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#1 of 9 hotels in Tawala
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Boutique
Languages Spoken
Filipino
Location
Km. 16 Hoyohoy, Tawala, Panglao 6340 Philippines
Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
134 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alan Dimayuga, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded Mar 10, 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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Excellent location, and views of the sea, quirky little paths down to the sea, some lounge chairs and boat mooring bay, metal crabs on the lawn, cool, excellent curry seafood, service was impeccable and charming both guys and young intern Merriam was interactive and impressionable. It would be a shame not to visit this charming location in panglao, a 15min trike ride from The beach, 200php, or use Maxim app would offer a 90php tide. Highly recommend for that just good feeling experience as a family, lovers, or just solo as I was in this case
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mimi Dib, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded May 10, 2024
Good day! Greetings from Donatela Resort and Sanctuary! We hope you are keeping safe and well! Thank you very much for giving us a 5-star service review on your overall experience in dining at Paprika Restaurant! On behalf of Donatela Team, we would like to thank you for such positive feedback! It truly humbles us as a team to always aim to exceed guest expectations and satisfaction. We are very delighted we were able to make your dining experience as memorable as possible, with a remarkable service from Meriam! Management and the entire team of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary is always pleased to be of service, and we look forward in welcoming you back, hopefully soon, during sunset hours?
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Upon our arrival at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary. We were soothed by the warm greetings of the staff at the front desk and as they gestured to take a seat and handed us fresh towels and welcome drinks. This sprawling resort is tranquil and secluded and clad by dense jungle.
We stayed at the breezy Pool Villa, with a cream wall and warm wood and Asian-inspired design. The villa is really spacious equipped with a massive, comfortable king bed, side tables and chairs, and TV.
There's a separate living room spruced up with covetable furniture and TV, study table, refrigerator, and latte machine. This is where we love to hang out in a big sofa bed with enough sitting space. The bathroom and shower room is spacious too, it as big as the bedroom.
You can also hang out outside by the private pool fringed by lush garden. This is what I like most about Donatela Resort and Sanctuary. The serenity and the privte residence vibe that it offers. You will hardly see other guests except when dining in at the Paprika Restaurant.
The food at Paprika Restaurant is okay too. There's a lot of choices. I especially love their fish ala plancha, salmon pappilotte, and truffle pasta. I like their complimentary breakfast too, it's really good. You can dine al fresco at Paprika Restaurant and enjoy the view of the endless sea.
There's a private beach below the restaurant deck. Ask the staff how to access it. Also, don't miss the resort's signature massage.
The staff are warm and helpful and trained well. I have no complaints. They're nice to talk too, very polite. They feel like family.
Overall, we like our experience at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary. We love the privacy and serenity that it offers. If you're looking for a resort in Bohol away from the crowd of Alona, this is the place to be.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mimi Dib, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded Aug 29, 2023
Good day Ms. Gael! Greetings from Donatela Resort and Sanctuary! We hope you are keeping safe and well! Thank you very much for giving us a 5-star service review on your overall stay at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary! On behalf of Donatela Team, we would like to thank you for such positive feedback ranging from our villa to our restaurant by the cliff, and to our signature massage. It truly humbles us as a team to be motivated and to always aim in exceeding guest expectations and satisfaction. Management and the entire team of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary is always pleased to be of service, and we look forward in welcoming you back, hopefully soon? Sincerely, Mimi Dib
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We only visited for the horseback riding but were very impressed. The person leading the horseback riding was knowledgeable and helpful. The facilities are great. It’s clean, horses well cared for and they have a large paddock where novice riders can start.
We were also impressed with the overall resort. It’s huge and extremely private. Very lush and beautiful grounds. Everyone we met was helpful
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mimi Dib, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded Oct 25, 2023
Good day! Greetings from Donatela Resort and Sanctuary! We hope you are keeping safe and well! Thank you very much for giving us a 5-star service review on your experience with our Horseback Riding at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary! On behalf of Donatela Team, we would like to thank you for such positive feedback! It truly humbles us as a team to always aim to exceed guest expectations and satisfaction. We are very delighted to know that our facilities are to your expectations. Management and the entire team of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary is always pleased to be of service, and we look forward in welcoming you back, hopefully soon?
