Escape to Paradise: Eskapo Verde Lodge Awaits in Moalboal, Philippines
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're wading into the deep end of the review pool! This isn't your sanitized corporate brochure; this is a real look at… well, let's just call it "The Place," for reasons that'll become clear. I'm going to try to be thorough, even if I get a little… lost along the way.
The Place: Unfiltered & Unvarnished (with a heavy dose of SEO)
First, the buzzwords. Yeah, we gotta play the SEO game. So, here we go: The Place offers a whole shebang of amenities, perfect for all kinds of travelers. Thinking about accessibility? Boom, we'll get there. Need your Wi-Fi fix? Consider that covered. Looking for some serious pampering and relaxation? Let’s dive deep into the spa, the pool with a view, and the massage. But don't expect every last detail to be perfect – life (and hotels) aren’t like that. Let's go…
Accessibility: Trying to Navigate the Maze (and the Lobby)
Okay, let's be real: The Place tries to be accessible. They boast wheelchair access and, technically, an elevator. I say technically because, during my stay, the elevator decided to practice a little "intermittent fasting," meaning it wasn't always available. Fun times when you're on the seventh floor with a dodgy knee! They also have facilities for disabled guests. My experience? Well, it clearly wasn't a priority. The ramps felt a bit like an afterthought, and some doorways were a hair too narrow. I saw it. I made do.
On-Site Grub & Grooving: Eating, Drinking, and Maybe Regretting a Cocktail
Restaurants & Lounges: They have a fair amount of choices. “Restaurants” is plural – impressive! There’s a vegetarian restaurant (nice touch!), a Western restaurant (I ate a burger there. Perfectly fine, nothing to write home about), and even an Asian restaurant. I’m one of those Asian cuisine maniacs so I was very happy. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. Drinks were potent (and therefore, a win), and the vibe was chill. I can’t fully recommend it (because I ended up nursing a tequila hangover the next day).
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: The Gut Check Let's talk food, and the options! Breakfast is available – buffet and a la carte! I was definitely a fan of the Asian breakfast. They had coffee/tea in the restaurant and in the rooms. You could get a bottle of water (essential), and there was a coffee shop too. Room service [24-hour] is also a plus!
The Little Things: Shout out to the bottle of water (seriously, hydration is key in this game). I appreciated the sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and also the Individually-wrapped food options. They made the safe dining setup feel like a little extra care, and I needed that.
Internet: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere (but Sometimes Nowhere)
They claim Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they offer it. And boy, do I have a love-hate relationship with it. Mostly hate, in fact. The signal in my room was spotty, cutting out during crucial Zoom calls. Internet [LAN] was offered for those who like a physical connection. There was also Wi-Fi in public areas. I mean, it worked, but don't expect lightning-fast speeds. Think "snail mail" internet, not "Amazon Prime" internet.
Things to Do & Ways to Unwind: Spa, Sauna – Ah, Bliss (Or So I Hoped)
- Spa Life: The spa was one of the main draws, honestly. They’ve got the whole shebang: Body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, massage, sauna, steamroom, the works. The pool with a view definitely lived up to the hype. Seriously, the view was stunning, especially at sunset. I highly recommend it.
- Fitness Center: Yes, there’s a fitness center, as well as a gym/fitness*. I, however, never went. I'm on vacation!
- The Pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] was glorious. It's huge, clean, and the perfect antidote to a day spent wrestling with the internet.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Germaphobe's Guide to Survival (Mostly)
I'll admit, I'm a borderline germaphobe. So, I immediately sized up the Cleanliness and safety . The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization opt-out available were appreciated. The Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. Staff trained in safety protocol – this was noticeable. I did see first aid kit(s) throughout the property.
My one quibble? While they provided individually-wrapped food options, the buffet felt a little… exposed. I’m sure they did their best, but it was a tad nerve-wracking.
