Escape to Paradise: Costa Palawan Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Costa Palawan Resort Awaits! – My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Costa Palawan, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. I'm gonna be frank, and maybe a little brutally honest, because that's how I roll. And hey, if you're reading this, you're probably looking for the real deal, not some sugary-sweet travel brochure. So here we go!
(Disclaimer: I’m not a travel blogger. My only qualification is that I've spent too much time and money on hotels. Don't hate me for it.)
First things first: Accessibility, or, The Great Wheelchair Challenge
Let's be real, travel with mobility issues is a whole different ball game. Costa Palawan says they have facilities for disabled guests. Okay, cool. But… the devil is in the details, right? I mean, there is an elevator, which is a huge win. HUGE. And the front desk is on the ground floor, easy access. But I didn't see any actual wheelchair-specific ramps or accessible pathways to the beach, which is a BIG bummer! This is a MUST to improve! They need to clarify the actual accessibility options.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Okay, let's head straight to the heart of any good vacation: the grub! They’ve got a serious plethora of options. Multiple restaurants, a poolside bar (hello, happy hour!), a coffee shop, and even a snack bar. They really cover all the bases.
**Breakfast [Buffet] – ** Okay so the buffet… its pretty good with a solid range. The Asian buffet was something else! chef's kiss The Asian breakfast, specifically, with the congee, the noodles -- amazing! The coffee, however, was a little… meh. But honestly, who cares? We're in paradise! They offer both Western and Asian breakfasts, but you already know my pick.
Restaurants: They do have international food, asian cuisine, desserts and salad. You can always grab something to munch on, even if it is a soup.
Room Service: 24-hour room service? Sighs dreamily. Yes, please! And yes i used it too much. After a few too many cocktails by the pool, a burger in bed seemed like the ultimate indulgence. No regrets.
The Real MVP: Sanitation and Safety (Phew!)
I'm not gonna lie, post-pandemic, I'm a little obsessive about cleanliness. Costa Palawan got a HUGE gold star for this. I mean, they've got the whole arsenal:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, sterilized kitchen and tableware… all the things you need. And I mean need right now!
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. And a doctor on call They're not messing around, thankfully!
- Rooms sanitized between stays, room sanitization opt-out available: I really loved this!
Relaxation Station: Is It Really Paradise?
**Here's the deal: this is WHERE Costa Palawan *really* shines. Seriously, the spa, the pool with a view, the sauna, the steamroom -- its all pretty amazing. **
- Pools They have tons. The outdoor pool is huge and beautiful! And they have a pool with a view. The only thing better? A pool bar!
- Spa / Relaxation I splurged on a body scrub. And yeah, I became a puddle of bliss. I loved the spa. The sauna and steamroom… pure heaven.
The Rooms: Sweet, Sweet Sanctuary
The rooms are comfy, modern, and well-equipped. Each room is well equipped with nice features.
- The Bed! High floor, non-smoking and soundproofed! Yes! And air conditioning too. Everything is here.
- Essentials: They provide a free bottle of water, coffee/tea maker, towels, bathrobes, slippers everything is ready for you.
- **The Bathroom: ** It has a separate shower/bathtub.
Things to do / Things to skip
- Fitness Center: I hit the gym a couple of times (trying to atone for all those burgers). It was… adequate. Not the fanciest gym I've seen, but it got the job done.
- Things to do: They even offer babysitting service.
Okay So Let's Be Real About the Downsides (Because Nothing is Perfect)
- Wi-Fi in the rooms was a little spotty. It worked, but sometimes it dropped out. Come on now!
- The 'Shrine' – a bit of a weird addition, but hey, to each their own. I didn't use it.
My Verdict: Should You Book This?
- If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with good food, gorgeous scenery, and top-notch safety, then YES, book it! But definitely contact them about accessibility details before you go!
- Overall, it's a beautiful resort with a lot to offer. I'd absolutely go back!
The Offer: Escape to Paradise and Save!
Book your stay at Costa Palawan Resort now and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony. (Limited availability!)
- 20% off all spa treatments.
- Free airport transfer.
- Plus, get a special welcome cocktail upon arrival!
