Siargao's Gardenview Room #1: Paradise Found (Book Now!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Siargao's Gardenview Room #1: Paradise Found. And frankly, after what I’ve seen online, the name is a bold claim. So, let's see if it lives up to the hype, yeah? Because I, for one, am always skeptical of the word "paradise."
(Accessibility & Safety - The Serious Stuff - Though I'll Be Honest, I Found It a Bit… Confusing)
Alright, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way first. Accessibility. This is a big deal. I'm seeing Facilities for disabled guests listed on the side panel, which is a promising start. It's good for the hotel to be inclusive, you know – we all just want to relax. The listing also mentions an elevator. (Note: It's always good to check directly with the hotel to see whether it's actually accessible.)
Then we have the safety stuff. Cleanliness and safety is a huge category here, and it includes things like Anti-viral cleaning products, Doctor/nurse on call, Hand sanitizer (thank goodness!), and Rooms sanitized between stays. You're getting all the usual suspects, which is great. It's all about that Hygiene certification stuff, which seems to be everywhere these days. Professional-grade sanitizing services, Staff trained in safety protocol and Sterilizing equipment are also listed. And the Safe dining setup gives me a little more peace of mind - but I'm still going to bring my own wipes. I'm a germaphobe, what can I say? The First aid kit, the Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour]. This all sounds pretty safe, so I'm ticking those boxes.
(Internet - Because "Paradise" Still Needs Wi-Fi, Let's Be Real)
Thank goodness. Internet access – wireless, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Seriously, a digital detox is great, but I still need to post those Insta stories, you know? Also Internet access – LAN and Internet services. Alright, the tech specs are covered, so I can probably work remotely a little bit from this place. I did worry about the internet. So, this is a win for the millennial and Gen Z crowd.
(Around the Room - My Personal Sanctuary (Or Maybe Not))
Okay, the room itself. What do we actually get? Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes – nice touch!, Blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off that post-surf exhaustion), Coffee/tea maker (PRAISE!), Complimentary tea (bonus!), Daily housekeeping – thank you, world, Desk, Extra long bed (thank God, I’m tall), Free bottled water (again, appreciated), Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (again, good), Ironing facilities – okay, I’m not going to do any ironing on vacation, Laptop workspace (tempting), Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking (always a preference), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (vital!), Sofa. Oh, and the classic: Towels, Umbrella, and Wake-up service. I might actually use that wake-up service, if I'm honest. The Window that opens is key, you know? Fresh air is everything. I'm giving this room a thumbs up, so far.
(The Food and Fun Stuff - Dining, Relaxation & Things to Do)
Alright, let's talk about the fun stuff! This is where things can really make or break a vacation.
Dining: The listing offers a Breakfast [buffet], A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. And Breakfast in room too. This is a lot of choices! I'm definitely intrigued by the Happy hour, but most importantly, I need a good coffee setup. Fingers crossed!
Ways to Relax: This is also where things get interesting. The Pool with view just sounds amazing - I mean, come on! Spa – excellent. Massage – YES! Sauna Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool [outdoor] are also listed. I'm already envisioning myself chilling by the pool with a cocktail… or three. The Foot bath is also really tempting. Honestly? I'm sold.
Things to Do: Let's not forget the experiences. Body scrub and Body wrap sound nice. Fitness center and Gym/fitness. (Okay, maybe I should work out a bit while I'm there, considering all the food…)
(The Anecdote - My Personal Paradise Prep) (Picture THIS: Me, frantically googling Siargao, a week before the trip. Clicking every single review imaginable, and finding nothing that described the room accurately.)
See, this is the problem. Listing descriptions always sound amazing. They have to, right? But real life? It's rarely Instagram-worthy. And let's be honest, some of those promises…they're a bit optimistic. I've stayed in "luxury suites" that felt like a slightly-better-than-motel experience, right? So, I’m going in with a dash of pragmatism.
(The "Service & Conveniences" – What Else Can We Expect?)
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events (whatever!), Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out (thank you, modern life!), Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping (mentioned that, but it deserves repeating!), Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service (again, not using it), Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area (good for some), Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
(For the Kids (and the Kid in Me))
Babysitting service. Family/child friendly. Kids facilities. Kids meal. Okay, this seems like it's leaning towards family-friendly.
