It can be a treat to be a mother
Pamper your mom in Bohol this May for Mother's Day
Published May 14, 2023 02:43 am
A quick getaway to the islands of Bohol during this time of year is always a good idea. Pristine, blue waters rich in marine life, breathtaking views, and the draw of a slow-paced way of living that’s only possible on a beautiful island make it the perfect destination. Not to mention that summer is finally in full swing, and being at the beach is the best way to enjoy this season. As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the moms in our lives feel extra special. While there are countless ways to celebrate this occasion, whisking them away on a spontaneous trip to the islands for a weekend of pampering sounds may just be the best way to do so.
A quick, one-hour flight from Manila via Cebu Pacific, followed by a 10-minute drive, brings you to Amorita Resort. This boutique, luxury resort in Bohol’s famed Panglao Island is a haven of tranquility and relaxation. The sprawling property atop a cliff that overlooks Alona Beach never feels crowded despite its popularity. For Mother’s Day, the resort has decided to honor moms by allowing them one of the most luxurious gifts any parent can ask for—true relaxation.
Beautiful, spacious rooms and villas are just the beginning. Amorita’s Sea Tree Spa is offering special massage treatments for Mother’s Day, including facials, 90-minute massages, and even the chance to feel like the Queen of the Nile through the signature milk bath. The spa offerings are enough to make anyone feel spoiled. After the treatments, you can also enjoy an afternoon tea set at Amorita’s Saffron restaurant. Sweet and savory treats are perched on a round, wooden display crafted especially by artisans from Bohol. “We like to showcase the best of the island,” said executive chef Franco. “These were made especially for us.”
The resort is also a dining destination, with daily specials like the shrimp dynamite and crispy dinuguan providing more than enough reasons to visit on a normal day. But for Mother’s Day, a lunch buffet honoring the mothers of Amorita’s kitchen will treat guests to special family recipes. There’s the hearty chicken adobo Chef Franco learned from his mom, as well as dishes that are popular in the region like kansi, a dish perfectly described as “if bulalo and sinigang had a love child.” Moms eat free at the buffet as long as they are accompanied by a minimum of three people. For dinner, a special four-course menu awaits moms at The Lost Cow, Amorita’s new chophouse. You start off with a kilawin and salad, followed by a beef soup made of broth. The main course is a perfect marriage of meat and seafood, a thick, juicy steak with a huge local prawn both cooked just right. Medium rare for the beef, of course. Dessert is a smoked cheesecake, which I have never had before and will definitely say yes to when offered again in the future.
Aside from relaxation, there are also fun activities on and off the island. Our group took a boat and made our way one morning to the sandbars. Powdery, white, and an absolute dream to walk on, it was definitely worth waking up early for.
Sunset yoga at Amorita was done near the cliff, overlooking Alona Bay. One can also opt to try archery, ride a bike, or take a kayak out to sea. This Mother’s Day weekend, children are invited to an arts and crafts class, giving moms the freedom and peace of mind to just let loose and relax while their kids stay busy and entertained.
All in all, ours was a fun-filled weekend that left me missing Bohol just hours after we landed. Most trips have you feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation, but not this one. I came home recharged and rejuvenated. Something moms will definitely be grateful for, whether real moms or fur-moms like me.
Amorita, in particular, is a getaway that feels like a home away from home on the islands. It’s comforting and warm even to first timers, making people feel like they’ve been there before. I cannot wait to go back.