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Upon arrival, guests are immediately welcomed by the warm, friendly staff who provide a seamless check-in experience. The resort itself is beautifully designed, with a mix of modern elegance and tropical charm. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, offering breathtaking views of the ocean from private balconies. The beds are incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The scenery is very good, right on the cliff, and the view is very wide. Bring the children to travel together. It takes ten minutes to ride a motorcycle from Alona North Beach. It is still worth it. The family sits on the beach, quietly. This is what travel should be like. I originally planned to travel around the island today, but later I saw this restaurant and photos on Xiaohongshu, and I came here to eat while looking at the sea. This is an artistic conception that cannot be achieved by group tours. In the past, I traveled abroad with group tours, and the places I went to were more commercial. This time I made my own strategy, read Xiaohongshu, rented a motorcycle and came here. It was a small road when I came in, and it felt like a paradise after I came in. My family unanimously agreed that it was a good choice.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1: In terms of service, the staff's attitude is very warm and friendly, from entering the store to leaving it gives people a feeling of being at home. The staff were very professional, patiently answered our questions and provided us with the service we needed in a timely manner. Their service skills are also excellent, which makes us feel very satisfied. 2. In terms of environment, the environment in the store is very clean and comfortable. The decoration style is unique, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The combination of music and lighting is also in place, making the whole meal more enjoyable. Whether it is dining or casual chatting, you can feel the comfortable environment The vibe.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mimi Dib, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded Sep 13, 2023
Good day! Greetings from Donatela Resort and Sanctuary! We hope you are keeping safe and well! Thank you very much for giving us a 5-star service review! On behalf of Donatela Team, we would like to thank you for such positive feedback in reference to Paprika Restuarant! I am very pleased to hear that our service team was able to provide a heartwarming service experience. I will be sharing your positive feedback with them! It truly humbles us as a team to be motivated and to always aim in exceeding guest expectations and satisfaction. We are also very pleased to hear that the upkeep of Paprika Restaurant is up to your standards and that we would always like to provide an outstanding ambience shared with comfortability to all of our guests. Management and the entire team of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary is always pleased to be of service, and we look forward in welcoming you back, hopefully soon? Sincerely, Mimi Dib
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First time here! I was amazed by the beautiful scenery in front of me😘 It's a very relaxing place I ordered tiramisu and two glasses of juice. It tasted pretty good👌 It’s a good choice for relaxing in the afternoon Very private and relaxing The waiters are also very good-looking. A good choice to enjoy the sea breeze and enjoy the beautiful scenery
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mimi Dib, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded Mar 4, 2024
Good day! Greetings from Donatela Resort and Sanctuary! We hope you are keeping safe and well! Thank you very much for giving us a 5-star service review on your overall experience in dining at Paprika Restaurant! On behalf of Donatela Team, we would like to thank you for such positive feedback! It truly humbles us as a team to always aim to exceed guest expectations and satisfaction. We are very delighted we were able to make your afternoon memorable, our Cliff Side scenery is one of a kind. Management and the entire team of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary is always pleased to be of service, and we look forward in welcoming you back, hopefully soon, during sunset hours?
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We started our honeymoon at Donatela and chose the resort for its exclusivity and relaxation but also for their amenities and support booking day trips into Bohol's Countryside to see the Tarsiers and Chocolate Hills. The restaurant, Paprika, is delicious with great local cuisine and global options for dinner as well as a better than standard breakfast. We enjoyed the roaming horses, the lush gardens around the villas, and the size of the villas. We enjoyed a standard villa and had so much space. Staff is all welcoming and helpful and the shuttle to/from airport was an added bonus.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The ambiance was great and the view was breathtaking. It was really aesthetic and very calming, due to the many plants and greeneries. The food was very delicious and worth the price. The staff was also very attentive to our needs and was very helpful.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mimi Dib, General Manager at Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
Responded Sep 13, 2023
Good day! Greetings from Donatela Resort and Sanctuary! We hope you are keeping safe and well! Thank you very much for giving us a 5-star service review! On behalf of Donatela Team, we would like to thank you for such positive feedback in reference to Paprika Restuarant! I am very pleased to hear that our service team was able to provide a heartwarming service experience. I will be sharing your positive feedback with them! It truly humbles us as a team to be motivated and to always aim in exceeding guest expectations and satisfaction. Management and the entire team of Donatela Resort and Sanctuary is always pleased to be of service, and we look forward in welcoming you back, hopefully soon? Sincerely, Mimi Dib
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Hi there. We do have a private cove where you can relax and enjoy the sea, however, it is not wide nor long compared to Alona Beach. You may check few photos in our website activities. But we do provide complimentary shuttle service to and from Alona Beach for our guests. It's just about 10 minutes ride from the hotel.
Hi!
Thanks for the message. We can accommodate your event in our restaurant Paprika and customize the menu to your needs. Please email us on our email address located on our website or call us at +63 917 5266001.
Thank you
Hi mogalo,
It is possible to walk to alona beach area (town/restaurants/shops) but it is a long walk. We have a regular shuttle for our in house guests and this takes around 10 min from the resort to the hotel. Bikes aren't available yet in the resort.
Thank you
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