Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
KM16 Hoyohoy, Tawala, Panglao 6340 Philippines
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Room & Suite (23)
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What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash
- Face masks required for guests in public areas
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Floors marked for social distancing
- Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
- Stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Updated 30/09/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Updated 30/09/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#3 of 12 hotels in Tawala
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Looking for a place to stay in Tawala? Then look no further than Donatela Resort and Sanctuary, a luxury hotel that brings the best of Tawala to your doorstep. Donatela Resort is a luxury villa resort offering a minibar, a refrigerator, and air conditioning in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The hotel features room service and a concierge. Plus, guests can enjoy a pool and breakfast, which have made this a popular choice among travelers visiting Tawala. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. During your visit, be sure to check out a popular Tawala burritos restaurant such as Sunset Grill Authentic Mexican Food, which is a short distance from Donatela Resort and Sanctuary. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Donatela Resort as you experience everything Tawala has to offer.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Horseback riding
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Free shuttle or taxi services
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Concierge
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Room service
Minibar
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Languages Spoken
Filipino
Location
Full view
64Somewhat walkable
Grade: 64 out of 100
18Restaurantswithin 1 km
1Attractionwithin 1 km
68Reviews5Q+A8Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
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+1
We spent 4 days in their beautiful pool villa with a canopy roof. Definitely one of its kind not just in Bohol but in the Philippines! It’s hard not to notice how rich the villa is with different cultures from Filipino to Balinese, African and Chinese interior designs. It’s like taking you to places without having to leave. Situated in the midst of lush botanical gardens, staying in the villa all day is such a treat. You wake up in the morning listening to nature’s music around you – birds chirping, leaves dancing in the air and pool waters calming your soul. Tranquility at its finest! One of the many things that we look forward to everyday is having breakfast at Tarsier Paprika. Three breakfasts at the resort and we were able to try everything that’s on their menu, including their famous croissant and Danish bread which are freshly baked in their oven every morning. According to the resort manager, Sir Alan Dimayuga, how their croissants are made are with the same quality of those you can find in Paris. Well, we haven’t been to Paris but at Donatela, we had a taste of Paris without even leaving. Amazing! ✨ Did I mention the breakfast view, too? Simply breathtaking! You can even opt to dine inside the air-conditioned sea view rooms or al fresco at the veranda. The view at the restaurant is so relaxing and breathtaking. You shouldn’t miss Donatela’s Signature Tomahawk Steak. We had it during our romantic dinner and it was amazing! We are such a huge fans of steaks and we were able to finish their large tomahawk steak with just the two of us. We had our first basic horseback riding lessons in Donatela and to say that it was fun is an understatement. We had zero knowledge but in just an hour, we were able to handle the horses on our own around the arena, then around the resort. Their signature massage is a must-try, too! One of the best massages that we had. Their spa village is so picturesque as well. SAFETY PROTOCOLS The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we travel but Donatela made sure that they follow the new normal protocols to keep their guests safe. The resort is huge enough and even if they take full capacity, guests wouldn’t encounter each other closely. They have hygienic kits in the villa complete with masks, tissue, alcohol, sanitizer and off lotion for insect bites. The staff are wearing masks and face shields, keeping their safe distance. The restaurant is regularly sanitized, too, and washing area is strategically placed to be more accessible to everyone. Thank you so much for the hospitability and warm welcome, sir Alan Dimayuga. He’s one of the most accommodating resort managers that we’ve met. Thank you for taking care of us and looking after our needs throughout our stay. We had a great time at Donatela and we’ll be back soon. 😊💖 You can read about our full review of Donatela on our blog (Life with Krich) and watch our staycation vlog on Youtube (Life with Krich)…
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Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
Response from Alan Dimayuga, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded 10 Mar 2021
Dear Life with Krich, Thank you so much for giving us a 5 star review and that your overall stay and experience was positive and were able. enjoy the wholeness of the resort, from the villa design and it's interiors, the serviced comfort, the food and the view at our popular Paprika Restaurant, your spa experience, and learning to ride the horses. Again, management and the entire team of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary was pleased to be of service, and we look forward in welcoming you back, soon? All the best Alan
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We booked the family villa for our group and it was perfect! We enjoyed the privacy and the first class amenities the resort offered. You hardly saw other guests except at the restaurant and sometimes at the pool. The overall ambiance was peaceful and relaxing. For much of our 4-night stay we felt like we were the only guests and it was great! Service was fantastic -- from the moment we checked in to the time we left. I accidentally left my phone as we were checking out and the hotel sent a van to return my phone before we boarded our flight -- that's extra service! We interacted a lot with the GM who was very accommodating and friendly. The restaurant staff were very responsive but like in most restaurants in the area, they move on "island time" -- so just be patient. My one suggestions is for the staff to get trained to be more proactive and attentive to the guests (to refill water, etc) rather than waiting to be asked The views from the restaurant are fantastic and not to be missed.…
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: All villa resort and each one offer different amenities.
