Escape to Paradise: Cocotel's Floating Sanctuary in Santa Maria, Philippines
Escape to Paradise: Cocotel's Floating Sanctuary - Santa Maria, Philippines – A Review That Won't Sugarcoat Anything!
Okay, picture this: you’re scrolling through Instagram, dreaming of a getaway. And then, bam! You stumble upon Escape to Paradise: Cocotel's Floating Sanctuary in Santa Maria, Philippines. Floating. Sanctuary. My inner mermaid immediately perked up. So, did it live up to the Insta hype? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because this review is gonna get REAL.
(SEO & Metadata Breakdown: We'll squeeze it in where it fits organically, promise!)
Keywords: Escape to Paradise, Cocotel, Floating Sanctuary, Santa Maria, Philippines, Resort Review, Accessible Resort, Spa Resort, Romantic Getaway, Family Friendly Resort, Beach Resort, Swimming Pool, Spa, Restaurant Review, Wifi, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Travel Philippines
First Impressions & Accessibility Woes (or lack thereof!)
Let's be honest, sometimes accessibility feels like an afterthought. But… Escape to Paradise actually tried! (And for a place that's partially on water, bless their hearts). Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, so that's a big plus right off the bat. I’m not entirely sure how much of the "floating" element is accessible completely, but they're definitely making an effort, from what I could tell. I'm not wheelchair-bound myself, but I appreciated the thought. Elevators were present (thank god!), and the general layout seemed relatively manageable. I’ll give them a solid B+ for effort here. More detailed info would be great, and I'd love to see some specific accessible room features listed.
Getting There & Getting Around: A Mixed Bag
The car park [free of charge] was a welcome detail. No surprise parking fees are a win! The Airport transfer was offered (a lifesaver after a long flight, right?), and you could also arrange for a Taxi service. I didn’t have the luxury of Valet parking, but I guess I wasn’t fancy enough!
Internet: The Eternal Struggle (and occasional bliss)
Okay, let's be real. In the Philippines, internet can be a gamble. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - Yes, that’s what it says. And well.. it's most of the time true. Let's just say I had a few moments of frustration when trying to upload those perfect sunset pics. Internet access – wireless was mostly reliable, but don't expect to stream HD movies without a hiccup. Don't hold your breath if you're relying on Internet [LAN], I didn't even bother trying. Wi-Fi in public areas was a bit patchy, which meant some missed opportunities to catch up on my emails. But hey, maybe that’s the point, right? To escape?
Rooms: Comfort & Quirks
My room… well, it was a mixed bag. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver in the tropical heat. Blackout curtains allowed for some serious sleep-ins and a very nice Bedding and linens. The complimentary bottled water was a welcome touch. But then you have the stuff that made you go "huh?" like the extra long bed (which was a nice surprise) But, the Soundproofing, was, shall we say, optimistic. I could hear everything sometimes like the sound of the room next door was quite the issue with the walls been so thin. And the Mirror, well, it was like looking at a slightly distorted version of myself! Don't judge me, I like to look at myself in the mirror!
The Amenities: Relaxation & Indulgence?
(Spa) Spa/Sauna, Steamroom. I went there for the Spa, and they had all this amazing stuff. The Massage was divine, seriously. The Body scrub and Body wrap were tempting, but I was worried I'd fall asleep and snore (which I probably would!). I loved the Pool with view. The Sauna was a bit intense, but hey, it’s good for the soul.
Poolside Bar: Essential. Where else are you going to get your daily dose of iced tea?
Fitness Center: They had one, yes. Did I use it? Let’s just say I got my workout lugging around my suitcase.
But Wait, There's More! (The "Things to Do" Section)
Swimming Pool [outdoor] was the center of the action. Beautiful.
Couple’s room, I didn't go, but maybe next time!
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
Restaurants: They had a few, including one specializing in the Asian cuisine in restaurant. They served Asian breakfast and I was in heaven!
Poolside bar: Another must-have for cocktails at sunset.
Breakfast [buffet]: A decent selection. I went for a Western breakfast.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Desserts in restaurant.
Room service [24-hour], which was great for those late-night cravings.
Snack bar for the in-between meal munchies.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Covid-19 Edition
Look, these days, cleanliness is everything. And I was pleasantly surprised! Staff trained in safety protocol was a good start. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays definitely gave me peace of mind. I didn't take advantage of the Room sanitization opt-out available, but it’s good to know the option existed. The Safe dining setup was also appreciated.
Food, Glorious Food! (Where things got a little…complicated!)
The Asian breakfast was an absolute joy – the perfect way to start the day. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant? Surprisingly (and thankfully) good! The buffet in restaurant was decent and A la carte in restaurant also available!. However, I had an interesting incident happen at one of the restaurants that were not too good, but the staff was very nice. Let's just say, the food was… interesting. The chef really does try with International cuisine in restaurant, but the execution sometimes left something to be desired. Alternative meal arrangement should be available too.
For the Kids and For Romance:
Babysitting service available, but I wasn't with kids.
Couple’s room for the hopeless romantics like me.
Services & Conveniences:
- Daily housekeeping. Luggage storage. Cash withdrawal. Currency exchange. Concierge.
The Lowdown (The Good, The Bad, And The Slightly Weird)
The Good: The location is stunning. The pool is amazing. The spa is heaven. Most of the staff are genuinely friendly, accommodating. The Soundproofing, was, shall we say, optimistic. I could hear everything sometimes like the sound of the room next door was quite the issue with the walls been so thin.
The Bad: Food can be hit or miss. Internet is a gamble. Room soundproofing is sketchy.
The Weird: The occasional wonky mirror.
Final Verdict:
Escape to Paradise: Cocotel's Floating Sanctuary is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway, especially if you're looking for something different and are prepared to embrace a few imperfections. It's not perfect. But the good stuff – the scenery, the spa, the friendly staff, the feeling of being away from it all – makes it worth the trip. Just pack some patience (for the internet) and a sense of humor (for those wonky mirrors). And make sure you download a few movies before you go! Rating: 4 out of 5 stars! (Would be 5 if the internet and soundproofing improved!)
Escape to Paradise: Starway Hotel's Oceanfront Luxury in Lianyungang!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into my absolutely chaotic itinerary for the Floating Sanctuary Resort in Santa Maria, Philippines. Get ready for a wild ride, because this planning session felt like wrangling kittens on a trampoline. Buckle up!
The Chaos Theory: Floating Sanctuary Edition (or, How I Survived Paradise…Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Escape (and the Slight Panic Attack)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Manila Airport. Okay, first hurdle: finding the blasted shuttle. I’d sworn I’d book a private transfer this time, but nooooo, I was a smart shopper and opted for the "convenient" shared van. Let's just say, "convenient" in the Philippines means a high potential for mild purgatory. Finally, after a spirited debate (read: aggressive bargaining) with a taxi driver (who seemed to think he was auditioning for a car commercial) over the actual pick-up location, I’m onboard.
- 3:00 PM: The Drive. Praying the traffic won't eat us alive. I'm already fantasizing about the resort's infinity pool and secretly hoping the van has AC that actually works. My inner monologue at this point: "Is it too early for a cocktail? Probably not. I deserve it."
- 6:00 PM: FINALLY! Floating Sanctuary Resort! Oh. My. God. Okay, the photos did not lie. It's… genuinely beautiful. I stumble out of the van, legs slightly wobbly from the drive (and the anticipation). Check-in is smooth, though I’m already judging the complimentary welcome drink (it’s guava juice. Guava. Seriously?).
- 6:30 PM: Room Reveal! I. Am. Sold. The overwater bungalow is the stuff of dreams. Turquoise water lapping beneath, a hammock that's practically begging for me to collapse into it. I drop my bags, kick off my shoes and immediately hit the balcony. Breath in. Breath out. Am I dead and in heaven? Maybe.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the Resort Restaurant. Ah, the first meal! Ordered the grilled seafood platter with high hopes. The fish was a little… overcooked. My hopes were slightly dashed, but the sunset more than made up for it. I’m currently mentally rehearsing how to order an extra cocktail without looking like a lush.
- 9:00 PM: Stargazing! They promised incredible stargazing. And they delivered. I swear, the Milky Way was just painted across the sky. I spotted a shooting star and made a wish (that the mosquito repellent actually worked. And that I could order a pizza to my bungalow).
