Escape to Paradise: Modala Beach Resort, Bohol's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Modala Beach Resort - Bohol's Charm (and a Few Hiccups!) - A Brutally Honest Review
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real skinny on Modala Beach Resort in Panglao, Bohol. Forget those airbrushed travel brochures – I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, the good, the not-so-good, and the downright hilarious moments. This isn't a perfectly curated Instagram post, this is raw, unfiltered me.
Accessibility: Striving for Nirvana (with a Few Stumbles)
Let's be honest, accessibility is a big deal for me. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a resort that thinks about everyone. Modala tries. They have an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. And there are ramps leading to some areas. BUT… and there’s always a but, isn’t there? Some pathways are a tad narrow, and the beach access isn't exactly a breeze for those with mobility issues. This is where I was seriously disappointed. They mention accessibility, implying a fully inclusive experience. It’s closer to “accessible-ish.” They need to improve here, no question. My advice? Call ahead, ask specific questions, and be prepared to navigate a few… interesting situations.
Rambling About the Rooms (and My Love-Hate Relationship with Blackout Curtains)
Where do I even begin with the rooms? Honestly, they're pretty darn nice. I was in a non-smoking room (thank the heavens above), and it had everything: air conditioning (essential!), a comfy bed, a mini-bar (naturally), and… blackout curtains. Now, I love blackout curtains, except when they turn your room into a tomb at 8 AM. Hello, wake-up service by squinting into the mirror! The bathroom? Decent, not spectacular. Clean, though, which is a major win. I had my own private bathroom with a shower or tub (I was on the 5th floor), I can't remember. Oh, there are bathrobes and slippers. Nice touch, Modala! I love complimentary tea, and they delivered. They also provided me with free bottled water everyday. I really love it!
The Internet: Free Wifi (Bless the Gods!)
Listen, as a travel writer, I need my internet. I need it! And Modala? They deliver. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Insert joyous dance here). Seriously, it's a godsend. No agonizing over paying extra or finding a decent signal. I could actually work! They also have Internet [LAN] which is great. I did not use this, but it's there, for you nerds!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Okay, the food situation is… interesting. They have a lot of options: A la carte, Asian breakfast, buffets, international cuisine, a poolside bar, a snack bar, a vegetarian restaurant (hooray!). I had the buffet breakfast – good stuff. There was a lot of food and I loved it.
The pool bar was great for cocktails. Happy hour is happy, let me tell you. But, let me get down to business.
- Breakfast: Buffet was pretty good, but the same every day, which could get boring. I love a variety!
- Other Dining: I tried a few dishes at the restaurants, and it was a mixed bag. Sometimes amazing, other times… not so much. One particular dinner was a disaster. I ordered the seafood pasta – it looked beautiful, but the sauce tasted like it came from a can. I could feel the chef's lack of passion radiating from the plate. I'm a foodie, and this dish made me cry. I let the waiter know my dissatisfaction and he apologized. I was given a free dessert. This was what I was looking for.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Gym Days (and My Quest for Inner Peace)
This is where Modala really shines. They've got it all:
- Spa/Sauna: I indulged in a massage, and it was absolutely divine. The spa itself is beautiful, and the masseuse was fantastic. I almost fell asleep I loved it so much.
- Swimming Pool: The outdoor pool is gorgeous, especially with a view. I spent hours lounging there, working on my tan, and sipping cocktails.
- Fitness Center: I made use of the Gym and fitness center. A good workout and I felt great afterwards!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing Like It's Going Out of Style (and That's a Good Thing!)
In the post-pandemic world, cleanliness and safety are paramount. Modala seems to take this seriously. They have anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff are trained in safety protocols. I felt pretty safe here.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and the Ones You Can Live Without)
They pretty much have everything you need, and a few things you don’t:
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry Service: I never used it.
- Gift/souvenir shop: I did get a gift.
- On-site event hosting: I did not host events, but maybe you will!
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Big plus! Parking is a nightmare in some tourist spots.
- Medical: Doctor/nurse on call, first aid kit,
- Security: CCTV in common areas, 24-hour security.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (But I'm No Expert)
I don't have kids, so I can only take them at their word. They have babysitting service. They have kids facilities. I will assume it is okay.
Getting Around: Airport Transfers and Beyond
They arrange airport transfers, which is a lifesaver compared with trying to figure out a taxi after a tiring flight. Also, there is a parking.
The Verdict: Worth a Visit, With a Few Caveats
So… Modala Beach Resort. Is it a paradise? Almost. It's beautiful, relaxing, generally well-maintained, and has a lot to offer. The staff are friendly and helpful. But, and this is a big “but,” they need to improve their accessibility and consistency in the dining experience.