Don't miss this chance to escape to paradise! Click here to book your unforgettable Costa Palawan adventure!
(P.S. Tell them I sent you. Maybe they'll give me a discount next time! 😉)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to Costa Palawan Resort, we're… feeling it. We’re diving headfirst into that Filipino sunshine, ready to get sunburnt, eat too much adobo, and maybe, just maybe, find a tiny piece of ourselves left on a pristine beach. Here's the messy, beautiful, and probably slightly insane itinerary I've cooked up:
Costa Palawan: Operation Beach Bum Bonanza! (aka, Pray for My Liver)
Day 1: Arrival of the Slightly Overwhelmed
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. More accurately, the jet lag slaps me in the face like a wet fish. Coffee. Lots of coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Fly into El Nido Airport. Oh my god, the view from the plane window! Islands jutting out of the teal water… swoon. Prepare for a cacophony of happy travel bloggers shouting about "untouched paradise" – I’m cautiously optimistic.
- 10:00 AM: Transfer to Costa Palawan. The van ride is…interesting. Roads? More like rocky goat paths kissed by a few potholes. My spine is already developing character.
- 11:30 AM: Check-in. Ugh, the check-in process felt like an eternity. Bureaucracy, people! However, the lobby is gorgeous. I’m talking legit, Instagram-worthy gorgeous. I have a strong desire to immediately flop on the nearest comfy sofa.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at the resort restaurant. Craving something local and hearty, I order the "Filipino sampler". It's delicious! The lumpia are crispy, the adobo melts in my mouth, and the sinigang? Chef's kiss. BUT, there’s a fly. A persistent, buzzing, little… argh! It’s the first sign that pristine isn't always perfect.
- 2:00 PM: Settle into the room, which is breathtaking. Seriously, I gasp. Private balcony facing the ocean? Check. Plush bed that screams "nap time"? Check. The only issue? The damn air con's a bit erratic on the first night. It’s either freezing or a sweaty sauna. I'm already fighting the urge to call maintenance.
- 3:00 PM: Beach exploration! I stroll along the beach, feeling the sand between my toes, the sun on my skin. It's glorious. Then I step on a stubborn piece of coral. Ouch. Imperfections…remember the coral! Sigh.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset cocktail. The bar has a stunning view. The cocktails are delightfully strong. The sky explodes in a riot of oranges and pinks. I feel a deep sense of contentment. Maybe…maybe this trip is gonna be okay after all.
Day 2: Island Hopping & Existential Musings (aka, The Day My Boat Almost Killed Me)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up (relatively early!) and have breakfast at the resort. I’m still getting used to the breakfast selections. The Filipino breakfast (tapa, longganisa, and eggs) is amazing, but the cereal choices are… well, underwhelming.
- 9:00 AM: Island hopping tour! We’re doing Tour A, which means lagoons, secret beaches, and snorkeling. I’m SO EXCITED.
- 9:30 AM: Boat time. The banca (local boat) is…quaint. It rocks a bit much. The sea? Choppy. My stomach? Already starting to revolt.
- 10:00 AM-1:00 PM: Island hopping madness! We visit Big Lagoon (breathtaking!), Secret Lagoon (claustrophobic but cool!), and other hidden gems. The coral is gorgeous and there are tons of fish. The snorkeling is amazing, but the waves are relentless and I swallow half the ocean.
- Anecdote: We got stuck in the Secret Lagoon. The water was low (a common problem!) and we had to do a sort of awkward shuffle-swim-crawl through a narrow passageway. It was not graceful. I was sure I've lost my dignity. I'm pretty sure I saw Nemo.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on a beach! Grilled fish, rice, and fresh fruit. Pure bliss. A random dog happily enjoys the scraps. It's very…authentic.
- 2:00 PM: Snorkeling at a coral site. More sea, more fish. I'm becoming a salty mermaid.
- 3:00 PM: Back on the boat. The sea is now really rocking. One particularly large wave nearly capsizes us! I grab the side of the boat, screaming (internally). The boatman just laughs. Apparently, this is normal! My heart pounds. I’m feeling a tiny bit woozy and terrified. Still, the scenery is sublime.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the resort. I am exhausted, slightly seasick, and in desperate need of a shower and a large gin and tonic.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. I pick something safe, maybe the pasta. It's fine. The views, however, are not – breathtaking. Seriously considering a second cocktail to calm my nerves after the boat incident.