Rooms: Comforts & Quirks
- Absolutely Available: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- The Good: My room was generally clean, with a comfy bed and those glorious blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off a cocktail or two). Loved the complimentary tea!
- The Not-So-Good: The decor was… dated. Let's call it "budget luxury." The soundproofing was spotty. I heard the neighboring party well into the wee hours.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
- The Good: They offer 24-hour Front desk, Concierge. The Doorman was always friendly and efficient.
- The "Meh": The dry cleaning service was so-so. The car park [free of charge] was a definite plus.
For the Kids: Tiny Humans Welcome (with a Caveat)
- Family/child friendly: They claim to be! They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities.
- My Take: The main pool is great for kids, but I didn't see anything specifically tailored to them.
Getting Around: Ground Transportation
- Getting Around: They offer airport transfer and taxi service. They do have Car park [on-site] and even car park [free of charge].
Final Verdict: Is The Place Worth It? (The Honest Truth)
Look, The Place has its flaws. It’s not perfect. It's a jack-of-all-trades hotel: it tries to be everything to everyone and succeeds at some things. But… there's a certain charm to it. The staff, for the most part, are genuinely friendly. The pool is amazing. And, if you roll with the imperfections, you can have a pretty decent stay.
My Offer! (The Pitch)
So, feeling adventurous? Want a hotel that has a bunch of different activities? Want a vacation?
Here's the deal: Book your stay at The Place, and I’ll give you a free guide to my favorite local happy hour spots! You're taking risk, you're staying here, and in return, I'll give you a drink!
Click here to book your fun, flawed, potentially-amazing stay at The Place! Don't expect perfection. Do expect a good time. And maybe… just maybe… I'll see you by the pool.
Lake Norman Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Inn & Suites Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this is not your sanitized, perfectly-curated travel blog. This is my trip to Eskapo Verde Lodge in Moalboal, Philippines, and trust me, it’s going to be…a ride.
Eskapo Verde: My Moalboal Meltdown (and Maybe a Miracle)
Days 1 & 2: The Arrival & The Snag
- The Journey from Cebu (and a Prayer of Many Tears): So, the plan was airtight, right? Fly into Cebu, grab a bus to Moalboal. Simple. Oh sweet, naive me. First, the flight was delayed. Then, the Cebu airport felt like the gates of hell, except instead of demons, there were a thousand sweaty, impatient people. I clung to my backpack like it was a life raft. The bus ride? Let's just say it involved a lot of questionable smells, relentless karaoke (WHY?!), and the agonizing realization that I'd forgotten my travel pillow. Note to self: Next time, duct tape that pillow to my face. We arrived in Moalboal way, way later than expected, famished and grumpy.
- Eskapo Verde - First Impressions (and a Minor Panic Attack): The lodge itself…well, it's rustic, let's say. Like, seriously rustic. Think "barely-there WiFi" and "mosquitoes that mean business." I’m not gonna lie, my first emotion was a solid wave of panic. My room… it wasn’t the Instagram-perfect oasis I’d envisioned. More like a charmingly dilapidated hut with a questionable fan. The “eco-friendly” shower? Cold. Freezing cold! I instantly missed the blessed hot showers of home . I mean, the view was stunning. The verdant hills, the endless ocean… But the cold shower, the mosquitoes buzzing in my ear… I was on the verge of tears. This was supposed to be my escape! Was this the beginning of my end?
- The Sunset Redemption (and a Bite to Eat): Then, like a divine intervention, the sunset exploded across the sky. Blazing oranges, fiery reds, hues I didn't even know existed. Suddenly, the cold shower, the mosquitoes (well, I still REALLY hated the mosquitoes) faded into the background. I was hungry, grumpy, jet lagged, full of doubts and so in love. That sunset was pure magic. I wandered down to the lodge's restaurant (a tiny open-air affair) and had the most delicious, simple Filipino food I've ever eaten. Chicken adobo that was so tender it practically melted in my mouth and a local beer. The world felt… a little less terrible.
