YOU’VE heard the news, the Covid-19 vaccine is rolling out this month and, hopefully, we get our shots soon. Yup, I look forward to stepping out of the house without fear of contracting the virus, minus the face mask and shield, mingle with family and friends, hug them and travel!
But before you hop on that plane and head off to your favorite out-of-town destination after your shot, why not give local tourism its much-needed shot to jumpstart the local community’s economy? By local, I mean Davao City. Give love to your hometown.
That’s what I intend to do. I actually started before the lockdown was implemented, when the scare of the pandemic was slowly crawling into our lives and the local economy was slowing down. I called for “travel local” and kicked off the series of staycations at Park Inn by Radisson Blu. Unfortunately, the lockdown came and the series was cut. I’m reviving it as soon as I get vaccinated.
True, I could still have done the staycation series pre-vaccine, but I’m not the brave one. Covid-19 has hit too close to home. I’ve seen friends lose their loved ones. I’m not gambling.
Let me share my list. Enjoy a couple of nights in these beautiful places.
Park Inn by Radisson Blu. If you're a shopaholic and a foodie, the hotel’s location is perfect for you as it is connected to a mall. But the hotel has its offerings that will keep you indoors. For one, the burger is wicked! The healthy drinks will go perfectly while lounging by the pool on a hot day, and you can call for a therapist for a relaxing massage.
Seda Abreeza Hotel is also right across a mall. It may be a business hotel but it’s also a great place to escape from the daily grind without driving far. The rooms are totally relaxing and breakfast is great. You will love the kakanins (local delicacies) among the typical breakfast offerings.
Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao offers the best of both worlds. It’s a seaside resort hotel but within the city. Who doesn’t want waking up to fresh sea air blowing from Davao Gulf, it's therapeutic, so is the green expanse. To complete the paradise experience, the food is superb. Aside from the favorites—pizza, halo-halo, etc., the new chef is whipping her magic on the menu.
Eden Nature Park & Resort. If you love the late autumn chill, this is the perfect time to stay in this mountain resort. The forest vibe – verdant greenery, sunlight peeking through towering trees, crisp mountain air—is healing, and that’s what we need after months of seclusion. Food is fresh since they harvest it from the “backyard,” and outdoor activities are adrenaline-rushing.
From the highlands of Eden Nature Park head to Island Buenavista. The sister resort is a tropical paradise! It’s like your own private island that you can hike from end to end. It’s blessed with a wide white-sand shoreline, cool and clear blue water, and lavish greenery (where the living quarters are ensconced) to contrast the blue and whites of the delightful picture before you. Oh, the food is great, too! The fresh coconut treat is just perfect for this setting.
Exploring more of the islands, Dusit Thani Davao’s island resort is Lubi Plantation, in Kopiat Island. The island destination also makes for a perfect escape from city life. If you like luxury, then this is a place for you. Living spaces are modern takes on villas in a plantation with its own private pool with a view of the sea. The setting can be very romantic.
Who doesn’t love Pearl Farm Beach Resort? The first luxury destination in Davao and Mindanao is still a favorite after three decades. Built-in the former pearl farm in the Davao Gulf, the natural and well-designed architecture by a renowned architect and an interior motif that speak Davaoeño made the place iconic (a photo by the Parola is a bragging right). In this resort, one night is never enough.
Once you’ve made your rounds, travel farther to the neighboring Davao provinces, they all need the help we can give.
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