Ever since the current global health crisis started, I haven’t had the opportunity to visit Davao Region’s most accessible island destination. Mainly because of changing health protocols going to Samal, as well as the associated risks in the past two years, going out for leisure was really not on the top of my mind.
Today however, with Durianburg and the greater Davao Region, hitting high numbers for fully vaccinated individuals, there really is light at the end of the tunnel and I believe it is now time to slowly rediscover our local tourism destinations.
Just last week, I was invited by resort manager Jessica Segura, together with other travel writers, to revisit Chema’s By The Sea. It has been over eight years since I last visited the resort and I was honestly excited to experience the many different changes at the resort.
A Pleasant Discovery
From the resort’s jetty at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, it is just a short 10-minute boat ride to the resort. From the sea, Chema’s stood as I remembered it in the past, its beachfront full of tropical jungle trees covered in vines.
Walking from the jetty towards the resort’s welcome arch, quaint wooden cottages which resemble the island homes of the Swiss Family Robinson slowly reveal themselves, instantly transporting my mind to more exotic jungle locales. Greeting me with a smile as bright as the sun was Jessica who promptly escorted the group to the resort’s hilltop Garden House for lunch.
In the past, Chema’s By The Sea was never known for it’s food, but the doubt from the past was quickly erased with a gorgeous lunch spread which featured Filipino favorites like ensaladang talong, seafood sinigang, and grilled tuna belly. It was over lunch that Jessica revealed that the big changes at Chema’s is thanks to the resort now being managed by leading Filipino hospitality group, Discovery Hospitality.
“The new-redesigned food and beverage outlets of the resort promise a unique culinary experience. With a vast array of dishes featuring Samal’s local cuisine along with International favorites at Garden House” shared Jessica. “For those who want to enjoy a drink and snacks with glistening views of the beach, then Chema’s Beach Bar which features refreshing cocktail creations and tacos is the place to be. Relish through infused spirits of local herbs and seasonal fruits of Davao, from mid-day pick-me-upper, or while watching the sun hide behind Mt. Apo.”
A Boutique Island Resort Experience
While many resorts offer modern and standard-shaped rooms, Chema’s By The Sea offers unique rustic cottages that lend their charm and appeal to the resort’s jungle garden setting. The five cabanas, nine cottages, and one suite feature garden and sea views and are perfect for travelers of two to bigger families. Designed as cozy lodges, every room features open glass doors, and exclusive terraces. Distinct wooden designs paired with fresh linens stand out for that cozy escape.
Blending well with the garden estate, the resort’s beach offers the perfect view of the Davao skyline and Mt. Talomo and Mt. Apo beyond. If the beach is not exactly your thing, the resort has a saltwater infinity pool to lounge about, and a more private freshwater jungle pool located away from the beach.
With nature as the setting. Be it a dreamy gathering in the lush gardens with surrounding trees or a serene ceremony with the ocean breezes in the pristine white sand beach, make memorable events with loved ones that will last a lifetime. The resort is open for intimate gatherings and celebrations such weddings, debuts, birthday celebrations, or any social event.
A New Direction
“Spending days at Chema’s By The Sea is just heartwarming. We’ve seen and experienced the serenity of each staff’s place and passion for delivering the best in every moment of encounter. It is truly a captivating experience in a beautiful resort inside and out. For us, it’s all about setting the direction and build the essence of the resort through the different individuals that make up of this resort,” shared Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC) COO and Discovery World Corporation President Jose Parreno in a press release.
With Chema’s By The Sea now managed by DHC, which is also responsible for famous resorts like Discovery Shores Boracay and Discovery Shores Palawan, I cannot wait to see the bold new direction this laid-back resort is going to take. “We are currently training our food and beverage, and housekeeping staff to meet the levels expected of any Discovery property” said Jessica. “We also hope to improve our facilities and guest experiences on the resort in the coming months.”
Experience a charming nature escape at Chema’s By The Sea. For more information, visit chemasbythesea.com.ph; or follow the resort on Facebook at Chema’s By The Sea, Davao; and Instagram at @chemasbytheseadavao.