Days 3 & 4: Diving (or more like, Flailing) and the Unintentional Beach Bum
- The Unforgettable Dive (and the Near-Drowning): Diving!! This was the big one, the whole reason I came. I’d signed up for a beginner’s course, visions of graceful gliding through coral reefs dancing in my head. Reality check: I’m clumsy. I’m awkward. And I have a slight aversion to the feeling of water in my nose. Let's just say my first dive was less Jacques Cousteau, more…flailing, panicking, and almost swallowing half the ocean. My instructor, bless his patient heart, had to practically drag me down and back up. At one point, I was sure I was going to die. I imagined my obituary: "Died, consumed by ocean and a rogue bit of flipper." I looked like a panicked turtle. Yet, when I finally calmed down, it was…amazing. The colours, the fish, the feeling of weightlessness…totally worth near-drowning.
- The Beach, the Boredom, and the Bliss: After my diving near-death experience, I needed some serious R&R. And let me tell you, Moalboal is perfect for that. The beach at Panagsama (the main area) is not the pristine white sand perfection you see in the brochures. It is small, full of tourists, and there's a lot of seaweed. But it's the only beach in Moalboal so…what choice did I have? I spent the next two days doing absolutely nothing. Reading, watching the waves, occasionally wandering over to a nearby beachfront bar for a beer (or two). I embraced the boredom. The sweet, blissful, guilt-free boredom. I even perfected the art of the beach nap.
- The Friendly Faces: The other thing that made those days was the people - the people of Panagsama. The locals, the hotel staff, the other traveler. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, more than you want to be. They made me feel like I belonged there.
Days 5 & 6: Kawasan Falls (and the Real, the Raw, the Glorious)
- The Grand Hike (with a Misunderstanding of Geography): So, Kawasan Falls. Picturesque. Instagram-famous. A must-do. Getting there involved a bumpy tricycle ride and a hike that I vastly underestimated. I packed like I was going on a leisurely stroll to the library, not a hike through the jungle. I was sweating! Hot, stinky sweat. I should have brought more water too. I was not prepared.
- The Falls: But when I saw those falls… They were spectacular. The water was that impossibly blue I’d only seen in magazines. The cascading falls, the lush greenery…it was beautiful. We swam in the water - the cold water, the cold water that I was too scared to go into. I eventually jumped and was ecstatic. It was magical, that glorious moment.
- The Hike Back and Reflections: The hike back was as torturous as the hike to the falls. But afterward, sitting by the falls, soaking it all in, I couldn't deny how magical it was.
Day 7 & Beyond: Reality Bites (and Maybe a Return?)
- The Bitter Farewell (and the Promise of Home): The last morning at Eskapo Verde came way too quickly. I woke up to the sunshine, the roosters crowing (which, by the way, is NOT charming at 5 AM), and a pang of sadness. Leaving this place… leaving those moments… I didn't want to go. I reluctantly packed my things, which were few, very few, and had a final breakfast. I swear the chicken adobo tasted even better than it had before.
- The Journey Home (and the Dreams of Return): The trip back to Cebu, and then the flight home, were uneventful, thank goodness. I'm sitting here now, back in my normal life, with a tan, a bit of a sunburn, and a serious mosquito bite. Eskapo Verde wasn't perfect, not by a long shot. But it was real. It was raw. It was unforgettable. And I'm already plotting my return.
Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend Eskapo Verde? Absolutely. But be prepared. Be prepared for the imperfections, be prepared for the challenge, be prepared to fall in love with a place that isn't picture-perfect. Be prepared, most of all, to discover a little bit more about yourself – the good, the bad, and the seriously awkward (like my diving). I learned. I'll keep learning. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about.
Escape to Fort Wayne: Your Dream Stay Awaits at Holiday Inn Express!
So, what *is* this thing anyway? Like, the basics, ya know?
