Escape to Paradise: Doublegem Beach Resort & Hotel, Palawan
Escape to Paradise: Doublegem Beach Resort & Hotel - A Review (and My Honest Thoughts!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Escape to Paradise: Doublegem Beach Resort & Hotel in Palawan, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Not a perfect one, mind you. Let's be real, perfection is boring. But it was definitely memorable, a true adventure, filled with moments of pure bliss, minor annoyances, and the kind of memories that make you wanna book a return trip (after a short break, of course!).
First Impressions (and the Airport Shuffle):
Getting there? That’s the Accessibility hurdle right off the bat. Palawan is gorgeous, but flights and transfers can be a beast. The resort offers Airport transfer, and thank goodness for that! It's a game-changer after a long flight. Now, I didn't personally need it, but I noticed Facilities for disabled guests were available. That's always a huge plus in my book. Good to know they're thinking about everyone and making things as easy as possible.
Rooms: Where the Magic (and the Quirks) Happen:
Let's talk rooms. I stayed in a non-smoking room (thank the heavens!), and it was… well, it was lovely. Seriously, the Air conditioning was a lifesaver. I’m a sweaty person, okay? Don’t judge. The Bathroom was spacious, and I loved the Bathtub. Needed it after a long day. The Blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in. And those Bathrobes? Luxurious! (I may or may not have worn mine to breakfast… shhh!).
But, okay, some imperfections. The Internet access – wireless was… spotty at times. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it's mostly true, but think of it like a moody pet - sometimes awesome, sometimes just… gone. The Internet [LAN] was supposed to be an alternative, but I didn't even bother trying. Also, that Mirror in the bathroom? Could’ve been better lit. Minor grumbles though.
The Food: A Feast (and a Few Fumbles):
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff – the food! Dining, drinking, and snacking is a HUGE part of any vacation, right? Doublegem doesn't disappoint completely. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard – Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, all the usual suspects. I’m not a breakfast buffet fanatic, but it was convenient. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent.
The Restaurants offered a mix of International cuisine in restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant. I actually sat in the Poolside bar and munched on some snacks. This was my favorite place! I had their Pizza, it was good. And drinks are just a quick walk from the pool! It has Coffee shop, Bar, and a Snack bar if you decide to stay nearby. The restaurant on the beach has Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and Desserts in restaurant.
Here's where it got interesting though. I was dying to try the Vegetarian restaurant, but it was closed the day I wanted to go. (Bummer). And the room service? Room service [24-hour] is a godsend after a long day of snorkeling, but my order got a little… lost in translation one time. Eventually it arrived…cold. Minor bumps, but generally, good eats.
Things to Do: Relaxation, Rejuvenation, and Remembering to Breathe:
OMG, the best part. Doublegem is all about chilling out. Pool with view? Check. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Double check! Just imagine your soul recharging by the water.
Now, here's where I went into full-blown Zen mode. The Spa! Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage – the works. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I spent a solid afternoon getting pampered. Seriously, the masseuse had magic hands. It was the closest I've ever been to floating on a cloud. I can't remember the last time I felt so incredibly relaxed. Don’t skip the spa. Seriously, don’t.
There's also a Fitness center (I didn't go. Vacation is not for working out, fight me!), a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Foot bath. They have it all!
Cleanliness & Safety: Because Let's Be Real, That Matters Now:
Okay, let's be real, in the current climate, this is a HUGE deal. Doublegem takes it seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Staff trained in safety protocol. I saw Hand sanitizer everywhere. The Rooms sanitized between stays, they put in a lot of effort. They also offered Room sanitization opt-out available (if you chose to). I felt safe and protected, which is invaluable. They even have First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things that Make a Difference:
They’ve got you covered regarding Services and conveniences. A Concierge to help with anything. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service (thank you!). There's a Gift/souvenir shop. They also have a Convenience store, for those late-night cravings. I noticed a Cash withdrawal, and Currency exchange – very handy.
For the Kids: Family Fun (or a Little Mom Time!)
While I travelled alone, I did see kids at the resort. They have Babysitting service as well as Family/child friendly facilities. So if you have kids they should be able to have a good time.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer is a godsend. They also have Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Taxi service. I didn't use any of these because I was all about the lazy life.
The Verdict: Honest, Messy, and Worth It?
Look, Doublegem isn't perfect. Nothing is. But it's a really, really good place. It's got the gorgeous location, the relaxing vibes, and the amenities to make your vacation truly special. Yes, the Wi-Fi can be a pain. Yes, room service might be a bit hit-or-miss. But the staff are lovely, the spa is incredible, and the overall experience? Worth it? Absolutely.
