What is it about this humble, somewhat nondescript property tucked away near a sleepy fishing village? To truly understand it’s appeal, you must dive a little deeper…and beyond that, there is something about this place that you just can’t quite put your finger on…I call it #MomoMagic 🙂 I will try to do it justice with the following Momo Beach House review – let’s go!
By Nathan Allen
Yes, from the outside, the building itself is a bit sparse. It has a simple, plain white exterior with no accenting. That’s because Momo leaves nature to provide the accenting! The vibrant green plants and coconut trees on the property beautifully compliment the blue hues from the pool, sky, and the sea…which is literally just a few steps away.
Momo Beach House is a few kilometers away from the busy tourist-mecca of Alona Beach. Just getting there feels like an adventure, because the last stretch is a dirt road leading to a jungle beach! I love it. Here, you’ll find a quaint, charming refuge from the cookie-cutter hotels that pepper much of Panglao Island.
My Momo Beach House Review – It’s All in the Details
The artistic and “beachy” touches around the property were much appreciated – like this creative solution for sandy toes! Yes, Momo has a lot of character. It is at once bright, cheery, and yet somehow….rustic. To me, right down to the music, everything about the ambience was just right. Known as an “eco-chic boutique hotel“, you’ll notice their environmentally-friendly soaps and shampoos in the bathroom. Nice!
They were also very kind to create a hand-drawn welcome sign for me before I arrived. I thought it might be something they do for invited guests only, but the next day I realized that everybody gets the same treatment. That is a great way to make your guests feel welcomed and special.
A peak inside the rooms reveals a bold splash of design and color. The space feels light and airy, but not in a whimsical way. It’s tasteful, without being kitchy or cheesy (in my opinion, anyway).
Check Momo Beach House rates.
Initially, the beach itself may not wow you. It’s not the most perfect white sand, nor is it the ultimate beach for swimming. However, it still has something that Alona Beach mostly lost decades ago – local flavor. If you take a short walk down the beach, you can ease into the real Philippines here; local children play in the sun while their fathers return with fresh-caught dinner from the sea.
As you can see below, I did swim, and tried my hand at snorkeling as well. I must say – I was pleasantly surprised! You need to bring your own gear (for now), and I recommend wearing a life jacket, because the good stuff is 2 or 3 meters deep. Some of the best snorkeling can be found along the reef wall near the concrete pier on the left side of the beach. That pier is also a great spot to watch the sunset, by the way.
Note: Sunblock can kill coral reefs, so please try to wear a reef-friendly variety!
The Tastiest Restaurant Menu Options in all of Bohol
I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s just my opinion! I got my first taste immediately on arrival, with my refreshing and delicious pandan juice “welcome drink”. I thought that the restaurant at Momo had more solid dishes than anywhere else on the island. The lightly-crisped chicken and vegetables were delicious, as were the marlin, salad, and breakfast sausage in the morning. Speaking of which, I’m very particular about coffee, and apparently, they are as well.
Oh! I almost forgot. The beer was really, really cold. That is soooo important. Nobody wants warm beer on their vacation, right?
Put Quite Simply, Momo Feels Like Home
Yes, that is the best way to describe it. Well, I wish I had a home like this! Momo is relaxed and unpretentious, yet very “clean and crisp”, as I saw it described somewhere. That really is a great way to put it!
Is it the fanciest resort in Bohol? No. Does it have the most stunning views? Maybe not…but it is lush and beautiful. Momo has heart and soul; I love the feeling that being there gave me, and I want more of it. That is not easy to capture, and I tip my hat to Momo for pulling it off.
I stayed with some amazing properties in Bohol, but this is the one I consider home. I would come back in a heartbeat, and I would like to thank the very generous and accommodating staff for hosting me. I’m so pleased to be able to share this wonderful experience with you! Tha’s it for this review, see you soon!
Check Momo Beach House rates.
– Nathan Allen
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