Melo Villareal
Three years after opening, the island resort celebrates a milestone built on Filipino hospitality, meaningful celebrations, and unforgettable guest experiences
SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO DEL NORTE, PHILIPPINES — Discovery Samal is making waves on the national travel scene after being named Davao’s sole nominee for Best Resort in the Philippines at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2027.
Discovery Samal Poolside
The recognition comes three years after the resort opened its doors on Samal Island, marking an important milestone for a property that has become a destination for family holidays, romantic escapes, celebrations, corporate retreats, and getaways with friends.
More than a recognition of its facilities, the nomination reflects the experiences and connections created at the resort—from intimate celebrations and family vacations to weddings, corporate gatherings, and special occasions shared with loved ones.
As the only Davao-based property nominated in the Best Resort in the Philippines category, Discovery Samal is also bringing greater attention to Samal Island and the Davao region, highlighting the area’s natural beauty, diverse experiences, and distinctly Filipino approach to hospitality.
A Resort Designed for Meaningful Gatherings
The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards recognize notable names in travel and hospitality through votes from DestinAsian readers. For Discovery Samal, the nomination offers an opportunity for guests, Davaoeños, travel enthusiasts, and supporters of the region to champion a homegrown destination on a national stage.
At the heart of the resort experience is its emphasis on bringing people together. Discovery Samal combines Filipino warmth with thoughtful service and spaces designed for everything from relaxed family holidays to major celebrations and business events.
Its 1,000-capacity ballroom further strengthens the resort’s role as a venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), helping position Samal and the wider Davao region as destinations capable of hosting both leisure travelers and large-scale business gatherings.
From Weddings to Family Escapes
Discovery Samal has also established itself as a setting for life’s memorable milestones.
Couples can exchange vows at the Chapel on the Hill or choose a beachfront setting for a more tropical celebration. Families, meanwhile, can enjoy the resort’s three expansive swimming pools, Sandbox kids’ play area, arcade, and Samal Escape Spa.
For travelers looking beyond the resort, Samal Island’s surrounding waters offer another dimension to the experience. Its clear seas and rich marine environment provide opportunities for snorkeling and discovering the island’s underwater attractions.
Together, these experiences showcase what lies behind the resort’s nomination: not one particular attraction, but the collection of moments created by guests during their stay.
A Spotlight on Samal and Davao
The nomination also represents an opportunity to shine a brighter light on one of the Philippines’ emerging leisure destinations.
Located just off the coast of Davao City, Samal Island is known for its beaches, clear waters, marine attractions, and laid-back island atmosphere. Its proximity to Davao City makes it particularly accessible for travelers looking to combine urban exploration with a tropical escape.
For Discovery Samal, being recognized alongside resorts from across the country underscores the growing appeal of the Davao region as a destination for both domestic and international travelers.
How to Vote for Discovery Samal
Travelers and supporters can help Discovery Samal compete for the Best Resort in the Philippines title at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2027.
To cast a vote:
- Visit the official DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards voting page.
- Go to the Best Resort in the Philippines category.
- Select Discovery Samal.
- Complete the required information.
- Submit your vote.
Voting is open until October 20, 2026.
Travelers can also encourage friends, family, and fellow travel enthusiasts to participate and help showcase Samal Island and the Davao region to a wider audience.
For Discovery Samal, the nomination is more than a milestone. It is a celebration of the guests, celebrations, partnerships, and Filipino hospitality that have shaped the resort since it opened—and an invitation for more travelers to experience the beauty of Samal for themselves.
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Read: Samal Island Travel Guide: DIY Itinerary, Hotels, Activities + How to get there and more