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3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Alan D, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded 10 Jan 2020
Dear Steve and Amy, Thank you so much for sharing a review on Trip Advisor and giving us a 5! The entire team greatly appreciated your rating. We are glad to learn that you enjoyed your stay and that everyone had a good time. Your suggestion was well taken and we will pay attention to it. In the meantime, we hope to welcome you back or see you again soon. You have my card, and do not hesitate to call or email if there is anything I can do for you. Our best wishes for 2020! Alan
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Been coming to the restaurant for 8 years. So disappointed today. Service ordinary, F & B manager shouting at staff. Food 1/2 portions and prices increased by 30%. Hope u get the tourists ...we wont be back.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
Helpful
Response from Alan D, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded 16 Dec 2019
Thank you for sharing a review on Trip Advisor, and its thru guest comments where and how we can do better and improve the quality of service we provide our valued guests like your good self. Our manager might have been heard loud, due to the serenity of the place, but rest assured everyone had been reminded to be more discreet not to catch any attention of our dining customers. This our sincerest apology. Rest assured the portions has not been reduced, and prices had been adjusted due to cost considerations. We hope this does not mar your overall impression of the place, and please allow us to serve you again. You may call me up directly and wish to welcome you back personally at Donatela Hotel. My warmest regards.
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An amazing hotel with accommodating staff, Donatella Resort in Panglao provides breathtaking views of the Bohol Sea, We were picked up by Donatella's Luxury van at Panglao International Airport, 10 minutes aways from the hotel, As soon as we got to the lobby we were greeted with a warm welcome by the attentive front desk staff and manager. The hotel is filled with world-class Villas to include a private pool with crystal-clear waters, SPA village, stables with a mini zoo and Botanical Garden.The villas, influenced by traditional Ifugao tribal houses, are surrounded by orchards, perfect for romantic escape, The food at Paprika, a restaurant with a view of Bohol sea was nothing short of delicious. Try their mixed-green salad with kingfish carpaccio, the seafood bisque, and the main course-grilled Tomahawk steak with roasted potatoes and green pepper sauce on the side.Chef Steve grilled our steak to perfection, and the food & wine was served by Liza and her Team. After dinner, my wife and I had a room-service massage, which I can highly recommended. We would like to thanks Mr Ala D. and his incredible staff for an amazing experience . This hotel defined the meaning of a Five Star, Five Diamond Hotel. We will definitely be going back for our next anniversary.…
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Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
Location
Service
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
One of the best vacations I’ve taken yet. The villas are absolutely beautiful and the staff were always so warm & welcoming. Highlights for me were the views by the ocean, the hilot massage, and the convenience of booking any of the excursions. The hotel also provides a shuttle to Alona beach which is great to go for the nightlife. I would highly recommend this place!
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Helpful
My wife and I stayed here for three nights. We have been extremely busy, and found this place to hopefully get some rest and relaxation. This place is peaceful and luxurious, while providing five star services. Our villa was beautiful, clean, and roomy. Dining was terrific. Staff was able to accommodate all our needs. The views by their restaurant facing the oceanfront are breathless and picture worthy. Would recommend to anyone looking to stay in the area for some R& R. P.S. Get the Hilot Massage. The BEWST I have ever got, and reasonably priced!
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Date of stay: October 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
We had initially booked 2 nights at Donatela but loved the resort so much that we booked an extra night. This place is quite unique to other resorts in Panglao - you feel like you have the entire place to yourself. If you want to get away from the maddening crowds and get back to nature, then this is the place for you. The Equestrian centre is well maintained and so is the animal sanctuary. The staff seem to look after the animals very well - my only constructive feedback would be provide larger enclosures for the animals to roam. We will definitely be back in future.
