Concordia's Villa Maria: Bohol's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Photos!)
Concordia's Villa Maria: Bohol's BEST Kept Secret? – My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review!
Okay, so you're scrolling, looking for the perfect Bohol getaway? You've stumbled upon Concordia's Villa Maria. "BEST Kept Secret?" they boast. Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to give you the unvarnished truth, warts and all, because seriously, I just got back and I'm still buzzing (and slightly sunburnt, thanks to forgetting my hat).
First, the SEO stuff (cuz, ya know, gotta reach the masses):
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Accessibility: (Because it matters!)
Right, let's start with something that's really important. Officially, Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, and trust me, in the Philippines, this can mean anything from "We tried to think about it" to "Um, there's a ramp somewhere." I'm not personally reliant on accessibility features, but I did notice the presence of an elevator, which is a HUGE plus in a place like this. The exterior corridor layout would also be helpful. However, a true wheelchair accessible experience? I didn't scrutinize every nook and cranny, so I can't give a definitive yes or no. That said based on the layout and terrain, you might need to call them DIRECTLY and ask specific questions (like, “Is the pool accessible? Are there any steps into the restaurant?”). The hotel needs to offer such an assessment, especially because the review is written as such. The hotel needs to improve on this.
Cleanliness and Safety: Post-Covid, Real Talk!
This is where Villa Maria shines. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I was genuinely impressed. Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use. Daily disinfection of common areas? Check. They even had room sanitization opt-out available if you're that paranoid. Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. Honestly, I felt safer there than I do in my own apartment. Their Hygiene certification deserves a gold star. Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup are everywhere. The rooms were sanitized between stays. They even had sterilizing equipment. This is reassuring, especially for a place that's "open" which makes it imperative to know about such protocols.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food!
Okay, the food. This is where things get… interesting. They have a lovely restaurant, and thankfully, its Western cuisine in restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant offerings were both available. Breakfast was a buffet, and it offered an Asian breakfast AND a Western breakfast - a win for everyone! There was stuff for Vegetarian folks also – a nice touch. They also offered Breakfast service and you could even get Breakfast in room option! Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver. The coffee shop itself serves nice treats! The bottle of water was ever-flowing. Desserts in restaurant were a weakness. The service was generally good, if a little slow at times (hey, island time, right?). I’m still dreaming of the Soup in restaurant I had. There's a poolside bar which is just dreamy (more on that later!). And a Snack bar – essential for those mid-afternoon cravings. The happy hour deals were a bonus! Room service [24-hour] is awesome. A la carte in restaurant. Alternative meal arrangement Buffet in restaurant.
My Biggest Rave – The Pool…and the View! (Okay, and Maybe the Massage!)
Seriously, the pool. Forget everything else for a minute. This is the reason to go. It's a Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor] of the ocean… unbelievable photos are absolutely spot-on. Imagine yourself there! I spent an embarrassing amount of time just swimming and staring, completely mesmerized. The water was the perfect temperature, the sun was beating down, and all my worries just melted away. I even splurged on a massage at the spa. Okay, Spa/sauna and Sauna and Steamroom – the stuff dreams are made of! It was heavenly, even though I may have snored a little (don't tell anyone!). Body scrub? Yes, please! Body wrap? Even better.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Beyond the Pool (if you must)
Villa Maria’s got you covered. While I spent most of my time horizontal, there were other temptations. The fitness center (Gym/fitness) looked decent enough, though I, uh, didn’t make it. There are Foot bath and other treatments available. On-site event hosting possible.
Rooms: My Safe Haven
This is important. The non-smoking rooms were a huge plus! Air conditioning blew cold! The air conditioning in public area was great. The rooms were non-smoking. The bed? Extra long bed heaven. Bathroom? Separate shower/bathtub bliss. Coffee/tea maker was a godsend. Complimentary tea. The free Wi-Fi worked like a charm. Internet access – wireless was really great. I loved the reading light for those late-night novel binges. The slippers and bathrobes were a lovely touch. In-room safe box for peace of mind. Blackout curtains helped me sleep in. The window that opens, I appreciated also, although I didn’t exactly utilize it. Additional toilet - well, that’s a massive plus! Wake-up service was also good. I had a room with a Sofa and a desk, which were both helpful. The mini bar was a temptation!! (Don't look, I got a bottle of wine). Complimentary tea, extra long bed, Free bottled water, Mirror, Refrigerator, Shower, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella and Wi-Fi [free] etc.
