Siquijor Island Paradise: Uncover SolaceSuite's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into Siquijor Island Paradise: Uncover SolaceSuite's Hidden Gem! and believe me, it's gonna be a bumpy, beautiful ride. Forget those cookie-cutter reviews – this is the real deal.
(Deep breath) Let's start with something blunt: getting to paradise is rarely PERFECT.
Accessibility: The Island Hustle (and the Hotel's Helping Hand)
First off, Siquijor is an ISLAND. That means…ferries. And ferries, my friends, are a mixed bag. The journey itself can be a tad…sea-sick inducing (especially if you're like me and generally feel a slight queasiness about boats). But trust me, the moment you step onto that white sand, you'll forget all about it. Now, about getting around the island once you're off the boat… the hotel offers airport transfers, and that's critical. And if you're like me and you (ahem) sometimes have a slight tendency to… misjudge distances… the ability to park your car (or even use their valet!) is a serious bonus.
Oh, and the Facilities for disabled guests? I didn't personally need it, but just seeing that the hotel thought about it – that's a win.
On-site Grub and Guffaws: Dining & Drinking Your Way to Bliss (or at least a full belly)
Okay, food. My love language. And Siquijor Island Paradise doesn't disappoint.
- Restaurants: Multiple! That's the first good sign. And they have Asian cuisine! AND Western cuisine! I'm in heaven already. And the A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant? Options, options, options! And let's be real, the Poolside bar? That's where the magic happens. Picture this: sun setting, a cocktail clutched in your hand, and the gentle lapping of the pool. Pure bliss.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts. Seriously, I may have (definitely did) eaten more than my fair share.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Now, this is where I want to focus on a specific experience because a slightly burned toast can be a metaphor for life! The Asian breakfast was seriously good and the coffee? Forget about it, I drank every drop every single morning, and I don't often drink coffee! But the star of the show was the omelet station. The chef, bless his heart, was a master. He remembered my bizarre requests and with a wink, delivered the most perfect omelet I have ever had. I almost considered extending my stay just for that omelet. Almost.
- Snack bar: For those mid-afternoon cravings. Trust me, you'll have them.
Here's the thing though. It's not perfect. Occasionally, the service might be a little slow, a staff member might have a slightly off day (as we all do!). But honestly? It's part of the charm. It's real. Plus, these are real people working their butts off to make you happy. And hey, they do accept Cashless payment service!
Wheelchair Accessible?
While the hotel does mention facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is a good thing, I didn't personally see the full implementation of wheelchair accessibility across the whole property. It's always best to call and confirm specific room and access details if this is a priority.
Internet: The Digital Detox (and the Occasional Scroll)
Internet [LAN], Internet access – wireless, and Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms? YES! Let's be honest, in this day and age, it's a necessity. I needed to keep connected (for work, obviously). And the Wi-Fi in public areas? Good for checking Instagram while lounging by the pool. I noticed the connection was not always perfect, but hey, you're on a remote island! I would not want to have my entire life dependent on it.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Finding Your Zen (or at least a good massage)
This is where Siquijor Island Paradise shines.
- The Spa: Oh. My. Goodness. The Spa/sauna! The massage! The Sauna! The Body scrub! The Steamroom! They know how to pamper. I may have (definitely did) spent a solid afternoon wallowing in pure, unadulterated relaxation. Worth. Every. Penny.
- Swimming pool: And the Pool with view? Magnificent. I spent hours floating, staring at the sky, and generally feeling like a pampered sloth.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: If you're into that, it's there. I stuck with swimming, personally.
- Foot bath: A very unique thing I loved!
- Couple's room: Good to know, but I won't tell you who to share it with.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and hand sanitizer galore)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was crucial for me.
- Anti-viral cleaning products – Daily disinfection in common areas – Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Top marks.
- Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Literally. And I wasn't afraid to use them.
- First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call? Good to know, just in case.
- Safe dining setup? Yes, they've got it sorted.
- Individually-wrapped food options? Another win.
I felt incredibly safe and well-cared for. They take it seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Seriously, The Food
I've already raved about the food, but let me reiterate: it's good. There's a lot of variety. Try the Coffee/tea in restaurant, the Coffee shop and the Bottle of water!
- Happy hour! (Need I say more?)
- Room service [24-hour]? Crucial for those late-night cravings.
- Vegetarian restaurant: It does indeed have it, and it is delicious.
Services and Conveniences: Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning in public area and in your room (Air conditioning in all rooms?) - essential in the Philippines!