My advice? If you’re looking for a beautiful beach resort with a good range of amenities and don’t need perfect accessibility, Modala is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a few imperfections, embrace the chaos, and bring your sense of humor. You’ll probably have a fantastic time. And don’t forget to try the cocktails. They're worth the trip alone.
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Modala Beach Resort: My Bohol Bliss (and occasional Bedlam) - A Messy Itinerary
Okay, so here's the deal. I’m not one for rigid schedules. My "plan" has about as much flexibility as a wet noodle. But hey, even a wet noodle kinda knows where it's going, right? This is my attempt at documenting my Modala Beach Resort adventure, warts and all. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Shell Shock, and Shrimp Overload
11:00 AM: Landed in Tagbilaran after a flight that felt longer than my last relationship (oof, too soon?). The airport was hot and bustling – a glorious chaotic mess of families, luggage, and the sweet, sweet smell of… well, I'm not entirely sure, but it's Bohol! Found my pre-arranged airport transfer (thank god; bargaining in the sun is not my strong suit). The ride to Modala was… let's just say, bumpy. Philippine roads, am I right? But the scenery! Lush green rice paddies, curious water buffalo, and houses painted in every color imaginable. I was already feeling that “Philippines magic.”
12:30 PM: Check-in. Modala lobby? Gorgeous. Beach views? Heart eyes emoji x 1000. My room? A little less "resort perfection" and a little more "hasn't-been-cleaned-since-the-last-guest-left-but-I'm-too-happy-to-complain." (Okay, maybe a little complaining. But the balcony view…forget about it.) I swear, I could smell the ocean breeze mixed with freshly cut mangoes from the moment I stepped inside.
1:30 PM: Lunch at The Deck. Oh. My. God. I ordered the grilled shrimp, fully expecting a dainty portion. Instead, a mountain of juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp arrived. I devoured them. Absolutely devoured them. I ate until I was sure I’d become a permanent fixture on a Modala beach chair. My brain short-circuited from sheer, unadulterated seafood bliss.
3:00 PM: Beach wander. The sand… oh, the sand. Soft, white, and whispering secrets to my toes. I walked along the shore, watching the waves dance. Found a particularly perfect spot to plop myself down – the sound of crashing waves and ocean breeze feels like a warm hug. Spent a solid hour just staring at the turquoise water, letting my worries drift away with the tide. (Except for the faint nagging thought that I hadn’t applied enough sunscreen. Rookie mistake.)
5:00 PM: Poolside cocktails at the Tides Bar. Mandatory. The Passion Fruit Mojito saved my soul. The sunsets here are legendary, and tonight, it did not disappoint. The sky exploded in hues of orange, pink, and purple. I even managed to resist the urge to post every picture to Instagram. (Mostly.)
7:00 PM: Dinner at Modala Beach Club. (Different from The Deck, mind you! It took me a while to get my bearings). Opted for the fish, which was good, but let’s be honest, nothing could compare to the shrimp. Met a lovely couple from Canada who were celebrating their anniversary. We spent a good chunk of the evening swapping travel stories and laughing way too loud.
9:00 PM: Passed out. Exhaustion is my constant companion.
Day 2: Island Hopping, Chocolate Hills Confusion, and Tourist Trauma.
7:00 AM: Woke up, still feeling that shrimp. Breakfast was a quick affair – a basic (and surprisingly tasty) breakfast spread at the restaurant. Then, onto the big adventure: Island Hopping!. Super excited!
8:00 AM: Island hopping tour commenced! We started with the usual suspects: Balicasag Island for snorkeling (AMAZING. Saw so many fish I lost count, including a giant sea turtle that gave my heart a proper flutter!) and Virgin Island for the sandbar selfie opportunity (slightly overcrowded, but still beautiful). The water was SO clear. I felt like I was swimming in a giant aquarium. But the sheer volume of tourists… well, let's just say things got a little… hectic. Elbows, selfie sticks, and a general sense of "every man for himself". I clutched my snorkeling mask and fought the current of bodies.
12:00 PM: Lunch on Balicasag Island. Grilled fish again! I was starting to get the hang of this Filipino cuisine life.
2:00 PM: Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Conservation Area. This is where the itinerary gets a little… hazy. The Chocolate Hills were… majestic. Just a surreal landscape of rolling hills. Taking a photo was almost an obligation. But the crowds! They were everywhere. I’m pretty sure I saw a guy trying to climb one of the hills (don’t do that!). After what felt like an infinite amount of time dodging selfie sticks, traffic, and tourist buses, I was ready for some peace.