Services and Conveniences: The Nitty-Gritty
They had concierge that was surprisingly helpful. Daily housekeeping was flawless. Luggage storage was a lifesaver. Laundry service came in handy. Cash withdrawal was available. Currency exchange was there, although the rates weren't the best. Ironing service and dry cleaning were available. Meeting/banquet facilities. They even have Facilities for disabled guests which is great. Family/child friendly. Kids facilities. Babysitting service. Front desk [24-hour] is a big plus. They even have a convenience store on site, if you ran out of things like me.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer? Sorted. Car park [free of charge]? Yep. Car park [on-site]? Absolutely. Taxi service? Definitely. Valet parking. Bicycle parking.
The "Best Kept Secret" Verdict:
Okay, so is Villa Maria really a "best-kept secret?" Honestly? It has its quirks, but yes, absolutely. It's not perfect, but it's got a charm, a sincerity, and, let's be honest, that pool, that more than makes up for any minor imperfections. I'd go back in a heartbeat. It’s a good choice.
What I loved: The pool experience, the cleanliness, the friendly staff. The food (mostly!). The views! The quiet. What could be improved: The accessibility information, the pacing of service in the restaurant. Would I recommend it? YES!
Now, the (Totally Unsolicited) Sales Pitch:
Book Concordia's Villa Maria NOW (and maybe, just maybe, get me a discount on a return trip!)
Here's why you should click that "Book Now" button, right this second:
- Escape the Ordinary: Tired of the same old boring vacations? Villa Maria offers a genuine, authentic Bohol experience – pristine beaches, stunning views, and a tranquil atmosphere that will melt your stress away.
- Unwind and Rejuvenate: Pamper yourself with their luxurious spa treatments, take a dip in that incredible pool, and let the stresses of everyday life melt away.
- Unforgettable Moments: Create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, Villa Maria has something for everyone.
- Peace of Mind: Experience the highest standards of cleanliness and safety so you can relax and enjoy your
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to dive headfirst into my completely unedited (and probably slightly chaotic) trip to Concordia's Country Resort – Villa Maria, Bohol! Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, sunburn, and questionable food choices. Here we go…
My Bohol Bonanza: Week of Mayhem (and Maybe a Little Relaxation)
Day 1: Arrival and The Great Mosquito Massacre of 2024
- Morning (ish): Landed in Tagbilaran. The airport? Adorable. Like, seriously, a tiny, painted-with-love kind of adorable. Everything was going smoothly. (Famous last words, right?) Then the humidity hit me like a wet blanket and I was already regretting my decision to pack only linen. The driver from Villa Maria, a sweet local guy named Jun, was waiting. He had this amazing smile, and for a second, I thought, Life is beautiful.
- Afternoon: The drive to Villa Maria. Gorgeous countryside. Those iconic Chocolate Hills? We’re talking postcard perfection. The roads? Let's just say they provided some serious spine-tingling entertainment. Villa Maria itself… wow. The photos don’t do it justice. It was lush, green, and had this air of quiet elegance. First impressions were stellar. Then I met the mosquitos. Oh, the mosquitos. They were relentless. Like tiny, blood-sucking ninjas. I swear, they organized a full-scale assault on my ankles.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort. The food? Okay, honestly, a bit of a letdown after the scenery. The adobo was bland, the rice was slightly…clumpy. But hey, the ambiance more than made up for it – the gentle rustle of leaves, the chirping of crickets, and the fact that the mosquitoes seemed to have taken a break (victory!). We spent the rest of the evening relaxing at the villa, but the lingering paranoia of the Mosquito Massacre made it hard to truly chill.
Day 2: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, and the Existential Dread of Souvenir Shopping
- Morning: Chocolate Hills! Picturesque. Stunning. I did my best instagram pose and took, like, a hundred photos. The view from the viewing deck? Absolute chef’s kiss. I felt a little bit guilty, though, knowing that this beauty happened naturally, as the result of the world's natural processes of erosion and geological activity. My brain, as usual, went into overdrive, considering everything from the planet's orbit to the fleeting nature of life.
