5 family-friendly resorts that don’t require too much paperwork
Rest and relaxation have become a blurred concept when your recliner is two meters away from your work desk and your laptop’s pinging every minute with Zoom notifications.
Even taking a much-needed out-of-town drive has become a tedious process of paperwork and medical testing. There are no more quick vacations where you get in a car and drive off with an overnight pack: everything has to be a methodical process of going to the barangay, dropping by the police station, scheduling a swab. And waiting.
This is no miracle list of places that will allow you to jet off and enjoy the way we used to in the good old days. These continue to be cautious times, after all. These resorts still abide by local government restrictions. You might still need to book that home-based swab test. However, these resorts allow visitors of all ages and they streamline the travel procedures, making it much easier for weary family vacationers to find that much-needed R&R.
Kamana Sanctuary
Anyone who visits Subic Bay Freeport Zone for fewer than three nights doesn’t need a swab test or a travel pass. A health certificate from an accredited health clinic or hospital within three days before check-in, a proposed itinerary, as well as a valid government ID with a home address will do. (Click here for more information of Kamana’s COVID-19 regulations.)
This top-rated resort rests between a rainforest and the Nabasan Bay, offering everything from tranquility to adventure. Beyond the crystal-clear blue-green ocean and infinity pool, it offers a variety of water sports and activities available, as well as a spa and restaurants. Make sure to stay for the weekend grill nights to really complete that beach vacation picture.
Ilanin Forest West, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2222 Bataan; www.kamanasanctuary.com
Acuatico
Batangas has carefully been opened to tourists since the latter half of 2020. While testing is required, this resort makes it a smidge easier by facilitating antigen exams at the resort itself. Apart from that, you also need to stop by the Municipal Tourism Office for a referral slip (which will be issued after presenting your reservation voucher).
Acuatico is little taste of paradise just a few hours away from the city: the cerulean sea a backdrop against the pristine lodgings and stunning turquoise pools. There aren’t many activities available—just your usual kayaking and unicorn inflatables, but the beautiful beach is more than enough to give you the respite you crave.
Laiya, San Juan, Batangas; [email protected]; 0928-854-3849; www.acuaticoresort.com.ph
Discovery Shores Boracay
Though different hotels have slight deviations in their protocol, the essential requirement to visiting Boracay is a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to your flight. You also need to register online and fill up a health declaration form at http://aklan.gov.ph. Email the health declaration card, itinerary and booking, as well the negative test results to [email protected] with the subject format: OHDC - Family Name, First Name (e.g. OHDC - Cruz, Juan). Once approved—the process takes less than a day—you’ll receive a QR code to be presented at the airport and in certain establishments.
Boracay remains to be a gold standard when it comes to taking holidays and its clear waters, powdery beaches, and excellent tourism facilities are well known globally. To maximize your trip, find comfort in a resort that will ensure you absolutely nothing but vacation bliss. Discovery Shores Boracay has always been known for its exceptional service, which extends to its newly adopted sanitation practices—it even provides alcohol upon check-in.
Station 1 Barangay Balabag Boracay Island, Malay, 5608 Aklan; [email protected]; www.discoveryshoresboracay.com
Seda Lio
Similar to Boracay, El Nido has a test-before-travel policy. Visitors from Manila are required to take RT-PCR tests from accredited agencies and fill up health declaration forms and submit documents at elnidotourism.ph to obtain a QR code. Note: Only direct flights to El Nido are allowed.
Seda Lio is just five minutes away from the airport. Apart from the esteemed Lio beach, the resort has a catalogue of fun activities—from aqua sports to cycling to island hopping to even indoor fun. Like everything in the area, Seda places emphasis on nature and conservation—bikes are made of bamboo and so is the entire outdoor playground.
Lio Tourism Estate, Barangay Villa Libertad, El Nido, Palawan, 5313; [email protected]; www.lio.sedahotels.com
The Bellevue Bohol
Travelers staying in Bohol for fewer than five days need to submit an RT-PCR test within 72 hours and pre-register at www.tourism.bohol.gov.ph obtain a QR code. Like most resorts, walk-in guests are forbidden, but Bohol has provisions to give the test upon arrival in case of emergencies or unexpected changes—with the agreement that quarantine is in place until the results.
Bellevue is a five-star private sanctuary in Panglao, with deep blue waters crashing onto soft white sand. The resort is an ASEAN Green Hotel awardee, with eco-friendly principles and energy conservation practices. Safety measures again COVID-19 are also in place, such as sanitation stations and acrylic dividers. Water sports may be arranged upon request, but the highlight of the stay is really that picture-perfect beach.
Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol, 6340; [email protected]; www.thebellevuebohol.com