- 8:00 PM: Stargazing on the beach. Away from the lights, the stars are unbelievable. Looking up, I let the terror of the last few hours wash away. I'm alive, and that's something. It's also really, really beautiful.
Day 3: Spa Day & Regrets (aka, The Day I Ate A Durian, And Lived To Regret It)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. More coffee, and a large plate of the yummy fried rice.
- 10:00 AM: Spa time! I'm booked for a massage and a body scrub. Pure indulgence. The masseuse is wonderful; I melt into the massage table like butter. I consider staying there forever.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the resort. I try some new local delicacies. Mostly good!
- 1:00 PM: Beach time. I stroll along the beach again, feeling the sun and sand. I want to be alone, but the beachgoers are loud.
- 3:00 PM: The Durian incident: I’m feeling adventurous! I find a fruit stand and, against my better judgment, I try durian. I've heard the horror stories, but I have to try it! The smell… a mix of gym socks, rotten onions, and… something indescribably foul. The taste? It's like if someone mixed custard with a dirty diaper. I try to be polite. I force down a few bites.
- 3:15 PM: Regret. Immediate and profound. I can't stop belching. The foul aroma clings to my clothes. I run back to my room to scrub myself with every soap I can find. It still lingers. The durian is a monster.
- 5:00 PM: Swim in the pool. Trying to wash away the experience! The water feels amazing.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I order a pizza. Something familiar, something bland, something that will hopefully erase the durian from my taste buds. The resort delivers, and I feel a little better.
- 8:00 PM: Early night. Bed. Desperate attempt to sleep away the smell.
Day 4: Exploring El Nido Town & Adios (aka, The Day I Realized I Didn't Want To Leave)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Determined to have a "normal" breakfast today. Cereal it is (the sad, underwhelming kind).
- 9:00 AM: Explore El Nido Town. The resort offers a shuttle, and I'm excited to get away from the resort!
- 10:00 AM: Wander around the town. It's small, bustling, and a little chaotic in the best way. Street food galore!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in town. Try some street food I see!
- 1:00 PM: Shopping. Buy souvenirs; not the cheap kind, the cute ones!
- 2:00 PM: Back to the resort.
- 4:00 PM: Pack. Feeling a pang of sadness. I don't want to leave.
- 5:00 PM: Final sunset cocktail. This time, I savor it. The colors are even more vibrant than before.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner. I order the most delicious thing on the menu.
- 8:00 PM: Sitting on the balcony, staring at the stars. I take it all in. The sounds of the ocean, the feeling of the cool breeze on my skin. Damn, it’s beautiful!
- 9:00 PM: Prepare for departure in the morning.
Day 5: Departure and the Longing
- **7:00 AM
Okay, spill. Is "Escape to Paradise: Costa Palawan Resort Awaits!" actually paradise, or is it just another Instagram filter dream?
Alright, lemme level with you. "Paradise"? Overused word, right? But Costa Palawan… it's *close*. Like, a REALLY attractive cousin of paradise who's maybe skipped a gym day *once* in a while. Seriously. The pictures? Yeah, they're gorgeous. But, and this is HUGE, they don't fully prepare you for the *smell* of the ocean air (salty, divine!), or the way the sun hits your face as you step off the boat. It's…a sensory overload in the BEST way. Now, I wouldn't say it's flawless. There was that one time the Wi-Fi decided to take a vacation (more on that later…I almost *lost it*), and the occasional rogue ant. But honestly? Even with the little hiccups, it's a solid 9/10. The sort of 9/10 that makes you wanna go back, even if you're still picking sand out of your shoes.
Is it actually *remote*? I hate crowds. Like, seriously, I will glare at anyone within a 5-foot radius.