3:30 PM: Tarsier Conservation. These tiny little primates are cute! So cute! But the whole experience felt… manufactured. I could feel my initial excitement wane off and instead, feel bad.
5:30 PM: Back at the resort. Debrief with the Canadians (who, thankfully, had a more enjoyable day). Cocktails were needed. Stat. Decided to escape from the crowds and spend the rest of the day just lounging on the beach.
7:00 PM: Dinner at The Deck again. (Am I predictable? Yes. Do I regret it? Absolutely not.) This time, I tried the Adobo. It was pretty darn good. The wind made everything better!
9:00 PM: Bed. Too much sun!
Day 3: Relaxation, Regret (of the best kind), and Farewell, For Now.
8:00 AM: Slept in! (Finally). Ordered room service breakfast (pancakes, obviously) and ate it on the balcony, enjoying the quiet sounds of birds. It was a perfect way to start the day.
9:00 AM: Spa time! Modala's spa was a true sanctuary. I got a massage that erased all the muscle tension from the travel and tourist stress. I practically levitated out of there. I need this every day.
11:00 AM: Poolside reading and sunbathing. Finally allowing myself to fully relax. I realized how much I needed this trip. Just me, the book, and the sun. The world was okay.
1:00 PM: Lunch at The Deck (again!). My last shrimp. (Devastating). Savored every single, glorious bite. Probably the best meal I've ever experienced.
3:00 PM: Wandering around the resort, taking a few more photos. It all just looks so beautiful and perfect!
4:00 PM: Some last minutes gift shopping.
5:00 PM: Drinks and a final goodbye to the Canadians. Promise to keep in touch. (Hopefully).
7:00 PM: Dinner at Sea Breeze. Ordered some last-minute traditional food.
9:00 PM: Packing. Trying to squeeze the essence of Bohol into my suitcase. Feeling melancholy and already plotting my return. I'm going to miss the sound of the waves, the taste of the shrimp, and the warmth of the people.
Day 4: Departure
5:00 AM: Up early for my flight. Say goodbye to my wonderful beach view.
6:00 AM: Checked out.
7:30 AM: Airport Transfer.
8:00 AM: Flight to Manila
9:00 AM: Flight to [MY CITY]
The End? Nope. This is just the beginning. Bohol, you’ve got a piece of my heart. And I’ll be back. Just you wait.
So, you're thinking of buying a REALLY old house? Are you CRAZY?
What are the BIGGEST problems you encountered? (Besides the obvious, like, you know, everything.)
Then there was the *lead paint.* Oh. Sweet, delicious lead paint. Turns out, it's everywhere. EVERYWHERE. And it's probably illegal to remove yourself (unless you're an expert, which…I'm not). The sheer anxiety of a lead-based existence and the subsequent financial expense was crippling.
Finally, the *people*. The contractors you hire, the inspectors who say "Yeah, that's a *minor* issue," while secretly cackling because they know they'll be back next week for round two. Getting anyone to actually show up when they say they'll show up is an Olympic sport in itself. My advice? Learn to swear fluently in multiple languages. It helps. A lot.
Did you ever regret it? Like, seriously, did you wake up at 3 AM screaming, clutching your checkbook?
But then... there were moments. Moments when the sun would stream through those wonky windows, and I'd see the dust motes dancing in the air, and feel this… this deep, abiding *love* for the place. And I’d think, "Okay, maybe I'm insane. But at least I'm insane in a really old, beautiful house." The regret is real, but so is the joy. They are both entwined in a beautiful, messy, crazy dance.
What was the weirdest thing you found? (Besides the dead cat in the walls, hopefully…)
AND THEN, there was the other thing. In the attic, stuffed inside a dusty trunk, wrapped in yellowed newspaper from the 1920s… was a collection of… *vintage hand grenades.* Real ones. Like, actual, live hand grenades. I called the police. They were, um, not thrilled. Turns out, my house had a previous resident who clearly had a *very* interesting hobby.
How do you stay sane? Because I'm starting to feel panicked on your behalf.
So, would you do it again? Knowing what you know now?
Look, it nearly broke me. It cost me a small fortune. I still find myself muttering curses at faulty electricity and dry rot under my breath. But… I look around at my wonky floors, the crackling fireplace, and the history that lives within these walls? And I wouldn’t trade it. It’s a love-hate relationship, but at least it's *my* love and hate. So hell yeah, I would do it again. But next time? I'm hiring a REALLY good inspector. And a therapist. And maybe a bodyguard to protect me from rogue contractors. Wish me luck, because I've already started looking at my next "project." Send help. Actually, just send wine. Lots and lots of wine.
