Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort

I find great satisfaction in discovering new places. The Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort was an accidental find, since we were really supposed to stay in Mangodlong Rock Resort beside it. When I saw the new resort, I was already lured towards it.

At first, I was cautious about the resort. I asked for the rates from the receptionist, whose name was Winner. After seeing the room, it was he who convinced me to stay. True, he said that they had the best rooms in the island. 

We got two deluxe rooms that opened up to the garden. At P2,800, I thought the room was worth the price. It was tastefully designed with tropical and native inspirations. The room was also quite spacious and there was an LCD TV. The only flaw was the bathroom, which had flimsy shower curtains.

 I stepped outside through the sliding door and began to explore the resort. Coconut trees provided ample shade in the garden. Hammocks were set up between the trees, making them perfect nooks for reading or for a nap.

The resort wasn't that huge, and it had the basics. It had one open air restaurant that served mid-priced food. The menu was mostly Filipino, and I would recommend to order these instead of their pastas, pizzas and other international dishes.

There were detached cabanas that provided more luxurious accommodations. They also had private verandas.

Our room was located in a two floor building fronting the beach and directly beside the walls of Mangodlong Rock Resort. The second floor housed the 2-bedroom suites.

I moved my way to the beach, which seemed very fake. The water as unclear probably because of the residue from the white coral that primed up the shore.

I actually felt that I was in Mactan for a moment, and not in Camotes. This shot below reminded me of Crimson's own enhanced beach. The water became clearer as you go further out, but if you're near the shore, it will be milky white, and not crystal clear.

But I loved the deck overlooking the sea in the middle of the resort. Their only bar was also located in this spot, making it a perfect venue for sunset cocktails.

We asked the staff to arrange our dinner on the deck. They gladly accepted our request and even took orders in advance.

But what made my jaw drop is this expansive infinity pool that was at the center of the resort. It was one of the biggest resort pools I have seen in the Philippines, and I was surprised to find it in Camotes. 

There were sun lounges surrounding the pool, and even wicker chars and tables for you to have a snack. 

I kept on wondering why the resort's owners had a pool this big made, given that the entire resort can probably only accommodate 60 people maximum. There aren't a lot of rooms, so it's still a boutique resort. 

The view from the pool was spectacular. There was just an annoying fountain on one side of the pool that sprayed water all over. On the other side was a dysfunctional jacuzzi that blended with the main pool. 

Mangodlong Paradise Resort is definitely my choice in Camotes. I was very pleased that tourism is still on an upswing in these islands, but I do hope future resort builders respect the environment and leave the natural beauty of Camotes as it is. Camotes does hold a lot of tourism potential, and in my last article, I will show you around some of Camotes's most famous destinations.

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Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort
(032) 583-9450 / (032) 328-0500

Rates:

	Weekday	Weekends
Standard	2,200	2,500
Deluxe	2,500	2,800
Beachfront	2,700	3,000
2-BR Suite	5,500	6,000
Cabanas A	3,200	3,500
Cabanas B	2,900	3,200
2-BR Cabanas	5,200	5,500

All rates inclusive of breakfast for 2 and transfers to and from Consuelo Wharf for Jomalig passengers.
Mangodlong Rock Resort may be cheaper by P500, but you don't get free breakfast and all the luxurious amenities offered in Paradise. Just weigh the value you get. Again, please do contact the resort for availability. I am not connected with the resort.