Melo Villareal
Misibis Bay Resort Review
(Cagraray Island, Philippines) Recently, I was invited along with other travel writers to visit Albay’s premier resort—Misibis Bay Resort. This hotel has been high up on my list of “hotels to revisit”, so even if saying yes would mean visiting the hotel for the fourth time, I threw my hat over the wall with a solid YES, and before I knew it, I found myself running along to the airport.
Although I prepared early for the day of my departure, I had an unexpected horrible Grab experience which caused me to miss my plane! Thankfully, I had enough GetGo points to book myself the next available same-day flight. Nothing can stop me from going to Misibis Bay Resort and loving these eight things about it:
Scenic Drive
It took about an hour to get from Legazpi City Domestic Airport to the resort, but the relatively long drive was worth it. Mayon Volcano’s cone-shaped silhouette from afar accompanied me throughout the entire drive, which was a beautiful and majestic experience in itself.
New Pacific View Rooms
I was lucky enough to have a room in one of the new Pacific View wing (check rates and availability). Just like what their name implies, Pacific View rooms are placed along the shore so they have a breathtaking view of the ocean side.
The newly built Pacific View room was everything I could ask for: besides the Instagrammable view out the window, I had a huge bathroom with a tub, a flat-screen TV all to myself, and a comfortable bed by the ocean, to boot. The walls surrounding my room were all of the neutral and light tones, and the furniture and dark colored decorations were cleverly contrasting… in a good way. The spaciousness of my room went especially well with the scent and feel of the ocean side breeze whenever I opened my window to let some fresh air in.
Pro tip from me? Do choose the Pacific View rooms if you ever book a room here at Misibis Bay Resort. If you have more money to splurge, then get the corner rooms. You will not regret it.
Location
If you are a fan of nature, of the sight of mountains and the scent of salt air, or if you are simply craving for a tranquil staycation where you can unplug from all of life’s stressors, this resort has your back. My stay was the embodiment of serenity. Take it from an urban dweller such as myself.
I mentioned above that it took me about an hour to get here. That’s because this resort is located in the quaint island of Cagraray. And what makes Misibis Bay Resort just so perfect is that tourists like me come here for the nature—and that is exactly what I got when I stayed in this perfectly distant hotel.
Maximum Aesthetic
Rolling hills in the backdrop, Mayon Volcano at the horizon, a private sandy beach, and palm-tree lined pathways. The resort looked more like a seaside luxury village with private villas with two pools that look like an oasis and dark wood bamboo buildings. This is perhaps the most tropical vibe that you can get from the tropical country that is the Philippines.
Great Local Food
Albay being part of Bicol Region is home to the classic spicy Bicol Express. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
We had two restaurants to choose from in the hotel: Spice Market and Sula Bar.
We had a platter of the famous dish and the flavors were so explosive and spicy it was almost like summertime in my mouth. We also had some Pork Tinutungan, a dish made from pork and coconut milk made extra delicious with the charcoal-burnt coconut shreds—thus tinutungan. It had a smoky and deep flavor. Yum!
For those who have a weak spot for some sweet indulgence, try their version of Biko, Sili Ice Cream and Turon, Its really that good that all of us had to request for it during our second day BBQ dinner.
Picnics by the Beach
You thought my foodie adventures is over? Think again. The sixth thing I love this resort about so much is our fantastic lunch by the beach during our second day. We rode a speedboat to Pinaghulugan Beach, where a picnic setup of tables, chairs, bean bags, and full kitchen service awaited us. We had our own chef to grill us pork belly, chicken, shrimps, crabs and fresh squid.
Adventure Galore
Being a bay resort, the management offered various watersports to us. They had SCUBA diving and snorkeling gear, as well as ATV ride, kayaks, standup paddling, and wakeboarding facilities just for us. I spent a short time being out on the beach, while the rest of the day, I chose to lie down on my bed and just chill by the balcony.
Feels like Home
Last but not the least, the staff were simply amazing. When I arrived at the resort, I was greeted with a seashell necklace and a fresh coconut as a welcome drink. It was like Balikbayan feels, but that was not the end of it.
Throughout my stay, I appreciated the little gestures of hospitality: the picnic by the beach, the wonderful dishes served by our own chefs, and the classic warmth of Filipino generosity. This is my fourth time staying but I will never be any less enthusiastic when invited to visit this place again.
[Click Here to book online at Misibis Bay Resort]
For inquiries, visit Misibis Bay Resort’s website or message them via their official Facebook page. You can also contact the resort via mobile at 0917-599-1606, 0921-487-3869, or send them an e-mail at [email protected]. Misibis Bay Resort is managed by Enderun Hospitality Management.
Also Read:
