Prepare to Leave Reality Behind at the New Discovery Samal Resort

It’s only a five-minute speedboat ride from the Mindanao mainland to the new Discovery Samal Resort on the Island Garden City of Samal, but it may as well be a trip that transports you from reality to fantasy. A variety of sea life thriving in crystal clear waters constitutes the welcoming committee as guests disembark, although the human resort staff are much more helpful in carrying bags up to the dock and onto waiting golf carts. 

Aerial view of Discovery Smal Island resort

Photo by Discovery Samal Island.

From there it’s a short ride to the lobby, where guests pass lounge chairs and cabanas over golden white sands and facing the calm Davao Gulf. It’s all one can do not to jump off the golf cart, toss their t-shorts and flip-flops aside and just dive into the water.

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This is the magic of this brand-new resort. The island has no shortage of beach clubs, of course, but arguably none reaches the dizzying levels of luxury and sophistication that Discovery Samal Island offers. Similar to the near mythic standards of hospitality of its sister properties elsewhere in the country (particularly Discovery Shores in Boracay), there is much to love and appreciate in this months-old property. Attentive resorts staff give a palm-on-chest salute each time they meet guests around the resort; waiters have guests names memorized almost instantly, adding a layer of comfort and familiarity; and there is a stress-melting sense of undeniable relaxation and freedom running throughout the resort. It’s as if you literally leave all your troubles in the mainland and just choose to let go in this tropical wonderland.

The stretch of golden white sand beach

Photo by Discovery Samal Island.

Executive room

Photo by Discovery Samal Island.

From the water, the dark, almost brutalist face of the resort’s main building stand out against the thick foliage. The resort is huge—around six hectares according to resort officials, so unless you plan on getting lots of cardio workout, you’ll need the golf carts to get around. There are 128 suites, 15 executive suites, and one Grand Signature Suite that has all the design, fixtures, and amenities of a luxury villa it’d be hard to say goodbye if you ever decide to plunk down enough cash to get it for yourself and your family and friends. 

You can choose to swim in two of the main pools—one closer to the guest rooms and the other facing the sea nearer the lobby and restaurants. There’s a third pool exclusive to villa guests, and of course, a private stretch of sandy beach that kisses the warm seawater. Unlike, say, Boracay, where dining outlets are aplenty, you’re limited to the resort’s culinary offerings when the hunger pangs hit. Fortunately, this Discovery property mirrors all others in the commitment to serve top quality food. Get your fill of fresh seafood at Morning Catch, and fill up on Asian favorites (the laksa is a can’t-miss) at The Shoreline. Wherever you decide to eat, the chances of disappointment are almost zero.

One bedroom villa

Photo by Discovery Samal Island.

No top-tier luxury resort should be without spa facilities, and, of course, Discovery Samal Island has this box checked. Samal Escape is an additional layer of relaxation and pampering, with treatments designed to zap away the last vestiges of stress in your body. 

You can choose to spend every waking moment at the resort, but if it’s your first time in Samal Island, there are plenty of unique experiences for you to try. Check with the concierge and book an island-hopping tour to see the coral gardens at Talicud Island and the island’s Giant Clam sanctuary. There’s also Vanishing Island at the Sanipaan Marine Park and the Monfort Bat Cave that’s home to thousands of bats (if the nocturnal mammals are your thing).

Spend an afternoon just lounging by the beach

Photo by Discovery Samal Island.

Or choose to hang out in one of the guest swimming pools

Photo by Discovery Samal Island.

When I visited in August, there were still construction work around the island, including for the new convention center that’s purportedly one of the biggest not just in Davao but in the entirety of Mindanao. Clearly the owners are placing big bets on turning this latest addition to the Discovery Group of Properties the best one yet, and one that would attract a broader segment of visitors than the typical luxury resort guest. Being just a five-minute boat ride away from “reality” would certainly help in that regard.

For reservations and inquiries, visit the website or contact +6384 3082998.