Now for the Persuasive Offer:
Tired of the Everyday Grind? Escape to Paradise Awaits at Doublegem Beach Resort!
Are you dreaming of sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and pure relaxation? Then stop dreaming and start booking!
Escape to Paradise: Doublegem Beach Resort & Hotel offers:
- Unforgettable Relaxation: Indulge in our world-class spa, take a dip in our stunning pools, and let your worries melt away.
- Culinary Delights: Savor delicious cuisine from around the globe, from fresh Asian dishes to satisfying Western classics.
- Unparalleled Comfort: Retreat to your beautifully appointed room, complete with modern amenities and all the comforts you need.
- Safety and Security: Rest assured knowing we prioritize your health and safety with rigorous cleaning protocols and trained staff.
- Easy Access: Enjoy convenient airport transfers, ensuring a stress-free arrival and departure.
Book your stay at Doublegem Beach Resort & Hotel today and receive:
- [Insert Special Offer Here: e.g., Complimentary Spa Treatment for stays of 5 nights or more, Upgrade to a room with a view, etc.]
- Free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast Included!
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever. Click this link to book your escape to paradise now: [Insert Booking Link]
P.S. You deserve a vacation. You really do. Treat yourself. You won't regret it!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Nieuwpoort-Bad Beachfront Apartment!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the chaotic, sun-kissed, and probably slightly sunburned reality of a trip to Doublegem Beach Resort and Hotel Palawan, Philippines. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the lingering scent of coconut oil.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (But Mostly Just Bliss)
- 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Wake Up (or Attempt To). My internal alarm clock, also known as "anxiety about missing the flight," woke me at 6 AM. Ugh. I fumbled for the snooze button, feeling utterly defeated. The packing wasn't done. The passport was not easily accessible.
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Great Packing Panic. Okay, deep breaths. Flip-flops? Check. Sunscreen? Check. My sanity? Possibly lost already. This is the moment I realize I haven't fully checked the weather and packed WAY too many "nice" outfits that will be immediately ruined by sand and saltwater.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Burrito & Flight Prep. Fueling up with a greasy, delicious breakfast burrito (because vacation rules!) and re-reading my boarding pass for the tenth time. Praying the flight is smooth. Praying I don't spill coffee down my shirt.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Travel to Palawan. Flight: uneventful! (Phew!). The air conditioning on the plane was a tad bit too much, but I’ll take it.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Arrival at Puerto Princesa Airport & Chaotic Transfer. Okay, the airport is not air conditioned I am practically melting already. The transfer to the hotel. I swear, the driver's "road rules" were more suggestions than actual laws. We zipped along the highway, a blur of motorbikes and bewildered chickens.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Doublegem Check-In & Initial Assessment. Doublegem is… charming. Let's just say it's "rustic chic" with a healthy dose of "I hope the air conditioning works." First impressions: the view is breathtaking. The welcome drink tasted suspiciously like watered-down juice. My room? Tiny, but hey, it's got a balcony! (And the AC actually works!)
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Beach Reconnaissance & Mild Freakout. The beach. Oh, the beach. Powdery white sand, turquoise water… and a sudden wave of "holy crap, I'm actually here!" followed by, "Am I tan enough? Do I look okay in this swimsuit?" The self-doubt goblin is alive and well.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Mandatory Relaxation. The sun is starting to dip. I'm sprawled on a sun lounger, sipping a fruity cocktail (probably overpaid for it), and contemplating the meaning of life. Or, you know, just enjoying the view. The wind is getting stronger, the waves are the perfect size.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Beachside Restaurant. The food… well, let's just say the presentation was better than the taste. But the ambiance? Stellar. Listening to the waves crash while eating bland seafood is a vibe. Plus, who can be upset when you're looking at the sunset?
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Sunset & Stargazing. The sunset. Okay, I'M SOLD. Absolutely spectacular. Shades of orange, pink, and purple melting into the sea. We're talking postcard-worthy. Later, the stars were like diamonds scattered across black velvet. Simply breathtaking. I could have stayed there all night.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Bedtime (Attempt). Exhausted, happy, and slightly sunburned, I collapsed into bed. My brain, however, decided it was party time. Endless thoughts, lists, and anxieties swirled. Eventually, sleep won. (I think.)
Day 2: Island Hopping, Snorkeling, and Seafood Overload!