(Getting Around & Other Bits)
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. The parking situation sounds manageable.
(The Ultimate Verdict and the Irresistible Offer)
Okay, so, Paradise Found? We'll see. But I'm cautiously optimistic. The pool with a view has my attention, and the thought of a massage after a day of surfing is pure bliss.
Here's the deal, guys: You need to book this room. Here’s why:
- Unbelievable Value: You're getting a package of luxury and peace for a reasonable price.
- Safety First: During these times, you need assurance. The Gardenview Room #1 offers every bit of safety and cleanliness a guest can ask for.
- Instant Relaxation: The hotel provides a suite of amenities that guarantee instant and total relaxation.
- Unforgettable Memories: This location is perfect for any vacation type.
My Offer: Book Siargao's Gardenview Room #1 NOW! Get a free welcome cocktail at the poolside bar when you book directly through their website. And for a limited time, score a complimentary spa treatment to kickstart your relaxation journey. Don't wait! Paradise (or at least, a really, really good vacation) awaits. Click that "Book Now!" button and go make some memories!
Escape to Fairytale France: Hotel d'Anjou Angers Awaits
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is more like…a chaotic, sun-kissed love letter to Siargao, straight from the Gardenview Room 1. Let's get this show on the road, even though I'm pretty sure my luggage is still somewhere in Manila.
Siargao Island Shenanigans: A Week of (Mostly) Glorious Chaos
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Overwhelm (and a Coconut!)
- Morning: Arrive at Sayak Airport (IAO). The airport is tiny. Adorably so. Like a shoebox that accidentally won a lottery. The ride to General Luna in a trike is…well, it's a character. Think of it as a bumpy, wind-whipped roller coaster with a soundtrack of rooster crows and the faint scent of exhaust fumes.
- Afternoon: Check into Gardenview Room 1. Okay, let's be honest. The "garden view" is… well, it's there. And there are definitely some plants involved. I'm attributing this realism to the raw experience. But honestly, the room's clean, the AC works, and immediately found an adorable gecko that apparently lives in my shower. We became fast friends (mostly because he doesn't talk much).
- Late Afternoon/Evening: First coconut! Crucial. Found a beachside shack and ordered a fresh coconut, hacked open with a machete. Absolute bliss. The sun setting over the ocean was like someone took a paintbrush and just slathered gold across the sky. Then, dinner at Harana Surf Resort. I inhaled the grilled seafood. I mean, inhaled. Felt like I was fueling up for a marathon of sunbathing. Which, in retrospect, might be exactly what I did.
- Emotional Reaction: "Overwhelmed." But in the best way possible. The sheer beauty of this place is almost too much. I keep catching myself grinning like an idiot.
Day 2: Surf's Up (And My Epic Wipeout)
- Morning: Surf lesson at Cloud 9. This is the moment I've been waiting for. My expectations were high. Perhaps too high. The instructor, a local legend named "Boyet," was patient and encouraging. But me? I'm more of a "sinking like a stone" kind of surfer. I spent more time underwater than on the board.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Shaka Cafe (gorgeous). The smoothie bowls are instagrammable AND delicious. Pure fuel after my water-boarding session in the ocean.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Recovering from my surf humiliation at a secluded beach, watching the pros on Cloud 9. It's like watching ballerinas dance while I'm in a clumsy, awkward dance. Dinner at Kermit Surf Resort. Pizza to soothe my soul. Wine to celebrate my…attempt.
- Quirky Observation / Emotional Reaction: The ocean is humbling. Utterly, completely humbling. And hilarious. I think I swallowed half the Pacific. But worth it. Feeling bruised, but alive.
Day 3: Island Hopping & Fish Face
- Morning: Island hopping tour! Naked Island - a sand bar of pure perfection. Daku Island - lunch on the beach (fresh grilled fish! heaven). Guyam Island - tiny, beautiful, and where I nearly stepped on a sleeping sea turtle (panic!). We just let the experience take us over, even if we were just getting lost.
