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  5. Reviews of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary

Reviews of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Km 16 Hoyohoy, Barangay Tawala, Panglao Island, Bohol, 6340 Panglao Island, Philippines

#42 of 160 hotels in Panglao Island

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 44 hotel reviews

9.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.5

  • Comfort

    9.5

  • Location

    7.9

  • Facilities

    9.2

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    8.5

  • Free Wifi

    8.8

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 3, 2025

    9.0
    Incredibly Relaxing Stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    My boyfriend and I had an amazing night’s stay at Donatela. It felt incredibly relaxing, with a great and friendly atmosphere. The front desk staff are really welcoming and helped us with a variety of requests that included a shuttle bus to Alona beach, abnormal check in and checkout times, food delivery and showed us around the villa and sanctuary. The breakfast was fantastic, and was a real sit down experience, where we were able to try a variety of different foods and fruits with a stunning view of the beach. The road approaching the resort is totally fine, a few bumps but nothing major. The resort felt very safe with security and is tucked away in a quiet and peaceful spot 5-10mins away from both Alona and Dumaluan beaches. The garden villa was spacious and pretty both inside and out. Wish we had stayed there longer!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 25, 2025

    10
    A memorable stay at Donatela
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Feel that the garden could have a bit of maintenance and a bit more lights around as it gets very dark at night. I also booked one of the tour package, the tour guide they assigned the service was ok. The tour was a bit of a rush tbh.

    If you like quiet and tranquility this place is for you. The villa is gorgeous and spacious. Not too far from the airport and Alona Beach. You can see Alona Beach from the restaurant. The horse riding was pretty great and the horses are very well taken care of. I’ve traveled to so many places and stayed at so many 4-5stars hotels/ resorts, the staffs here is by far the best I’ve seen. Very friendly and attentive. Front desk is very responsive with requests. The staffs even surprise me with birthday cake. I really enjoy all the conversations I had with all the staffs at Donatela. Overall I had a great stay at the resort and felt well rested. Would 10/10 recommend and come back here.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: February 25, 2025

    10
    A true oasis :)
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing really to mention!

    Incredible stay and very reactive service. First at the arrival at the airport, we had organized the shuttle with the hotel. They were waiting for us at the exit and handle all the luggage with a very warm welcome. Shuttle was very comfortable and it took 10 to 15 minutes. A personnel from the hotel, on top of the driver, was here to welcome us and to introduce us the duration of the trip and the surrounding while driving. He accompanied us until our rooms. Check in was done in a glance, they were obviously waiting for us and everything went absolutely smoothly. Very appreciable after a trip of more than one day! Room, garden villa, were amazing, very big rooms with a welcoming basket of fruits (excellent mango). Beds are very comfortable, two air conditioners, a private terrace. The hotel is entirely located in a very nicely maintained park. Everything around is green, you’ll see on the picture, it is simply amazing. You can look for the statues in the surrounding, they even created a grotte ! They offer outstanding activities, we tested the spa and I loved it: strong pressure, for once, exactly as I asked ! 90 min that went in a glance! Kudos to the lady as from the beginning to the end she maintained the pressure. You can also horseride or have organized private excursion days: country side or island hopping. Not talking about the food as I will do a special comment there for the hotel restaurant but it was in line with the rest for what I tested. Service was impeccable. I definitely recommend, for the excursions I asked if we could have towels and in the 10 min later, someone was bringing them to our villa. This is just an example! No direct access to the beach but very big swimming pool you can almost enjoy alone and simply amazing view from the paprika restaurant. Basket fruit is the for the first day only, water refill everyday. Night service (to shut down your room to prepare for the night) planned. Thank you for making our first stop outstanding!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 6, 2025

    9.0
    Relaxing stay in beautifully furnished villa in jungle setting.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    A short tuk tuk drive to Alona Beach- this could be a good thing. Has a stoney beach area - again this is fine

    Beautifully furnished villas, filled with art adornments in a lush jungle setting. Attentive polite staff. Immaculately clean

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: December 3, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Pool Villa
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There is literally nothing wrong with this place. It’s the best experience you can have for a luxury stay.

    Our favorite place on the island.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: November 28, 2024

    10
    It was an amazing stay, the staff were helpful and assisted us with everything we needed and made sure everything was co
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Just a bit far from the main road and establishments.

    Peaceful and quiet.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 1, 2024

    10
    Excellent stay. Thank you
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Pool Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    None

    The staff are friendly and helpful. The pool villa is very spacious and clean. We enjoyed the plunge pool. We also liked the free shuttle going back and forth to Alona beach.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: September 29, 2024

    9.0
    Lovely romantic isolated boutique resort
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    They should waive the pick up fee to the airport (seems a bit excessive for a 10m drive), they offered the free shuttle to downtown but it wasn't allways available as scheduled. The restaurant should improve the quality of the food and service considering the premium price payed.

    The serenity of the hotel, the rooms were beautiful and the beds comfortable. The pool was fantastic and the sea view from the restaurant charming. The staff was very kind and available. The free shuttle to the downtown. Although there is no beach, they have a private pier with sunbeds from which you can access the shallow water. They have horses roaming around in the beautiful gardens

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: September 25, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Almost impossible to swim in the sea. Swimming pool is "tired". Child was bored, kinda nothing to do.