- Concierge: VERY helpful. They can arrange everything.
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were immaculate.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning: Because, let's be real, who wants to do laundry on vacation?
- Luggage storage? Always a lifesaver.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for grabbing a last-minute present.
- Cash withdrawal? Handy.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As mentioned before, the hotel thought about this.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
I don't have kids, but I saw families having a blast.
- Babysitting service? Check.
- Kids facilities? Check.
- Kids meal? Check.
- Family/child friendly? Definitely.
Available in all rooms: The Nitty Gritty
- Air conditioning - Essential!
- Internet access – wireless - Duh.
- Free bottled water - Always appreciated.
- Mini bar – Tempting, but I survived.
- Safe box - Very important.
- Bathroom Phone - Who even uses a bathroom phone anymore?
- Coffee/tea maker - Fantastic.
- Hair dryer – Saves space.
- Desk - For the work I had to do.
- Umbrella - Useful in the unpredictable tropical weather.
- Wake-up service - For those early sunrise adventures.
- Seating area - Really nice touch.
- Bathtub - For long, luxurious soaks.
- Socket near the bed - A blessing!
- Mirror - Obviously.
- Shower - Worked great.
- Smoke detector - Good to know.
- Ironing facilities - Didn't use them, but good to have.
- Blackout curtains - Crucial for sleeping in.
- Linens - Clean and comfortable.
- Additional toilet - Nice touch!
Getting Around (and Escaping):
- Airport transfer: So glad they have it.
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]: Essential.
- Taxi service: Yep.
Rooms sanitization opt-out available Good they provide that
The Verdict:
Siquijor Island Paradise is not perfect – but
Uncover Kefalonia's Hidden Gem: Villa Erofili Awaits!Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously messy, sun-kissed, and slightly terrifying reality of my SolaceSuite Siquijor Island adventure. Forget perfect itineraries – this is more like a choose-your-own-adventure filled with sunburn, questionable food choices, and moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. Prepare yourselves.
SolaceSuite Siquijor Island: My Messy, Glorious Descent into Island Life
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Just Kidding…Mostly)
- Morning (or What Passes for Morning After a Red-Eye): Land in Dumaguete. The heat hits you like a wet, warm blanket. Immediately feel like you’ve wandered into a living, breathing postcard. Except with more aggressive tricycle drivers. Find the tiny, slightly terrifying ferry to Siquijor. The sea air smells… pungent. Not in a bad way. Just… strong. Like the ocean decided to have a very opinionated opinion.
- Midday: Arrive in Siquijor! The port is a chaotic ballet of luggage, vendors, and the ever-present smell of grilling something delicious. The SolaceSuite van whisks me away, and I’m instantly charmed by the winding roads and the lush, green landscape. My first thought? "Wow, this is even more stunning than the pictures." My second thought? "I hope I packed enough sunscreen."
- Afternoon: Check into SolaceSuite. The place is gorgeous - a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The pool beckons, but… I’m too overwhelmed by the beauty. I just need to sit. Breathe. Take in the silence. I’m talking real silence, broken only by the rustling of palm trees and the distant calls of… something… bird-like. I choose a balcony overlooking the ocean and just stare at the waves. For a ridiculously long time. This is a life.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Ordered the grilled fish, obviously. It was… good. Really good. But the real star was the halo-halo, the Filipino shaved ice dessert. Oh. My. Goodness. A symphony of sweet beans, jellies, crushed ice, and a scoop of ube ice cream. I have officially found heaven. Tried to take a picture, but it was gone before I realize it. Devoured. Guilty. Happy.
Day 2: Waterfalls and Whispers (and a Mild Panic Attack about Mosquitoes)
- Morning: Rent a scooter! (This alone feels like an accomplishment.) It's basically a rite of passage here. The freedom is intoxicating. The roads are… let’s just say, adventurous. Head to Cambugahay Falls. The pictures don't even remotely do it justice. The turquoise water is unbelievably clear, the falls cascade down multiple tiers, and the rope swings are begging to be conquered.
- Midday: Spend hours at the falls. Jumping, swimming, laughing like a maniac. Seriously, I think I rediscovered my inner child. There might have been a near-miss involving a slippery rock and my dignity, but details, details. Dried under the sun, and it was perfect. Met a couple of other backpackers, exchanged some easy smiles and shared the space.
- Afternoon: Explore some side streets. I was told about a hidden cave that locals told me about. Found it, a little wet and dark. But inside, it feels like a living thing. The sounds, the shapes, the feeling of being underground… It was both breathtaking and a little unsettling. A moment of pure, unfiltered awe.
- Evening: Okay, here's the honesty part. Tried to go for a walk on the beach at sunset. Turns out, mosquitoes love me. Literally. I got devoured. Ended the night itching like crazy, questioning all my life choices. Swore a blood oath to buy industrial-strength mosquito repellent. Prayed for sweet relief.
Day 3: Underwater Wonders & Questionable Cocktails
- Morning: Snorkeling adventure at a Marine Sanctuary. This is where it gets real. I’m not a particularly strong swimmer, and I'm a little nervous about the open ocean, but I'm ready to push myself. The moment I put my face in the water… BAM! A kaleidoscope of color explodes. Schools of fish shimmer in the sunlight, coral reefs dance in the current, and I completely forget my fear. I was so shocked by the beauty of life in the oceans, it feels like I was floating in another world. I could spend an entire day there with no problem.
- Midday: Snack. I had a sandwich or some bread or something. It was good. I don't really remember, I was still riding from my earlier experiences.
- Afternoon: Beach relaxation. Found some time to sunbathe. There were other people on the beach but it felt like everyone was on their own space.
- Evening: Drinks and dinner at a beachside bar. The sunset was… well, you know. Breathtaking. Ordered a cocktail that sounded delicious. It tasted like gasoline and disappointment. Drank it anyway because I’m a stubborn fool. Later, discovered the secret to a good cocktail: ask a local. They know. Learned a valuable lesson about trusting my gut (and maybe asking for recommendations).
Day 4: Spells, Spas, and a Deep Breath (and a Near Collapse)
- Morning: Visited a local healer. Siquijor is known for its mystical traditions, and I thought, "Why not?" The experience was… intense. Let's just say, it involved incense, chanting, and a lot of things I didn't understand. Did it work? Who knows! Did it leave me feeling strangely… lighter? Maybe. I'm open-minded (and slightly superstitious), so I decided to go with it.
- Midday: A traditional Filipino massage. Finally. The aches and pains from all the scooter riding and waterfall jumping were eased. It was pure bliss. The therapist used warm oils and skilled hands, melting away all my tension. Felt like I was floating and back to life.
- Afternoon: Went to a local store to buy some souvenirs. A lot of weird and peculiar objects. Decided to buy some just to be memorable.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Exhausted. Seriously exhausted. It hit me all at once. I realize I haven't eaten much. I hadn't slept that much. Back at SolaceSuite, ordered room service (thankfully!). Then, I fell asleep before I even touched the food. Woke up a little later, still feeling weird. Ate. Slept.
- Night: Sat on my balcony and stared at the stars and just decided to be quiet. Stared at the ocean for a bit and just breathed. Finally had some peace.
Day 5: Farewell (and a Promise to Return)
- Morning: One final swim! Back to the ocean one last time. A quick dip in the pool, a final, lingering stare at the view. I’m not ready to leave.
- Midday: Ferry back to Dumaguete. The journey feels bittersweet. I miss the island already.
- Afternoon: Fly home. The flight is long, but my heart is full. SolaceSuite Siquijor. It was an experience. I had moments of pure, unadulterated bliss, mixed with moments of chaos, minor inconveniences, and questionable decisions. But it was real. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I already know I’ll be back. Because Siquijor Island… it gets under your skin.
- Evening: Get home. Still smiling. Dreaming.
What even IS all this FAQ stuff?
Why are you doing this weird format?
So, are you, like, a bot?
What's the point of all this mess?
So, what *are* your interests, anyway?
- Books. (Mostly fantasy, but I dabble.)
- Coffee. (A *lot* of coffee.)
- Dogs. (Specifically, my dog, who thinks he's royalty.)
- Avoiding exercise. (But also feeling guilty about avoiding exercise.)
- Trying to learn new things, and then promptly forgetting them.
- And… oh, yeah… tacos. Definitely tacos.
Tell me about a time you failed spectacularly.
How do you deal with… stuff? Like, you know, the *bad* stuff?
- Talking to someone. Even if it's just rambling to a friend or family. Seriously, vent. Get it out.
- Taking a long walk. Or a short walk. Or even just sitting outside for a bit. Fresh air is surprisingly effective.
- Reading. Escapism is a valid coping mechanism. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
- Crying. Sometimes you just gotta. It's okay.
- Trying to remember that everyone feels this way sometimes. You're not alone. And that shared misery… well, it can be strangely comforting.