Positano Beach, Bohol: Paradise Found (Stunning Photos!)
Positano Beach, Bohol: Paradise Found (…and Maybe a Few Mosquito Bites!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I just got back from Positano Beach in Bohol, and let me tell you, the hype is REAL. But before you start picturing yourself Insta-famous with a perfect tan and flowing hair (which, let’s be honest, is the dream), let's get brutally honest about what Positano Beach actually offers. And yes, full disclosure, I'm still trying to scrub the sand out of my…well, let's just say everywhere.
Accessibility: Not Quite “Wheelchair-Friendly Paradise” (But Still Manageable!)
Right off the bat, if you're expecting a super-smooth, roll-right-up-to-the-beach experience in a wheelchair, this isn’t quite it. The Bohol terrain, in general, is a bit…rustic. While they do mention facilities for disabled guests, I'd say call ahead and definitely confirm specifics. The entrance isn't as smooth as I'd like. I saw a few ramps, and it's manageable with the right setup.
Internet: Wi-Fi Everywhere! (Hallelujah!)
Okay, this is GOOD news for the digital nomads and Instagram addicts (raises hand!). They brag about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and they weren't kidding. It worked…mostly! I managed to upload some ridiculously filtered sunset pics without too much buffering. And they have Internet [LAN] too, in case you need serious connection – I didn't need to use it, but kudos for the offer! And in the areas like Wi-Fi in public areas, it's strong.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound…Mostly!
Look, post-pandemic travel has everyone on edge, and Positano gets it. They’re all over it with Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also have Hand sanitizer everywhere you turn. I felt pretty safe. Staff trained in safety protocol, and I saw them following it. They even have Doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. And they have the usual stuff: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. I felt pretty safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Foodie Heaven (and Maybe a Belly Ache!)
Alright, this is where Positano really shone. The dining…oh, the dining! They have Restaurants, duh, including ones that serve Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant, too. The Breakfast [buffet] was a sight to behold. I loaded up on the Asian breakfast one day and the Western breakfast another. They also have A la carte in restaurant, in case you want something fancy pants. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver for those tropical thirst cravings, and with Happy hour, you can't go wrong. They even have a Coffee shop.
- Rant Moment: Okay, I’m going to be brutally honest. Their salad was kinda limp. I tried the soup, but it wasn’t my thing. I could be picky, as you may infer.
Things to do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (Or Just Lounging by the Pool)
This is where Positano really shines. They've got a whole spa, including a Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and, of course, the Sauna. I treated myself to a massage, and it was divine. Seriously, I could have drifted away right there and then.
Here's what I did during the Spa time:
First, the Massage
Okay, picture this: the warm sun on your skin, the gentle scent of lemongrass in the air, and a masseuse with the hands of an angel. I went for the deep tissue, and she worked out all the knots I’d accumulated from…well, from life, basically. I think I actually fell asleep. Pure bliss.
Next, the Sauna
I'm a big fan of a good sweat. The sauna was hot, steamy, and a great way to detox! I did it after spending an hour or two in pools.
The Sauna-Pool Combo
I spent the rest of the day in the Swimming pool which offered an amazing Pool with view. The Swimming pool [outdoor] isn't huge. Maybe a bit crowded at certain times, but the Poolside bar makes everything better.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras that Matter
They have all the standard stuff like Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!), Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and a Concierge who could answer my bizarre questions (like where to find the best ube ice cream). Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, and an Elevator (thank god because my legs were weary from the adventure. They also have a Gift/souvenir shop (because you know you’ll want to buy a fridge magnet that says "I survived Bohol!"). They offer Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, and Business facilities, including Meetings and Meeting/banquet facilities.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes
They have Family/child friendly options, the Babysitting service is amazing.
Available in all rooms:
The rooms themselves are lovely. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wi-Fi [free]
Getting Around: Easy (Mostly)!
They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service, which is super convenient. They also have Car park [free of charge].
Room for Improvement (and a Small, Annoying Observation)
Okay, here's the deal: Positano is amazing, but it's not perfect.