    Amazing view of the sea, excellent breakfast at Shafran, spacious villas. Tranquillity.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: August 20, 2024

    10
    Simply amazing
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Secluded and delightful retreat. There were only a few villa in the location and we really felt like we had the whole place for ourself. Great staff amazing place.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: July 3, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Too dark at night. The location is a bit far and you have to pass a rough road.

    Ambience and the overlooking view of the sea :) The place is also very peaceful so you can really have a restful day.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: April 21, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights

    The road to the hotel is just terrible.

    The house was spacious and new with good facilities. You can feel in a jungle since the houses are very spaced - the resort was full but we barely meet anyone. Not far from the Alona beach actions and easy to explore Bohol from here.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: March 23, 2024

    8.0
    Great location away from the very ordinary Alona beach.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Little things kept breaking down or not working, the shuttle, the water, the safe etc and as soon as you tell them about it they send you a message “sorry for the inconvenience “…..

    Restaurant was excellent location and food was and staff were great. Private tours organised through the resort were excellent.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 3, 2024

    9.0
    All in all, a fantastic resort and wonderful place to stay in Bohol! Must visit place!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Honeymoon Villa
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We stayed in the honeymoon suite during our stay at the property and thoroughly enjoyed everything the suite had to offer. The private pool was a nice option to cool down after some sun bathing and the general look and feel of the suite was very high quality. The regular shuttles to town are handy and the staff are always on had to help when needed, they are all very attentive. All in all, a fantastic resort and wonderful place to stay in Bohol!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 23, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Pool Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Great hotel

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 16, 2024

    9.0
    We enjoyed the resort. The room is clean, food is good and the staff is accommodating.
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Na

    It’s exclusivity, truly a sanctuary.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 11, 2024

    8.0
    Honeymoon stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We stayed here for 2 nights for the 2nd part of our Bohol stay and had a really relaxing time. Having done the chocolate hills tour at our previous hotel we were here to relax and this fit the bill. We were upgraded to a room with a pool which was so generous so we mostly enjoyed being around the room and pool with room service to the room. We did use the main pool too which was nice, plenty of sun beds, and actually no one else around when we swam! The room itself was absolutely huge with a very comfy bed, lounge area, strong aircon, modern bathroom and the pool and decking was a great space to read and snooze. The restaurant was decent enough but had we stayed another night I would have liked to try somewhere else as it was quite quiet with not much atmosphere, the food was fine though. The hotel arranged massages and transfers for us and the staff were all friendly and helpful (as we found most places in our Philippines travels!)

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: February 11, 2024

    10
    Our stay was perfect. I’m so happy I chose this place and would never stay anywhere else.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Family Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I loved the peaceful location away from all the people. Our family villa was amazing. So cozy and yet also luxurious. I loved our driver Jess for our private tours. Also loved the free shuttle service to Alona. We had the best tours of swimming with whale sharks. Loboc river cruise. Chocolate hills and ATV. And snorkeling at Belicasag. Thanks to the Donatela staff for a vacation of a lifetime.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 29, 2024

    9.0
    Great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Understand it may be out of control, however there was pretty loud clubbing music every night until late, likely coming from a nearby resort. That led to sleeping with ear plugs, such a shame as choosing a remote, peaceful place like Donatella was to escape the city noises. If bumpy roads definitely lead to beautiful places, the one leading to the resort could use some pavement.

    The garden villa is spacious and mostly well maintained as expected. The resort gardens, public areas, walk paths are pretty and designed with taste for nature. Big kudos to the staff kindness and availability to help with anything anytime. Special thanks to the reception and restaurant staff. Driver service brings you everywhere around for a small fee. Also the resort restaurant paprika was clearly the best we had in 4 days in Panglao, and not overpriced. The view and peacefulness is worth it too.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 25, 2024

    9.0
    Tranquility and luxury
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Breakfast was lovely, but food at the restaurant could be a bit better. For the quality of the hotel and price, would expect it to be slightly better, but don’t let this put you off staying there.

    Amazing rooms at a small hotel. Quiet location, but a short drive to town (200 peso) for wider food options away from the noise. Hotel also has free shuttle. When we stayed they were renovating a number of the bungalows, but you could not hear this. As such it was very quiet. Would highly recommend this piece of luxury. Staff were very helpful.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 8, 2024

    8.0
    Comfortable and beautiful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The restaurant is the main reason I didn’t rate the property 9 or 10. There is only one restaurant and the service is painfully slow. On our first day we were the ONLY guests at the restaurant and it took so long to even receive a glass of water. We also found it difficult communicating with the staff. Breakfast was also below average. We also found the food to be overpriced for average food. Not all the facilities were available (such as the gym) and the pool bar was also closed. However we understand that this was due to the damage caused by the typhoon in 2021.

    Beautiful grounds and comfortable room. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. We loved the WhatsApp concierge service and the free drop offs from/to Alona beach.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: December 10, 2023

    10
    Nice and quiet
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Garden Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Very friendly and helpful staff. Room is big, comfortable and clean. Breakfast is nice and restaurant food is very good. The place is very quiet, perfect if you want to relax. Not in Alona beach, but the hotel has a shuttle that takes you there for free in 5 minutes.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: November 12, 2023

    9.0
    Great but can do better
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Pool Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No cleaning of the room during our 2 nights stay. At this price… Plus things like power plugs that didn’t work in the villa.

    Awesome property, restaurant is great.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: October 4, 2023

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Honeymoon Villa
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    As some have said... the road to the Resort

    Location Excellent villa, food, transport

    Stayed in September 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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