- Afternoon: Tarsier Sanctuary. These tiny, big-eyed creatures are precious, but also a bit…shy. The experience was good, but very touristic. The souvenir shop? A capitalist black hole. Trinkets, t-shirts, more trinkets. I ended up buying some kind of wooden monkey that was probably ethically sourced (I hope). The existential dread of clutter and consumerism threatened to overwhelm me. I managed it with a quick ice cream break.
- Evening: We wanted to go to the Loboc River Cruise, but apparently, that's a thing that apparently EVERYONE does. So, we missed out. Instead, we spent the evening at the villa again. More drinks. More mosquito paranoia. One or two quiet moments of appreciating the peace. Overall, it was a solid recovery.
Day 3: Sun, Sand, and… Sea Cucumber Sushi?
- Morning: Panglao Island! Finally, some beach time! The sand was powder-soft, the water crystal clear. I spent hours just floating in the waves, letting the sun bake my worries away. I’ve also realized I’m a terrible swimmer.
- Afternoon: We made the bold decision to try a local restaurant on Panglao beach. The "fresh seafood" seemed like the obvious choice. And the sushi…? Let's just say, I didn't anticipate the adventure that awaited me. The waiter recommended a local specialty: sea cucumber sushi. I'm usually pretty adventurous with food. I'll try anything once. And the first bite… textures and flavors that are hard to describe. The sea cucumber? Rubber bands dipped in seawater, maybe? I couldn't finish it. My stomach lurched. We paid up and ran. I spent the rest of the afternoon sulking and contemplating my life choices.
- Evening: Back at Villa Maria, I attempted to redeem the meal with a simple grilled fish. Much better. The comfort of the villa helped a lot.
Day 4: The Waterfall Debacle (and my love/hate relationship with Nature)
- Morning: We decided to hike to a waterfall. The brochures promised a lush paradise. The reality? A sweaty, buggy trek up a muddy path. It felt a little bit like I was in a survival reality show. The waterfall itself was beautiful, sure, but by the time we got there, I was covered in sweat, mosquito bites, and a healthy dose of self-pity. I’m also not sure how I feel about the "natural" world. I loved it, but I also hated it.
- Afternoon: Back at the villa, I collapsed and contemplated a nap. (The humidity was relentless.) Reading a book. A brief respite from the chaos.
- Evening: The resort’s "cultural night." Think local dances, traditional music played on some kind of bamboo instrument, and… a buffet. The dancing was good. The music was interesting. The buffet? Let's just say I stuck to the fruit.
Day 5: Farewell, Bohol (and a Plea to the Mosquito Gods)
- Morning: One last breakfast at Villa Maria. The papaya was unbelievably good. I soaked up every last ounce of natural beauty, knowing I was leaving for the next chapter of my life.
- Afternoon: The flight home. I boarded the plane with a mix of relief (goodbye, mosquitos!) and sadness. Bohol had been a whirlwind of beauty, adventure, minor disasters, and surprisingly good food. I left slightly sunburnt, utterly exhausted, but with a heart full of memories. And I also left with a strong resolve to invest in some seriously heavy-duty mosquito repellent. (And maybe some rubber bands. You know, just in case.)
Final Thoughts:
Villa Maria was a sanctuary - a beautiful base of operations. The people were warm and welcoming! Bohol? A chaotic, wonderful mess. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Now, back to real life… and the ongoing battle against the memory of sea cucumber sushi. Until next time, Bohol!
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Concordia's Villa Maria: Bohol's BEST Kept Secret? (Unbelievable Photos!) - My Messy Take
Okay, spill the beans. Is Villa Maria REALLY as good as the Instagram photos make it out to be?
Let's talk location. Is it actually "secluded"? Because "secluded" can mean "a pain in the butt to get to."
The infinity pool. *Sigh*. Is it really as amazing as it looks? Because, you know, Photoshop...
What about the rooms? Are they as luxurious as they seem? And what about the AC?
Food! What's the food situation like? Can you get good food, or are you stuck with overpriced resort fare?
Anything else worth knowing before booking? Any hidden downsides?