- Mosquitos: Bring bug spray. Seriously. They're relentless. I swear, one of them held a tiny, mosquito-sized party in my room.
- Missing Items in the Room: They have Coffee/tea maker, but one I was using, the thing was missing. I asked for it to be fixed, and the repair was quick.
The Verdict: Book It! (But Pack the Bug Spray!)
Despite the minor hiccups, Positano Beach is a winner. It's the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and beautiful scenery. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the overall vibe is pure paradise.
So, should you book? ABSOLUTELY!
Here's my brutally honest offer to get you there:
Escape to Paradise: Book Your Positano Beach Getaway NOW!
Here's why you should click that "Book Now" button:
- Unforgettable Relaxation: Indulge in a dream spa day, lounge by the stunning pool, or simply soak up the sun on the pristine beach.
- Culinary Delights: From Asian feasts to Western favorites, your taste buds will thank you.
- Seamless Stay: With free Wi-Fi, friendly staff, and top-notch amenities, you'll experience pure bliss.
- Book now and we'll throw in a complimentary bottle of wine upon your arrival! (No promises it's any good – but hey, it's free!)
Don't wait! Paradise is calling. Click here to book your escape before the mosquito, well, the mosquito gets there first!
Cinere Resort Paradise: Your Dream 2BR Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-gonna-be-slightly-sunburnt chronicle of my Positano-Alona-Beach-Panglao adventure. Prepare for opinions, tangents, and a healthy dose of chaos.
The "I-Thought-I-Was-Glamorous-But-It's-Just-Me-Sweating" Breakdown:
Day 1: Arrival in Manila (The Great Unknown…and Jet Lag)
- 7:00 AM (ish) - My alarm screams, which is the first indication of my impending doom. The "doom" in this case is a 20+ hour journey to the Philippines. Packing? Oh, I just threw everything I owned into a backpack and hoped for the best.
- 10:00 AM - Arrived at NAIA (Manila Airport) after a brutal long haul flight. I'm already questioning every life decision that led me here. The humidity hit me like a wet, tropical brick wall. Immediately regretted my "I'm-a-travel-influencer" outfit (basically, a flowy dress - brilliant in theory, but now just clinging to me for dear life).
- 11:00 AM - Finding the connecting flight to Tagbilaran. Trying to find a cheap local snacks to survive.
- 7:00 PM - After a series of airport delays and a slightly terrifying taxi ride that made me genuinely believe I was going to die, I finally arrive at my hotel.
Day 2: Panglao - Alona Beach (Paradise Found…Maybe? And Definitely Sand)
- 8:00 AM - Wake up (after a terrible night's sleep thanks to the jet lag and the overly enthusiastic gecko chirping outside my window). Breakfast is supposed to be included, but it's a sad little buffet of sad-looking toast and even sadder coffee. Decide to be brave and order "silog" (fried egg, garlic rice, and some sort of meat). Surprisingly, it's fantastic!
- 9:00 AM - Trek down to Alona Beach. Okay, now this is what I came for. Crystal-clear turquoise water, white sand that makes your toes sing, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Immediate internal battle: Do I take a million photos for Instagram, or do I just. Stop. And. Enjoy.
- 10:00 AM - Snorkelling time! The water is warm, and the coral is beautiful, The marine life is insane. Got a little too close to a grouper and almost had a heart attack when it glared at me. Probably thinking, "Ugh, another tourist."
- 12:00 PM - Beachside lunch. Grilled fish, fresh fruit juice, and a view that could make even the grumpiest person smile. Started chatting with a local vendor and learned more about the island's history than any travel guide could ever tell you. He told stories about the old days, when the beach wasn't swarming with tourists, and I immediately felt a twinge of bittersweet longing for a time I never knew.
- 3:00 PM - Nap under a palm tree. Best. Decision. Ever.
- 5:00 PM - Evening walk on the beach. The sunset is unreal, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Some young kids were having a blast, so I felt like I wanted to join in, so I did.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Fresh seafood, cold beer, and the sound of the waves crashing. I almost don't want to leave.
