Trifter

The Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island, Davao is nestled in a secluded cove that was formerly home to the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm.  The farm produced cultured pearls from the depths of the Sulu Seas.  More than 30 years later, it has given way to one of the best and most luxurious beach resorts in Davao.

The resort is aptly named.  Everything— from the facilities to the generous greenery—smacks of luxury and class, like a rare and expensive jewel.

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The accommodations make much of the island’s natural beauty.  Most of the hilltop (or balay) rooms have a panoramic view of the sea from their verandas.  The Stilt houses on the water have balconies where you can watch schools of tropical fish swimming in the waters below.  The exclusive villas on nearby Isla Malipano open onto a white-sand beach.  One of the villas belongs to the resort owner Don Antonio Floirendo and his wife Nenita.  The Floirendo villa was designed by Filipino architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa along the lines of traditional salakot (native hat) with native materials like rattan, coconut, and bamboo.  At sunset, and viewed from the jetty or a speedboat cruising the waters, it truly is a majestic sight.  All this natural beauty meets its match in the resort’s ethnic flavor.  The ethnic motif of the resort reflects the culture of the island’s tribe, lending a strong charm to the idyllic island hideaway.

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A hideaway it truly is:  Pearl Farm Beach Resort is 45 minutes away by ferryboat from Davao City, and once you’re there, you feel as if you’re in a different world.  From the time you step off the boat and onto the resort’s wooden jetty—where a guest relations officer meets you with a smile and a complimentary tropical drink—there is nothing else to do but relax, return the smile and enjoy yourself.

There are plenty of places for relaxation.  You may be on an island, but you won’t get bored.  There is an al fresco bar beside the jetty.  Enjoy the local and continental cuisine as well as the sumptuous buffets. Water activities such as jet skiing, scuba diving and lots more for the water lovers are offered on the island.

Go ahead—this is an island and no one, except perhaps for the fish, will be bothered if you do.  Guests can also avail special tours to neighboring islands like Talikud for snorkeling and diving.