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Nomad61978026648, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded 12 Oct 2019
Thank you so much for sharing a review on Trip Advisor and the team from the mini zoo and equestrian will be very much elated as I will surely share this with them today. We are glad that your stay was pleasant and that you were able to enjoy the luxury of nature at Donatela, a Resort and Sanctuary here in Panglao Island of Bohol. Again, thank you so much, and we are all excited to welcome you back, and so are your friends and family! Warmest regards.
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This place was more like home and the staff made us feel like we were friends. They were so attentive to what we needed and making our stay a true experience. This whole resort has nature all over and beautiful views when eating dinner, breakfast, and lunch. The food is absolutely amazing, and a 10 on our books. Thank you so much Donatela! We can't wait to go back to visit.
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Date of stay: September 2019
Value
Rooms
Service
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Nomad61978026648, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded 6 Oct 2019
Thank you so much for sharing a positive review on Trip Advisor, and the staff were elated to read this!!! We are glad to have you and that your overall experience is a 10! We cant wait to see you back soon! Kind regards.
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+1
We went there last June around 7PM. I was expecting an extraordinary experience because of the amount that we will be paying 2,500 pesos for a 90 minute massage. My friends and I love massage (twice a month) but we always do home service for 350 pesos only for 90 minutes. So I was kinda excited and expected a lot because this will be my 3rd time (hotel spa and independent spa) to experience a legit spa service. When my friend told me she'll treat me for a massage I was hesitant at first because I'm pretty much sure paying 2,500 won't make any difference if we'll do home service massage (okay I'm just being practical) . We arrived there at around 7pm after a long ride from Tagbilaran. Okay I think, to have an instagrammable photos better visit during morning or sunset time. When we went of course 7pm it was dark, not well lighted (not sure if part of the donatela experience). We had our massage in a nipa hut, with relaxing music background and recorded chirping birds sound. The massage routine was the same with what we usually had from a home a service massage (our home service gives us stretching after the massage). We had a tea after the massage - that's it! Yes that's it! We paid and we went home. Paying 2,500 or 350 pesos??? The answer is very clear. I think we are willing to pay that amount if we know it'll be worth it and experience an extraordinary service. Verdict: nothing extraordinary experience for a 2,500 worth of 90 minute massage. I think the deal breaker is the tea after the massage? 🤔. Maybe it would be a different experience during morning? Not sure! Nonetheless, I'd still choose the 350 worth of home service massage but if you have the money to burn, by all means go push! .…
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
Helpful
Response from Tarsier Botanik... R, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded 30 Jul 2019
Dear Kimchiemon, Thank you so much for sharing a review today regarding the Spa experience you had with us last June 2019, and we are very sorry that we did not meet your expectations during that time. If you can give us a chance to make it up with you, please let us know. Please don't miss the hotel's famous Paprika Restaurant by the sea, when you come visit. We will also be happy to show you around when you are here. In the meantime, may I look forward to hear from you. Best regards. Sincerely yours, Alan Dimayuga General Manager alan.dimayuga@donatelahotel.com
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Excellent but a bit inconvenient since its location. But there are shuttle bus to gets to Alona beach. Other than that everything was great. Breakfast was great, staffs were so nice and great, views were great. Can’t complain.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from donatelah, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded 5 Jun 2019
Dear Nomad21894416827, Greetings! Thank you for an excellent review. We are glad that you enjoyed our breakfast and the team. We are a few minutes away from Alona beach and we offer a free drop off and pickup service for our in house guests so that they can enjoy this area if they wish. We also have a partnership with another resort nearby which has a white beach. We hope we can have you back soon in the property and please book directly with us to avail of the best rates. Thank you! Warm Regards, Herve Martin Resort Manager
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PRICE RANGE
US$197 - US$286 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Tarsier Botanika Resort
LOCATION
PhilippinesVisayasBohol ProvincePanglao IslandPanglaoTawala
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Which popular attractions are close to Donatela Resort and Sanctuary?
Nearby attractions include Tarsier Botanika (1.1 km), Alona Beach (1.1 km), and Aluna Beach Lounge (1.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Donatela Resort and Sanctuary?
Conveniently located restaurants include Garlic 'n lemon bistro, Shaka Bohol, and Saffron.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does Donatela Resort and Sanctuary have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Donatela Resort and Sanctuary offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Donatela Resort and Sanctuary have airport transportation?
Yes, Donatela Resort and Sanctuary offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Donatela Resort and Sanctuary offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.