Located on a tranquil cove on Samal Island, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort is certainly one of Davao region’s most iconic places to visit. Originally designed by famous Filipino Architect Francisco Mañosa, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a shining example of Filipino design and hospitality.
Formerly a pearl farm where thousands of pink, white, and gold pearls were cultivated, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort was transformed into an island hideaway that is also prominently featured in many of the Davao Region’s brochures, tourism ads, and even online.
It had been a year since I last paid the iconic resort a visit and I was glad I was able to return to the property a couple of weeks ago together with some of Durinburg’s travel writers to rediscover what the region’s only Class-A five-star resort had to offer.
The resort is reached through a 45-minute boat ride from the its own private marina at Lanang . Gone were the noisy outriggers of the past, as the resort’s ferry service now utilises a fleet of new and modern trimarans which make the trip much more pleasant, comfortable, and safe.
As we slowly approached the resort, I can clearly see the changes that were part of the resort’s multi-million peso redesign and upgrade. There is now a spacious front office lobby which can accommodate big groups of travellers who need to checking in or out, comfortably.
The Maranao Restaurant was also given an upgrade as it was made more open, giving diners an unobstructed view of the resort’s iconic pool as well as of the surrounding green spaces. There was even a wood-fired oven installed for the baking of artisanal breads and rustic pizza.
The Parola, the resort’s most iconic building, was also given a fresh new look and upgrade. Visitors who want to enjoy watching the sunset over a sangria or cocktail with the comfort of air conditioning.
Staying at the Pearl Farm was a really unique and relaxing experience thanks to its beautifully designed rooms, cottages and suites. The Pearl Farm Beach Resort’s rooms and villas are built around the contour of the island to afford a breathtaking view of the sea. They’re also designed to reflect the tribal ethos of Mindanao, as well as the multihued patterns of the islands. Although one can commune with nature, each living space is furnished with cable TV, phone, mini-bar, and safe.
My personal favourite room to stay at are the Samal Houses which give guests a spectacular vista to the clear blue cove the Pearl Farm. The cottage literally sits on top of the water with sound of the waves crashing underneath the house providing a calming hum for the occupants.
Although relaxed and idyllic, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort also has its fun side with many on-land and in-the-water activities for all ages. There is a finally a proper gym for those who need to lift some weights or do some cardio as well as a game room which offers PS4 games, and billiards and foosball tables.
For water-babies, the resort has four beaches, two pools as well as a well-managed Aqua Sports Center which offers jetski, catamaran, banana boat, and other adrenaline pumping rides.
While the Pearl Farm Beach Resort has many offerings for those looking for excitement, it also has options for those who would want to just chill and relax. One can get a massage by visiting the Mandaya Spa or book an in-room massage for an even more relaxing experience.
Truly, many things have changed in the past year at the Pearl Farm and all for the better as it looks forward to create more memorable experiences for travellers now and into the future.