Yes, it IS nicely remote. Which, for a misanthrope like myself, is a HUGE selling point. Think secluded coves, private beaches… you get the picture. Now, "remote" doesn't mean *totally* deserted. There's a *very* tasteful (and well-behaved) mix of other guests. I mean, you *will* see people. You'll have to *acknowledge* people. But the resort is spread out enough that you don't feel like you're packed in like sardines. There was one day, though, when I *did* have to share a particularly Instagrammable hammock with this couple who were… *very* touchy-feely. I may have strategically "accidentally" kicked a little sand their way. Don't judge me! The point is, you can absolutely find your own little slice of heaven. Just bring a good book, and maybe some earplugs.
The food… is it all just fancy salads and tiny portions? I like to *eat*.
HALLELUJAH, my friend! This is not your average "resort" food, where they try to make you think you're eating gourmet but it actually tastes like airplane leftovers. The food at Costa Palawan… it's incredible. Seriously. The seafood? Fresh. The presentation? Gorgeous. The portions? Generous. Okay, I'll be honest, *I* went a little overboard with the all-inclusive package. I ate ALL the things. The grilled fish, the local fruits (oh my GOD, the mangoes!), the pasta carbonara (don't judge, I needed carbs for energy!), the… well, you get the idea. I may or may not have gained a few pounds. But, hey, I was on vacation! And the flavors? Worth every. Single. Calorie. Pro tip: Go for the sunset dinner. The view? Spectacular. The food? Heavenly. Your stomach? Ecstatic.
What do you *DO* there? Besides eat and bask in the sun, obviously. (But please, tell me more about the eating…)
Besides…eating? Okay, okay, focus! Besides the obvious (eating, sunbathing, generally being blissfully lazy), you've got options. There's snorkeling – the coral reefs are insane, I'm talking vibrant colours and fish that look like they escaped from a cartoon. There are boat trips to other islands, which you *absolutely* should do. I did a guided kayaking tour, but let's just say my “kayaking skills” are… limited. I spent more time bumping into rocks than gliding gracefully through the water. Eventually, I just gave up and floated, staring up at the sky. It was actually pretty perfect. There’s also the spa, offering massages that will melt all your stress away. And, um, *ahem*, back to the eating… the breakfast buffet is a MUST. They have pancakes! And fresh fruit! And… (okay, I'll stop now). Honestly, you can do as much or as little as you want. That's the best part.
Okay, tell me about the Wi-Fi. My life depends on it. I'm being serious.
Right, here's a critical piece of information. The Wi-Fi… is… shall we say… *temperamental*. Look, they *have* it. But it's not like, blazing-fast fiber optic. Sometimes it's zippy, sometimes it's… *contemplative*. I recall a particularly harrowing evening where I *needed* to upload a photo of the sunset (which, let's be real, was absolutely amazing). And the Wi-Fi… just… died. Completely. Vanished. I swear, I aged a decade in those few agonizing minutes. I paced, I checked my phone, I even considered climbing up a coconut tree to try and catch a signal. It was pure desperation. Eventually (after what felt like an eternity), it came back. The photo uploaded. I breathed again. So, pack your patience. Or, better yet, try a digital detox. Just… prepare yourself. And maybe download important things beforehand.
The bugs! I have a phobia. Are we talking mosquito-apocalypse levels of buggy-ness?
Okay, listen. I’m not a fan of bugs either. I’m talking full-blown, panicky-flailing-at-the-air phobia. And... yes, there are bugs. It's the tropics, people! But the resort does a *pretty* good job of keeping the situation under control. They spray regularly, they provide mosquito nets for the beds, and they even offer insect repellent. I mostly saw tiny ants (harmless, but annoying when you're trying to eat your mango), and the occasional little mosquito. They weren't swarming like a horror movie. I'm talking *manageable*. Don’t forget the bug spray. Seriously. Slather it on. Especially around sunset. And maybe bring some extra anti-itch cream, just in case. Psychologically, it helps. Also, I'm fairly certain the staff secretly hunts down and eliminates any bug that dares cross their path. They're vigilantes!
What about the cost? Is this trip going to require me to sell a kidney?
Alright, the money talk. Look, it’s not *cheap*. But, compared to some other tropical resorts I've looked at, it's… reasonable. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. The all-inclusive package is definitely worth considering. It covers pretty much everything: food, drinks, some activities. Findelicious Hotels
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