seems pretty easy.
I am amused when a visitor in the Philippines or Bohol stays far from the beach, because that is one of the many things we are famous for aside from Filipinos friendliness. 🙂
Reading your post, it seems that you have a great time and yes The Peacock Garden is so unique that it is also a recommended place to stay, especially to locals who is wishing to experience Europe 🙂
I hope you did enjoy your stay in Bohol and in the Philippines.
I so get the concept of not relaxing. However, for me I discovered a fix. I intentionally carve out time to decompress, and plan a few hours for myself. I try really hard to make notes of all the details of the day for reference later. You, however, have captured vivid details of you’re journey, and I feel like I was there. Hooray to your post.