Okay, okay, settle down, Einstein. Basically...? This... this is a collection of answers trying to answer your questions. Think of it like a map, guiding you through the confusing labyrinth of the... subject. But, uh, I'm not *that* organized, so expect some detours. I'm more of a "leap before you look" kinda gal. Also, it's possible this is all just a giant procrastination technique. Don't judge me!
Why should *I* care? What's in it for me?
Well, do you like… well... let's get real, you are probably here because you are curious about the subject matter. Look, let's be honest, sometimes it's really, really boring. But sometimes, *bam!* It's like an emotional rollercoaster. Look, I'm not promising miracles, okay? But maybe, just maybe, you'll stumble upon something that makes you go, "Huh. Interesting." Or maybe you'll just decide to go to the fridge. Honestly, I couldn't blame you.
Who are *you*, anyway? And why should *I* trust your ramblings?
Oh, good question! I'm... well, let's just say I'm a voice. A voice fueled by coffee, questionable life choices, and maybe a touch of existential dread. Trust me? Heh. Don't. Seriously, double-check everything I say. Triple-check it! I'm probably making stuff up as I go along. BUT, I'm being *honest*. You know? I'm shooting from the hip. So take it with a grain of salt, a shot of tequila, or whatever helps you through the day.
Okay, let's get specific. What about [Specific aspect of the subject]?
Ah, *that* particular corner of the the subject. Fine. Um... Okay, so here's my take from the trenches:
First of all, I have to admit I really struggled with the [aspect]. I was all, 'Why is this so complicated?!' It felt like trying to assemble IKEA furniture with boxing gloves on. Seriously, I once spent *three hours* just staring at a [relatable example/analogy related to the aspect]. By the end, I was questioning my sanity. And my ability to follow instructions. Then, I eventually figured out that [short simple fact about the aspect] and it completely changed my perspective.
I will tell you a small anecdote about what I was like while doing that. Ah, the shame! The horror! There was that one time where I was totally lost and was just screaming at my computer. And, you know what? I had to take a break and watch some trashy reality TV. But you know what, it worked! After that I was as good as new.Do you ever think about the implications, and the future of [related topic]?
Oh GOD, yes. All the time. Sometimes, I lie awake at 3 AM, staring at the ceiling, and going, 'Wait... WHAT IF?' It's terrifying! The potential. It's exhilarating, and also deeply unsettling.
I once had this crazy daydream about [a silly and slightly unrealistic potential future]. I'm sure it won't ever happen. But it really made me think about how it should be.
What's the biggest misconception about [related subject]?
Oh, the biggest misconception? That it's [wrong answer]. It's not! People think [misconception]. But the truth is [correct answer].
I used to fall for that one too. Oh boy, the number of times I was completely off! But then I learned better and, honestly, I'm a little bit embarrassed by what I believed before.
And what's the most *beautiful* thing about [related subject]?
The most beautiful thing? Easy. For me, it's [the beauty, with a specific example]. A moment of pure... Something.
I remember [specific experience demonstrating the beauty] and that's when I knew that this was all worth it.
Any advice for someone just starting out with this?
My oh my, just... where do I even *start*? Okay, first things first: don't be afraid to look stupid. Because you *will* look stupid. A LOT. Embrace it. It's part of the journey.
Also, find your people, whoever they are. And I mean the *real* crazies. Trust me, they're out there. And they make this whole thing so much better.
Can you recommend resources?
Resources, huh? Okay, so, the gold standard is definitely [Specific resource]. That one's a must-read. But I also like [a less mainstream resource], because it's [reason why you like it, a bit quirky and/or personal].
And if you want to REALLY dive in, just start googling! But don't get lost in the rabbit hole. I say that from experience!
Okay, let's get dark. What's the *worst* part?
The worst part? Oh, there's a lot of competition for that title. But if I'm honest, it's [the worst thing, with a slightly dramatic flair].
I once went through [a negative anecdote related to the worst thing]. It was horrible. Absolutely terrible. And here's a secret: I'm still not entirely over it.
What is the most common mistake that people make?
