Misibis Bay offers a long stretch of beach, several pools and a view of the famous volcano from a villa
Having never been to the Bicol region before, an invite to Misibis Bay was taken with excitement and trepidation. I really had no idea what to expect. As soon as we landed in the city, we were taken to lunch at Hotel St. Lewis, owned by Enderun Hospitality Management, the same group that operates Misibis Bay. The food was an enlightening experience, particularly the Bicol Express. I am not a huge fan of the dish, but perhaps the experience of eating it in Bicol prepared by Bicolano hands changed my mind, because for the first time, I actually enjoyed it.
Lunch was followed by a 45-minute car ride to the resort. As we drove in, I saw the new cluster of accommodations we would be staying at. Joining the villas in the sprawling five-hectare property of the resort is the Pacific View Wing. This new set of buildings with 60 rooms facing the Pacific Ocean has three categories: Standard Pacific View, Deluxe Pacific View and One Bedroom Premier Pacific View.
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Indulging at the Bay
The Deluxe Pacific View (priced at PHP 18,677.00) has a bathtub integrated into the bedroom, with just a curtain for privacy. I love staying in hotels with bathtubs because I enjoy using Lush Bath Bombs to amuse myself. As I was unpacking, the room cleaner arrived with my Tuck Down snack, a delicious plate of mango sticky rice that I quickly devoured. The most premium accommodation at Misibis Bay is the Beach Front Villa, which costs PHP 26,427.00 per night, and includes views of the sprawling ocean that can be enjoyed in a spacious veranda with beach beds. The villa also includes a private plunge pool. For complete room type descriptions, please click here.
Dinner was at the beach and the food was, again, some of the very best Bicol had to offer this time prepared by chef Roel Legson of Spice Market, the primary dining restaurant of the resort. We had the Tilmok, which a famous travel blogger previously enjoyed when he ate here.
Before bed, I indulged in an in-room massage. Misibis Bay offers a spa service at their Essences Spa, but you can request for it in your room. The massage was so good that I immediately fell asleep right away after the masseuse left.
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Aching Arms and Huge Smiles
After a quick breakfast and a few hours of rest in the room (unfortunately, I woke up too late for the early morning snorkeling), we took a boat to the other side of the island. Located there was a boodle fight meal specially prepared for us, a service the resort does for guests who wish to experience this local Filipino tradition.
I still remember the juicy shrimp and the flavorful chicken we bit into, along with the cold beer we drank to quench our thirst. Following the meal, it was back to the resort, where I tried a couple of water sports. Being the most physically fit I’ve ever been, I still struggled when trying the wake boarding (PHP 2,600.00 per person for 30 minutes). Perhaps my arms are not strong enough. It was far more enjoyable when I got on the jet ski (PHP 2,600.00 per unit, 30 minutes, maximum of two persons). I had to resist the temptation to ride out into the ocean beyond the sea wall that encloses part of the resort.
We had plans for an outdoor dinner with views of Mayon Volcano but the tempestuous weather put a halt to any plans. Instead, dinner was a comforting meal prepared by Chef Legson. After, the resort gamely put up a giant screen for us to watch To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, much to the thrill of the female contingent.
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A View of Mayon
The three days spent at Misibis Bay were a blessing I wished lasted much longer. On the way to the airport, we were gifted with views of Mayon Volcano, a cherished landmark by locals, who jokingly told us that on some days, she was shy and didn’t feel like showing herself. That day, we were lucky to see her in all her glory.
For bookings and more information please visit www.misibisbay.com
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