- Afternoon: Snorkeling. Found Nemo (or at least, a very close relative). The coral is vibrant, the fish are plentiful. I just stared into the depths of the ocean with my mouth gaping open.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Sunset drinks at a beach bar. More seafood (surprise!). Conversations with fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughter, and just soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.
- Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: The whole island-hopping thing was so surreal. The sheer number of different shades of blue is almost overwhelming. I could easily lose myself, but I also had to remind myself to breath the whole time. The fish at Daku Island was the BEST. The. Best. I think I might just stay there forever.
- Emotional Reaction: Bliss. Pure, unadulterated, beach-bum bliss.
Day 4: Motorcycle Mishaps & Discovering Taktak Falls
- Morning: Rented a motorbike. Which, in retrospect, might have been a mistake. It's like giving a toddler the keys to a spaceship. I managed to stay upright, mostly. The roads are bumpy. Beware.
- Afternoon: Taktak Falls. This is when I had my one of my most memorable experience. It looked incredible in the pictures. And well, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I hiked, I swam, I felt like I had found a hidden paradise. The sound of the water, the feeling of the cool spray on my skin… it was pure magic. It has one of the most epic sunsets in the whole world. I'd go back there in an instant.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Dinner at a local carinderia (small, family-run restaurant). The food was cheap, delicious, and authentic. Had the best adobo in my life.
- Stronger emotional reactions: That waterfall. It was amazing. It was the most refreshing, beautiful thing I have done in a long time. It washed away all the stress, all the anxieties. I literally felt reborn! That carinderia? The food was so good I wanted to weep.
Day 5: Cloud 9 Again (And More Humble Pie)
- Morning: Back to Cloud 9. This time, just to watch the pros. And maybe dabble in some body surfing. (I wasn't getting back on a board just yet). But, the energy is infectious. The waves are mesmerizing.
- Afternoon: Massage. Because, self-care. Honestly, it was one of the best massages of my life. All the tension melted away.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Sunset drinks again. I'm not ashamed. This ritual is essential. And dinner at a different restaurant. I can't remember the name. It was really good though.
- Messy Thoughts and stream of consciousness: Why don't I live here? Seriously. How can I make this happen? I need a plan. I need a visa. I need a job. I need… more time. More food. More sunsets. More EVERYTHING! That massage? Heaven.
Day 6: Free Day! (And a Little Bit of Panic)
- Morning: Okay, a free day. This, I realized, meant I had to do something. The pressure was on. The pressure of "doing". I just aimlessly wandered the streets, buying trinkets and talking to other travelers.
- Afternoon: Snuggled up in a hammock and read. Took a nap. Drank some coconut water.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Last sunset. My last amazing meal. The last chance to just soak it all in before I leave this magical island. It was a little bit bittersweet.
- Doubling Down on a single experience: Okay, let's be real. The last sunset was the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. I'm probably not exaggerating either. There was silence. There were smiles. There was a sense of connection. I think I did everything I could during my trip with the intention to go home, but wanting to stay at the same time.
Day 7: Adios, Siargao! (And the Sad Face)
- Morning: Breakfast. Pack. Sigh. Get ready for the airport. The gecko says goodbye. My heart breaks.
- Afternoon: Fly out of Sayak.
- Emotional reaction: I'm already planning my return. Siargao, you've stolen my heart. I will be back! (And I might even learn to surf…)
Okay, *really* - is the Gardenview Room #1 actually as good as it sounds? Paradise Found, huh? Don't give me the brochure answer!
Alright, alright, settle down. Look, "Paradise Found" is a bit much. Let's be real. It's more like... *Paradise Adjacent* sometimes. Okay, so yes, the view from the room is legitimately stunning. Waking up and seeing all the lush greenery, the occasional monkey (seriously!), the vibrant flowers – it's pretty damn idyllic. But lemme tell you a story. We got there, and the AC was on the fritz. Big time. It was roasting! We spent a good hour trying to figure it out, sweating like pigs. Finally, we flagged down a staff member who looked like he'd seen a ghost, and he fixed it. So, yes, it's beautiful. But also, be prepared for island quirks. Embrace them, or you'll spend your vacation being miserable. Me? I embraced 'em. After the AC was sorted, that is. And the *cockroach* incident. We'll get to that later…
The Gardenview itself - what's the vibe? Describe it like I'm talking to a friend, not a travel agent.