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake-up Call from a Cockroach? Okay, maybe not a cockroach, but I think I heard something skitter across the floor last night. Nope. Nope. Not gonna let that ruin my day. Grab some breakfast and try to enjoy the view.
- 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast with a Side of Mosquito Bites. The breakfast buffet is actually pretty good. Not gourmet, but the scrambled eggs are surprisingly fluffy. Except, the mosquitos are also having breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Island Hopping Extravaganza! This is the big one. Today, we're island hopping! Boat trip to stunning lagoons, caves, and underwater worlds. The snorkeling? MIND-BLOWING. Vivid coral, colorful fish (including a grumpy-looking parrotfish), and waters so clear you could practically see Neptune's beard. After multiple snorkeling stops, I had to peel myself away from the ocean.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Post-Island Hopping Meltdown (of Joy). Back at the resort, I'm a soggy, sun-kissed mess, but happy. The joy. The beauty. The sheer awesomeness of it all. I sit by the pool and just breathe, letting it all soak in.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Happy Hour & Debriefing. Cocktails! Lots of them. With a healthy dose of bragging about our day.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a Local Restaurant (Maybe). We attempt to find a local restaurant, but end up at the resort again. No regrets, really. The food is better than last night, more of a crowd.
- **7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Stargazing (Again!) & Midnight Snack. ** More incredible stars. I'm pretty sure I saw a shooting star. Followed by a midnight snack of instant noodles in the room. Glamourous, I tell you.
Day 3: Kayaking, Massages, and the Imminent Departure Blues.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Slow Start & Breakfast Rematch. The sun is shining, but the departure looms. Ugh. I savor every last bite of breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Kayaking Adventure. Head out on the kayaks. The water is glass-like, the sun is warm, and I nearly capsize.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Massage Bliss. The massage was a spiritual experience. Seriously. All the knots and aches from the trip melted away. I floated on a cloud of coconut oil and pure relaxation.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Last Lunch with a View. The best food of the trip so far, and I savor every last bite.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Beach Hangout (One Last Time). Trying to soak up every last second of this paradise.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Packing & Reliving the Memories. The packing struggle intensifies. It’s hard to believe the trip is almost over.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Farewell Dinner. I'm eating with a heavy heart and a full stomach. A farewell feast to celebrate the trip.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Packing & Reflecting.
- 9:00 PM - Until: Departures.
Day 4: Farewell & Departure, and the Everlasting Memories.
- Morning: Departure. A final glance at the beach, a deep breath of salty air, and a promise to return someday. The plane journey and the memories begin.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- The locals: so friendly and chill. Seriously, the genuine smiles and laid-back attitudes are contagious.
- My room: still tiny, but it's grown on me. The balcony is a lifesaver. But the lack of hot water.
- My emotional state: a rollercoaster. Bliss, anxiety, pure joy, and the crushing realization that I'm going home.
- The sand: it gets everywhere! In my hair, in my shoes, in my (now slightly sandy) underwear.
- The food: sometimes amazing, sometimes… an experience.
- The whole experience: absolutely worth it.
Imperfections & Rambles:
- I got slightly sunburned on the first day. Rookie mistake.
- I've probably gained five pounds.
- I spent way too much money on souvenirs.
- I lost my
Escape to Paradise: Doublegem Beach Resort & Hotel - Your Questions Answered (and My Honest Thoughts!)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place ACTUALLY Paradise? Like, Instagram-Filter Paradise?
Alright, let's be real for a second. Instagram? Yeah, the photos are gorgeous. Doublegem Beach Resort? Close. *Really* close. The sand *is* white, the water *is* that insane turquoise… but paradise is a messy, beautiful thing, isn't it? It's not perfect. You might get a rogue mosquito bite (I did. Twice. Rude.) while you're sipping your cocktail. And that "unspoiled" beach? Sometimes, the tide brings in… well, you know… things from the sea. Don't expect a pristine, manufactured experience. This is Palawan, baby! It's raw, it's wild, it's breathtaking, and it's got character. And that character includes a stray dog or two basking in the sun. Which, honestly, I loved! They’re part of the charm. So, paradise? Close enough to bring a tear to your eye, a smile to your face, and a nagging worry about running out of sunscreen.
The Rooms: Are They Actually Worth the Price Tag? I've Seen Some Review Drama...