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. Because jet lag.
Day 2: Overwater Obsessions and Minor Culinary Crises
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up. The sunrise! It was glorious. I swear, the sun here is a different kind of sun.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. Went for the pancakes. They were… fluffy. (I’m trying to be positive.)
- 8:30 AM: The Infinity Pool. Alright, picture this: me, in a swimsuit that's seen better days, basking in the sun like a lizard. The infinity pool? Perfect. Just… perfect. Spent a solid two hours doing absolutely nothing but floating, staring at the ocean, and letting all my (minor) life problems melt away. This is why I travel!
- 10:30 AM: Snorkeling! They have a little snorkeling area, and the water is so clear. So many fish! (Lost my snorkel. Again. Seriously, do I have a black hole in my beach bag?)
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at the restaurant again. Ordered the fish and chips, (I’m giving them another chance, okay?). This time, the fish was undercooked. I'm starting to suspect some form of culinary conspiracy. Did I offend the chef? Should I apologize with a complimentary pineapple juice?
- 2:00 PM: Kayaking around the resort. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters. It’s all serenity and… suddenly a rogue wave threatened to capsize me. Turns out, I'm not as graceful as I thought. Managed to salvage my dignity (and the kayak) but now I have a wet shirt, salty hair, and a heightened awareness of my lack of upper body strength.
- 4:00 PM: The Massage. Oh. My. God. Seriously. The best massage of my LIFE. The masseuse melted all the stress out of my shoulders. I nearly drooled. I think I might have actually snored.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails. This time, I order two. No shame. The sky is ablaze with color. The world is beautiful. Maybe the food isn't perfect, but… who cares?
- 7:30 PM: Dinner attempt number three. Decided to play it safe and order the pasta. It was… edible.
- 9:00 PM: Writing in my journal. (I think it's the only way I can process everything).
Day 3: The (Slightly) Unexpected and the Bitter Sweet Goodbye
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Pancakes again, hoping for a culinary miracle. And I think I got one. The pancakes were… amazing. What changed? Did the chef finally forgive me? I’ll never know.
- 8:30 AM: Wandering and beachcombing. I'm in desperate need to be alone. Found an excellent spot to be alone.
- 10:00 AM: Swimming one last time in the pool.
- 11:00 AM: Back to the bungalow to spend time reading.
- 12:00 PM: Check-out. This part is always the worst. Saying goodbye to paradise is never easy. I pay my bill and fight back the urge to beg them to let me stay.
- 1:00 PM: Shuttle to Manila. Back to reality, back to the chaos of the city.
- 4:00 PM: Backpack on…
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the airport.
- 9:00 PM: Going back home.
Final Thoughts:
Floating Sanctuary Resort? Absolutely worth it. Flaws and all. The imperfect food, the slight logistical hiccups, the close encounters with rogue waves – it all just added to the adventure. I'm already plotting my return. Just need to learn how to pack a decent snorkel and maybe… actually, maybe not pack anything. Just show up. Let life be. Because sometimes, even in a slightly imperfect paradise, that’s all you need.
Portland Waterfront Wow! Aloft Hotel's Stunning Views Await
Escape to Paradise: Cocotel's Floating Sanctuary - Let's Get REAL, Okay?
Okay, so... Is it REALLY a "floating sanctuary" or just a glorified raft with a shed?
Alright, let's be honest. The "sanctuary" part... that's a bit aspirational. It’s not like a Buddhist monastery floating serenely amidst the lilies. It's more like... a charmingly rustic series of connected platforms. Think of it as a really, really cool houseboat-ish thing. And depending on which bungalow you score, you might actually *feel* like you're floating in a little slice of heaven. I mean, I got one with *the best* view, and trust me, the sunsets were divine. Absolute bliss. (Until the power went out, more on that later...).
The “glorified raft” part... it's got some truth to it. The platforms are solid, but you can *feel* the gentle sway of the water under your feet, which is either incredibly relaxing or slightly unsettling, depending on your inner sea legs and how many San Miguels you've had.
The photos look *amazing*. Is it filtered perfection, or is it the real deal? (Like, are those Instagram-perfect sunsets staged?)
