The castle I never thought I would enter
Every day I drove along San Juan’s main road I drove by the monolithic auburn tower which is Coco Grove Beach Resort. Obviously, on a traveler’s budget I was not going to afford myself the luxury of such a resort. That was until my mother came to visit, and for a woman who does not travel outside of the US too often, she was more than happy to inhabit the luxurious Coco Grove Beach resort for several nights.
Recommended by my friend Jo of Traveller’s Soul Guest House, the resort seemed like the perfect place for my mother to call home for the duration of our time in Siquijor. She called and spoke with management and was able to secure a much better deal than the listing, thankfully for us it was low season which meant that the rates are a bit more flexible.
Budget Traveler
Before I write any more let me reiterate that my mother does not splurge on expensive items a lot. So, to hear she booked us the coveted Penthouse was a pleasant surprise to my hostel-relegating self. Somehow, she was not on board with my 15$/night beach front property of Gold Sky Sea View.
We arrived to Siquijor via the Ocean Jet Ferry and a driver was on the dock to greet us with a sign which read “Annette and Party.” This is when I should have known I was in for something special…the penthouse is usually for more than two people…and I was the “party.”
A forty-five minute drive through the palm tree enclosed streets of Siquijor. Earnestly, we came upon the mahogany gate of the exclusive Coco Grove. I travel on a bit of a higher budget than the average traveler, but let me say, I am cheap af and I usually tend to choose less than amazing accommodations in exchange for location. So, when we entered the resort and everything seemed to glisten my heart sang.
The staff of Coco Grove
The staff welcomed us with fresh watermelon drinks and I made the acquaintance of the resort manager, Miss Joy. As a person with an extensive career in tourism and hospitality I can always tell when someone is passionate about the amenities they manage— Miss Joy is an exemplary beacon of what any hotel own wants as a representative. I asked her to make sure my mother was well taken care of and did she deliver.
When we entered the penthouse, it is literally a private tower on top of the entire resort. I could not believe that I was the guest in someplace so luxurious. Furthermore, the rate we were paying was beyond affordable for what we were receiving. Panorama view of the mountains, the ocean, and forest, private and personal bar, rooftop jacuzzi, two private bathrooms, a giant upstairs bathroom, and a downstairs which easily could have slept 2-4 couples. I could see why the driver expected a party upon arrival.
As I strolled through the resort’s massive lush grounds I smiled. I found myself admiring the detail put into every aspect of design. From hand laid stone pathways, beautiful color schemes, the uniforms of the employees, the beckoning coy pond, five unique pools no shortage of love and care has been put into the construction and maintenance of this resort.
We enjoyed four blissful nights in Siquijor’s palace and ate at every restaurant. We explored every nook and cranny, and spoke with every employee I could find. Most blogs you read might hyperbolize a bit in their glowing review, but I don’t think any level of hyperbolization could exceed my truthful opinion.
Dinner of a lifetime
On our last night in the resort, we had a beach side dinner which brought my mother to tears. I don’t think I have ever seen her so happy. The staff had set up a private candle-lit table covered in flowers and orchestrated one of the most beautiful and memorable dining experiences of my life. Even down to the live music, everything was exceedingly perfect. For this memory, I have the staff to thank as this was not something they do for everyone. So, if you speak to Miss Joy about my experience she might be willing to do something similar for you and your loved one.
Apo Island, Coco Grove continues
When my mother left, I returned to Siquijor to finish my dive master with Dive Point Dive Center. Upon my return I realized that Coco Grove had an Apo Island extension of their resort.
Apo Island is a two hour boat ride from Siquijor. The diving highly recommended by my friend Mike of Diving Around Asia. He said if I had a chance to dive Apo, I had to take it. So when Joy offered me a trip to dive I had to jump on that offer, granted I was a few minutes late as I was driving 50 mph down the road on. A moped with a huge dive bag on my back, but ya know…always arrive and make an impression.
I spent the day aboard talking with crew and saw all of the amazing sights of the island. Despite a few camera malfunctions, I enjoyed Apo Island and dove the highly recommended “Coconut” dive site. You’ll see turtles, balls of jack fish, huge groupers, divers with large camera kits, and of course an abundance of vibrantly colored corals and reefs, oh ya and enjoy a frisky drift dive which was probably the swiftest current I’ve ever been propelled by!
If diving is not your cup of tea, no worries, Apo Island is mainly a snorkel, beach, and swim destination. Of the twelve people on the trip, I alone was diving…speaks a lot about me and people…as usual I am the only one doing something a bit different than the herd. But ya know, that herd is still pretty cool! The group swam all day, saw so many turtles and sunbathed on the pristine beach until their heart was content.
The Philippines: Siquijor, I always want more
Overall, if you have a higher budget or want to splurge for a night or two check out Coco Grove. I could not more highly recommend a location than Coco Grove Beach Resort of Siquijor, Philippines. Not only are the amenities amazing, but the staff are so welcoming and kind which in the end of the day, to me, the people who work in the locations I visit are what I remember the most. Every time I talk about Siquijor I have a cute saying and I’ll say it here: “Siquijor, I want More.”
And its just 2 kms from where I live. Always hear good stories about this place