Okay, the rooms. This is where things get… nuanced. I stayed in a beachfront bungalow. Dreamy? Absolutely. Woke up with the ocean practically lapping at my doorstep. But, and this is a *big* but… the aircon was a bit… temperamental. One night, it decided to channel its inner blizzard, the next, it was a sultry tropical breeze. And the hot water? Let's just say my showers were a bit of a Russian roulette of temperature. Did it ruin the trip? Absolutely not. Did it make me want to yell at the ceiling fan at 3 AM? Maybe. So, are they worth the price? Depends. If you need perfection, maybe shop around. If you're willing to embrace the quirks and focus on the view… then yes. The view alone is priceless, truly. It's like… all the stresses of your life just melt away as you watch the sun set over the ocean. And besides, who actually spends all day in the room when you're in freaking Palawan?!
How's the Food Scene? I'm a Foodie, So Tell Me Everything!
Okay, foodies, listen up. The restaurant at the resort, Gem Restaurant, is… good. Not Michelin-star good, but perfectly serviceable and consistently tasty. The grilled seafood is a MUST. Seriously. Get the grilled prawns. Devour them. Savor them. I practically inhaled them. The breakfast buffet? Standard fare, but with fresh fruit that was so ridiculously delicious, I almost cried. (Okay, I *might* have shed a tear or two.) The best part? The view! You're eating with the ocean as your backdrop. Now, for the BEST food experience, venture *outside* of the resort. Find the small, family-run eateries! That’s where the magic happens. I stumbled upon a tiny place with the most amazing chicken adobo I've ever tasted. And the price? Practically pennies. Do your research, be adventurous, and trust your gut. Don't be afraid to stray from the resort; you won't regret it.
The Beach! Is it Swimmable, Clear, and Picture-Perfect? Or... Not?
Oh, the beach. Let me tell you about the beach. The sand is powdery white, the water IS that unbelievable shade of turquoise you see in the photos... it’s the kind of beach that makes you want to throw away your phone and just *be*. The swimming is fantastic, generally. The water is usually crystal clear, and you can see… well, sometimes you can see fish. (I saw one! A tiny, adorable one.) However, like all beaches, things change. Depending on the tide, the visibility might be a bit murkier. And, okay, confession time: one morning, I went for a swim after a HUGE storm, and the waves had brought in some seaweed. Not a *ton*, mind you, but enough to make me giggle and do that weird sideways shuffle in the water. Did it ruin the experience? Absolutely not. Just added a bit of 'real life' to the paradise equation. Embrace the messiness, the seaweed, the occasional rogue piece of plastic (pick it up! Be a good human!), and just *enjoy* it.
Activities: What's There To *Do* Besides Look at the Ocean and Eat?
Okay, you're not just going to sit around and stare at the waves all day, are you? (Although… that's tempting!). Doublegem offers the usual suspects: snorkeling (the coral is supposed to be amazing, though I'm a terrible swimmer), kayaking, and island hopping tours. *DO* the island hopping! It's Palawan, after all! The tours can be a bit crowded, and the lunch? Let's just say it wasn't the gourmet highlight. But the scenery? Unbelievable. You'll see secret lagoons, hidden beaches, and waters so clear you'll swear you can see the bottom of the ocean miles away. My advice? Book a private boat if you can swing it. Worth it. You’ll get away from the crowds, and it's more flexible. Otherwise, just embrace the chaos of the group tours, make some friends, and let the magic of Palawan do its thing. Trust me; you'll be thanking the gods later.
Dealing with Mosquitos. I HATE mosquitos. Help.
Oh, the mosquitos. The tiny, bloodthirsty little buggers. I am with you. I am utterly and completely with you. Pack the bug spray. And then pack more bug spray. And then bring a citronella candle (or three!). They are relentless, especially at dusk. The resort provides mosquito nets for the beds, which is a godsend. But still… spray yourself liberally, especially before dinner. And even then… you might still get bitten. I did. Repeatedly. My ankles looked like they were auditioning for a zombie movie. But hey, it’s the price of paradise, right? Just keep reminding yourself that the view, the food, and the overall experience are worth it. And maybe bring some anti-itch cream. You’ll thank me later. (And if you find a mosquito repellant that *actually* works, please, PLEASE tell me!)
Service: Are the Staff Friendly? Any Issues?
Okay, the staff. This is where Doublegem really shines. Generally, the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. They'll greet you with a smile, help you with your luggage, and go out of their way to make your stay comfortable. I had a specific request (a super-soft pillow, because I'm a princess), and the staff delivered. Literally. Service can be a bit… relaxed, at times. Things move at a slower pace in Palawan. Embrace it. Don’t expect lightning-fast service, and you’ll be fine. Just remember to be kind and patient – they're working hard! And tip generously; it makes a huge difference inBest Rest Finder