Look, the photos are gorgeous. Don't lie. You saw them. I saw them. We *all* saw them. And yes, some of them are definitely touched up. But here's the thing: even without the filters, it's still stunning. I SWEAR. The water *is* that turquoise. The sunsets? They’re actually BETTER in person. Because you’re not just *seeing* them, you’re *experiencing* them. The air, the sounds... it’s like someone hit the reset button on your soul.
My advice? Go. Just go. Don't overthink it. But take your own dang photos, and don't be afraid to embrace the reality – which includes the occasional mosquito, the slightly wonky plumbing (in *my* bungalow anyway), and the fact that sometimes, things are just… *slightly* less perfect than the pictures suggest. But that's okay! That’s life, isn’t it? And the imperfections are part of the charm.
How's the food? I've seen some mixed reviews...
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. The menu isn't Michelin-star caliber, let's be clear. But it's decent. And the setting… well, it elevates everything. Eating fresh seafood with the sound of the waves lapping? Pure joy. I had a grilled fish that was, honestly, amazing. But, the next day, I tried the adobo and… let's just say it wasn't my favorite. I *think* (and I stress the *think*) it might have been cooked a… *little* too long.
My advice? Stick to the fresh stuff. Ask what's good *today*. And don't be afraid to be vocal. The staff are generally lovely and eager to please. Plus, BYOB is allowed, which… well, helps with everything, right? (Just don’t get too rowdy. Floating structures, you know... and open water...).
What are the bungalows *really* like? Are they comfy? Do they have air con? (Because that's important.)
The bungalows vary, that's the truth of it. Some are *more* charmingly rustic than others. Remember, this isn’t a luxury resort. Air conditioning is a blessing, not a given. Check before you book! Seriously. Check. The one I had (the one with the INCREDIBLE sunset view) did NOT have air con. Which, hello, Philippines. It got... warm. Okay, it got *sweltering*.
The beds were comfortable enough, though, and the mosquito nets were much appreciated. (Bring bug spray, you'll thank me later). The bathrooms? Basic. Functional. Don't expect spa-level amenities. But honestly? After a day of swimming, sunbathing, and just… existing in that beautiful place, you won’t care *that* much.
And this is where I get specific. My bungalow? Let's just say the first night, the power went out at 3 AM. Completely dark. In the middle of the ocean. Not terrifying. Not *at all*. Cue frantic phone calls to the front desk (who were lovely, by the way), and a whole lot of waiting for the generator to kick back in. Moral of the story: pack a flashlight and maybe a power bank. Just in case. (And maybe some earplugs, too. Those waves can be surprisingly loud at night).
What's there to *do* there? Is it just sunbathing and staring at the water? (Honestly, sounds appealing...)
Yes. And no. Sunbathing and staring at the water is a perfectly valid activity and one I highly recommend. It’s glorious. But there's also swimming (duh!), snorkeling (gear available to rent), kayaking (also available), and paddleboarding. There's a small common area where you can hang out, socialize (or not, your call!), and read your book (a must, honestly).
I spent an entire afternoon just floating in the water, staring up at the clouds. It was… pure zen. Then, I tried to get some snorkeling in. Found a few fish. Almost dropped my (borrowed) GoPro. Panicked. But it was still awesome. Think of it this way: it's a place to *unplug*. A place to reconnect with yourself (and maybe, just maybe, with your partner/friends/family). Leave your worries behind. Embrace the slow pace of life. And maybe, just maybe, try not to worry about getting your phone wet.
Is it romantic? (Asking for a friend... )
Oh. My. God. YES. It's outrageously romantic. Sunsets over the water? Check. Private bungalows? Check. The gentle sway of the ocean beneath you as you snuggle with your loved one? Check. Candlelit dinners (if you arrange them)? Check. If you are looking for a place to whisper sweet nothings in the dark, this is it.
I saw several proposals (lucky them!). I witnessed couples holding hands, gazing dreamily into each other's eyes... Okay, okay, maybe I *was* a little jealous. But mostly, I just felt happy for them. It's just… the atmosphere. The isolation. The sheer beauty of the place. It just *makes* you want to fall in love (or, you know, fall more deeply in love with the person you’re already with). Just remember to bring the bug spray and maybe a good book to pass the time ;)
Any downsides I should know aboutEscape To Inns
