I will start by saying that I am sorry Mina, for the extremely long delay for writing this review.
We stayed at Tarabanan in January 2014 for a quick 3 day getaway from the reality of the reason of our trip to the Philippines. My mother in laws last request was that her ashes be brought back from Canada to her hometown on Luzon. We were fulfilling her last request. Our group of 9 arrived at Tarabanan after a very beautiful and peaceful drive through the mountains from the airport by Mina and her driver.
Tensions amongst our group were high considering the reality of why we were all there. One of our group boiled over after we arrived at the resort and Mina did a wonderful job of maintaining order and peace, and providing a solution to keep the peace. She handled it with grace, and poise. I cannot say thank you enough.
After the rough start because of said members boil over (whom Mina guided to another local hotel), we settled in for some wonderful home made food.
Next morning we woke up to the ocean waves, that wonderful smell of the ocean, and sunshine. Then, breakfast. Homemade, pure natural cooking.
Mina's homemade mango and pineapple jam are simply to die for. Sounds silly for just jam, but after you taste it, you'll know. Then, a first for our entire group, wild board (bacon?)! Again, simply to die for!
Mina arranged for a day of island hopping, just a wonderful experience. Some amazing snorkelling on the islands and the sand bar we stopped at is just a sight to behold.
After 1 day, it felt like we'd known Mina for a long time. She's a wonderful lady and a perfect host.
I'll sum it up with this, if you want to stay in a natural setting, very little distractions to allow you to clear your minds and souls, you cannot go wrong picking Tarabanan.
If you are looking for 5 star millionaire for a week hotel, look elsewhere because you won't be doing Mina any help.