Day 3: Island Hopping (Boats, Snorkeling, and Maybe a Sea Turtle?)
- 8:00 AM - Jump out of bed! Breakfast is better today (maybe I'm getting used to it?). Ready for my island hopping tour. Hoping to see some dolphins!
- 9:00 AM - Packed into a small boat with a bunch of other tourists. A little crammed, but whatever. First stop: Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary.
- 10:00 AM - Snorkelling at Balicasag Island. The water is clearer than I can believe! Seriously, I've never seen anything quite like it. Saw SO many fish, and a sea turtle! The turtle, I swear, looked right at me. Majestic.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch on a floating platform. Basic but delicious. My stomach is still a little shaky from the boat ride.
- 2:00 PM - Virgin Island. Beautiful sandbar. The colour of the sand and the water is unreal. Felt like I was in a postcard.
- 6:00 PM - A fun night in Alona Beach. Enjoying the bar and restaurant lifestyle.
Day 4: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers (Cute Creatures and Scenic Views!)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at a local cafe. Feeling good, today is the day!
- 9:00 AM - Road trip to explore Bohol!
- 10:00 AM - Chocolate Hills. Wow. Pictures do NOT do it justice. Seriously, hundreds of perfectly rounded hills stretching as far as the eye can see. Feeling small, in a good way. Climbed up to the viewing platform, and got a bit breathless.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch. Eating lunch next to the hills.
- 2:00 PM - Seeing the Tarsiers. Oh. My. Gawd. The tiny monkeys are so small. These creatures are the cutest thing ever. They have huge eyes and are extremely vulnerable. This one clung to a branch and stared at me. Made me realize I am now addicted to this adorable creature.
- 4:00 PM - Loay Bridge. That bridge is beautiful!
- 6:00 PM - Back to the beach, just in time for the sunset.
Day 5: Back to Reality (But with Amazing Memories)
- 8:00 AM - Packing…already dreading the flight home.
- 10:00 AM - last minute beach walk. I think I needed an extra dose of the sea.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and snacks.
- 2:00 PM - Head to the airport for the flight back.
Overall Impression:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were delays, moments of sheer exhaustion, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by jet lag and questionable food choices. But the beauty of Panglao Island, the warmth of the people, and the sheer joy of being in a different world made it all worth it. I laughed, I cried (okay, maybe just a little from the humidity), and I discovered a new appreciation for the simple things in life.
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. And next time, I'm bringing more sunscreen and a bigger backpack. And maybe a therapy session to deal with the post-travel blues. Either way, this was a trip to remember.
Beijing Marriott Yanqing: Luxury Escape Awaits (Near the Great Wall!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Positano Beach REALLY as gorgeous as those photos?
Alright, fine. You want the truth? It's… well, it's stunning. Yeah, the photos are legit. But here's the secret they don't show you: it's also… crowded. Like, seriously crowded. I went thinking I'd find my own private slice of paradise. Nope. More like sharing paradise with a few *hundred* of your closest Instagram friends. But honestly? Even packed, the turquoise water, the blinding white sand, the way the sun hits the cliffs… it's breathtaking. I actually gasped when I first saw it. Like a cartoon character who just ate a perfectly cooked steak. Worth it? Absolutely. Just brace yourself for the people… and the sand stuck *everywhere*. I'm still finding it in my luggage.
Best time to visit Positano Beach, Bohol, to avoid the crowds... and the heatstroke?
Ugh, crowd control, the never-ending saga. I tried to be clever. Went in "shoulder season," right? Ha! Turns out, everyone else had the same brilliant idea. Still… the absolute *best* time, if you want a fighting chance? Early. Like, sunrise early. I'm not a morning person. I *hate* mornings. But I'll tell you what, I dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 am one day (after a dreadful night of mosquitos). Absolutely worth it. The water was glassy, the air was cool, and I had – briefly! – a little patch of beach to myself. It didn't last, obviously, but those glorious minutes, the quiet, the gentle lapping of the waves… that's the memory that sticks. November or May will give you a chance. Avoid dry season (March-May), when it gets *brutal*. The sun will try and kill you.