Alright, so picture this: you're lying in bed, the fan gently whirring overhead (if it works this time, I swear!), and you're gazing out at a riot of green. Tropical plants EVERYWHERE. And the sounds! The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the faint drone of cicadas... It's seriously immersive. It feels private. Not like those sterile hotel rooms. You can actually *breathe* here. You feel connected to the island. However, here's a little secret: the "garden" isn't perfectly manicured. It's more like… *organized chaos.* Beautiful, yes, but not the kind of garden you'd find in some fancy magazine. It's REAL. It grows, it shifts, and sometimes… things fall. I swear, a giant mango nearly took me out one morning.
Okay, the room *itself*. What about the basics? The bed, the bathroom, the internet, the... *everything*?
Okay, so the bed. Comfy. Not the super-plush, cloud-nine kind, but solid, definitely sleepable. The bathroom? Basic, clean-ish, and the water pressure is... well, it *exists*. Sometimes. The internet… ah, the internet. Let's just say it’s “island internet.” Embrace the digital detox. Or, if you’re like me and need to work (grumble, grumble), be prepared for some frustration. You'll probably find yourself wandering around the property like a lost soul, desperately searching for a signal. I swear I spent a whole afternoon perched precariously on a bench by the pool, just to check my email. (Worth it though for the brief moments it *did* work.) One thing I will say, the mosquito net (yes, thank god for it!) was a lifesaver. I'm talking about being bitten by those little vampires, it'll spoil your trip. Don’t be an idiot, use the net!
You mentioned a cockroach incident?! Spill it!
Okay, fine. The cockroach. This is the part where I felt a genuine mix of horror and a bizarre sense of camaraderie with the island. It was late at night. I was half-asleep, scrolling through my phone (even though the internet was awful, I was *trying*). And then... movement. Underneath the bed. A *huge* cockroach. I shrieked. Like, a proper, embarrassing shriek. My partner woke up, groggy, and muttered something about "just a bug." But *it wasn't just a bug*. It was a FREAKING ROACH. We spent the next half-hour waging war with a sandal and a flashlight. We eventually won, but the victory felt hollow. I then spent the rest of the night convinced all the other giant bugs were hiding and plotting their revenge. My advice? Pack some serious bug spray, and maybe an extra-large sense of humor. You'll need it. And now I'm shuddering, so let's move on.
How's the location? Is it near the beach? Restaurants? Is it a trek to get anywhere?
Location? Pretty darn good. Not *right* on the beach, mind you, but a short walk away. And the walk is scenic! You're surrounded by the island vibes. You'll pass some amazing little places to eat. But, also, the roads are… let's say *rustic*. Motorbike is a must to go further afield. You can easily find a place to rent one. It’s super easy! But seriously, if you're expecting everything to be within a five-minute stroll, Siargao might not be for you. Embrace the adventure and the occasional bumpy ride. It adds to the charm. Plus, it means you burn off all the delicious food you'll be eating. Which leads me to…
Food, glorious food! Any recommendations near the Gardenview Room?
Oh. My. God. The food. Okay, okay, back on track. There are SO many good places nearby that I was actually a little overwhelmed. I'm not a foodie, but... I developed a food obsession while I was there. The local restaurants are incredible (go for the adobo!). Get the fresh fruit juices. They were an actual life-saver after a rough night. Basically, eat everything. And then eat more. Just… be prepared to loosen your belt a notch. Or two. Okay, more like three. *Sigh*. Worth it.
Would you recommend this room? Honestly! Don't sugarcoat it.
Alright, fine. **Yes, I would. But…** (See, I don't sugarcoat!) The Gardenview Room #1 is a beautiful, imperfect slice of Siargao. If you're looking for sterile perfection, go spend triple the money at a resort hotel. But, if you want charm, authenticity, a connection to the island, then go for it. Just go prepared. Bring bug spray (seriously!), pack some patience, and embrace the quirks. You could have the best holiday ever! You'll have stories to tell and memories you'll cherish. And sure, you might have a run-in with a cockroach. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right? *Right?* Okay, I need a drink.
Anything else I should know? Any packing tips?
