By Nathan Allen

As for my room, it was just my style. I’m a huge fan of mid-century furniture, and I love how well Amorita made it work with a native twist.

Check Amorita Rates HERE.

The space planning is excellent. It’s essentially one giant room, but the layout makes it feel like a complete, well-sectioned unit. For a property to really win me over, my bed must be extremely difficult to get out of in the morning. Amorita scores in this department; the beds are heavenly.

A Personalized Touch

The staff at Amorita never miss an opportunity to greet you with a warm smile. They do a fantastic job catering to your needs, and you shouldn’t be surprised to find friendly notes and sweets left in your room when you return from lunch or dinner each day.

One of my favorite things about my room was the cozy “reading nook”. I love the way the sunlight lit up the green leaves of the tree outside the window….and how the light filters through the blinds in the morning.

I did not get to experience a massage at the spa, but I did take a look around, and it definitely looks like an option worth exploring. The atmosphere is super comfortable and relaxing.

I also enjoyed the little details, like returning to find my towels folded into a dog or an elephant…and using the creative “bamboo speaker” for my iphone. Nicely done!

One of my pet peeves is hotels that provide a safety deposit box that is almost large enough to fit a standard-sized laptop. A laptop-in-tow is quite common these days, and of course it is also one of the most valuable items a hotel guest has with them. So, properties should always keep this in mind, right?

Well, thankfully Amorita thinks like I do:) Laptop-sized, and they even went one step further…they put a little light in there so I won’t forget anything. Bravo!

Anyhow, let’s move on to the outside of the property…in front of the infinity pool, you can enjoy dinner or drinks with a spectacular sunset! I enjoyed this view each and every day I was there.

Lush Landscapes

Strolling around the property provides plenty of opportunities to connect with mother nature. The landscaping utilizes so much green space – not only does it help cool the area, but it also is quite pleasing to the eye. You’ll find tropical plants, flowers, and butterflies just about everywhere you look.

Amorita’s location is quite nice, because you can enjoy all the action on Alona Beach if you’re in the mood, but easily get back to your tranquil hideaway afterward.

*One thing I should mention was the spotty wifi in my room. You know what they say, though, it’s good to unplug when you’re on vacation! Haha. Don’t worry, it works in the restaurant area:)

I didn’t experience much the restaurant had to offer, but I can say that the breakfast buffet was the best I had anywhere on my Bohol travels! Special mention goes out to their Lugaw (loo-gow), which is a Filipino rice porridge. Congee, basically.

Things To Do

I believe the resort offers dolphin watching and island hopping tours to Pamilacan and Balicasag Islands…but you can also go snorkeling right at the bottom of the stairs going down to the beach!

Overall, I would not hesitate to return to this fantastic property, and I thank them for the opportunity to share my experience with all of you.

To me, Bohol is simply unforgettable – and in large part, I have Amorita to thank for that!

Check Amorita Resort rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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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.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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FYI: Any of these images can be ordered online, framed and delivered!

#15 – The view during lunch @ Bohol Beach Club.

#14 – This fiery sunset over “Jacking Horse”, Siargao Island

#13 – A traditional Filipino house, called a bahay kubo

#12 – This powdery, white-sand beach on Bantayan Island, Cebu

#11 – The breathtaking limestone cliffs of Coron, Palawan

(Photos below for #10-#7)

Framed Prints – Bring The Beauty of the Philippines into Your Living Room

For the first time ever, my photos can be ordered online and shipped anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a gift for you or somebody else, you’ll be helping me document and promote this beautiful country. It’s a win-win!  You can browse photos and framing options HERE… OK, now back to the show:) – Nathan Allen

#6 – The once-in-a-lifetime sunset on Boracay’s White Beach

#5 – Twilight silhouettes in General Luna, Siargao Island

#4 – Iconic “Willy’s Rock”, on Boracay’s White Beach

#3 – A perfect sunrise @ Bohol Beach Club

(Tip: If you have already “liked” my page but aren’t seeing my posts on your phone, visit the FB page above and click the “More” tab. Then click “Notifications” and select what you want to see in your newsfeed. On a computer, just hover the mouse over the “liked” button and select “see first” in your newsfeed:)

#2 – The famous surf breaks @ Cloud 9, Siargao Island

#1 – The grand finale…this little slice of hammock-heaven in Bohol:)

More Photos Here

While it may not be perfect (really, what country is?), the natural wonders of the Philippines are as close to perfection as I have ever seen. On top of this, the people radiate a warmth and beauty that is truly unparalleled in today’s world. I miss it every day.

Only those who have been here know how truly unforgettable this country is.

-Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share the island love!

Planning your vacation? Lucky for us, the Philippines has everything from simple huts on the beach to lavish 5-star resorts. You can browse hotels and check rates HERE.

Read more about my “mission” in the Philippines HERE

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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