Okay, so let's talk about the sand. Is it actually, like, *good* sand? Soft? White? Or a gritty, shell-filled nightmare?
The sand... alright. It *looks* amazing. Pure, blinding white in those photos. And for the most part, it *is* fantastic. Fine, soft, and perfect for sinking your toes into. But. And there’s always a but, isn’t there? It depends. On where you are on the beach, and what time of day. High tide, the sand is often a bit more compact, and you get the occasional, um, *interesting* piece of driftwood that decides to stab your foot. Low tide? Heaven. But at any time you’re going to have some shells and coral, that’s just the truth. And be warned! It *does* get ridiculously hot. So, wear flip-flops. Seriously. You'll be doing the hot-foot dance. I saw a guy nearly pass out trying to reach for his towel barefoot. Drama!
Snorkeling or Scuba Diving at Positano Beach. Yay or Nay?
Um, let me give you a nuanced answer: it's a mixed bag. Snorkeling? Maybe. There IS some reef, but visibility can change, and it's not *prime* snorkeling territory compared to some other places in Bohol. I found the reef was a bit… sparse. Lots of brown, a few fish. Nothing to write home about. Scuba diving? Potentially better, but I didn't dive *there*, so listen to a local dive operator. I'd probably recommend exploring elsewhere in Bohol if you're specifically after amazing underwater experiences. Don’t expect the Great Barrier Reef. Or even a particularly vibrant aquarium. I’m being real here.
The Food! What kind of food can I get at Positano Beach, and how tasty is it, *really*?
Okay, food. This is VERY important. Because you're gonna burn a boatload of calories just *existing* in that heat and swimming! The food options are pretty good. You've got your classic beachside restaurants serving fresh seafood – grilled fish, prawns, all that jazz. The food is mostly tasty. But here's my deep, probably overly emotional, take. One experience really stands out. There was this tiny shack, right on the edge of the beach, run by this woman with a huge, infectious laugh. She made the most incredible *kinilaw* (Philippine ceviche) I've ever had in my life. The vinegar, the coconut milk, the freshness… it was a flavor explosion. I went back *every day* until they ran out of fish. I almost cried when she told me. And now I'm hungry again! (Pro tip: Ask around and look for the tiny, family-run places. They're often the best.)
Are there any resorts/hotels ON the beach itself? Or is it more of a ‘walk from your accommodation’ situation?
Okay, so, here’s the deal. The beach itself is pretty accessible, so it’s not like you’re trudging miles. There ARE accommodations nearby, you can step from your hotel to the sand. You’re not going to be stuck walking for hours, which is nice. It’s more of a ‘walk-to-the-sand-with-sand-everywhere-in-your-room-later’ situation. There are plenty of options clustered around. They range from budget-friendly guesthouses to fancier resorts. Do your research, check reviews… and be prepared for the potential for some *very* noisy neighbors. I ended up with a karaoke party next door. At 3 AM. It was delightful. (Not.)
Anything else I should know before I go? Like, what's the vibe? What can I expect?
The vibe? Relaxed, but bustling. Think beach party meets "look at me, I'm in paradise." You'll find a mix of people: families, couples, solo travelers, Instagram influencers… basically, everyone. Expect to be approached by vendors selling everything from sunglasses to massages. Politely decline if you're not interested. Bring cash - not everywhere takes cards. And most important? Bring sunscreen. And reapply it. Constantly. Otherwise, you'll end up looking like a boiled lobster, which is never a good look. Oh! And the mosquitos… bring repellent. Seriously. They are vicious. I still have scars to prove it.
Okay Okay one final thought: would you go back?
Would I go back? Damn it, yes. Even with the crowds, the sand in everything, the insane heat, and the karaoke at 3 AM. There's a magic toHotel Near Me Search
