Escape to Paradise: Namanday Island Resort, Bacacay, Philippines - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Namanday Island Resort - Bacacay, Philippines (My Chaotic, Honest Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the sandy tea on Escape to Paradise: Namanday Island Resort in Bacacay, Philippines. Forget those sterile, brochure-perfect reviews. This is the real deal. And trust me, after spending a week there, I've got opinions.
First Impressions (And the Grueling Trek There!)
Okay, so "escape to paradise" implies… well, ease. And let's be frank, getting to Namanday Island Resort isn't exactly a walk in the beach. Access is a bit of an adventure! You've got your airport transfer (thankfully provided!) which is a must because getting taxis or public transportation out there is a bit of a gamble. And then, the boat ride. Which, depending on the sea, can be either idyllically breezy or… a white-knuckle rollercoaster. (My stomach seriously thought about yeeting my breakfast one day.) Accessibility: Well, let's say it's a work in progress. While they have facilities for disabled guests, navigating the island itself might be tricky with uneven terrain and the sandy beaches. So plan accordingly! They do offer airport transfers and have a car park [on-site], which is super helpful.
Arrival: Sun, Sand, and Skepticism (Followed by Bliss!)
The resort itself is gorgeous. Seriously. The photos? Accurate. Turquoise water, pristine sand, swaying palms… It's the stuff postcards are made of. I'll admit, I walked in with a healthy dose of "too good to be true" cynicism. I’m a jaded travel blogger, what can I say? But the welcome? Warm and genuine. I checked in via a contactless check-in/out system – which is great. Faster! I was also grateful for the 24-hour front desk because I needed someone to help me understand their wi-fi login.
Rooms: My Personal Beachy Sanctuary!
My room? Heaven. Air conditioning in all rooms (thank God!), Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Double thank God!), and a balcony with a view that made me want to weep with happiness. (Okay, maybe that was the sunset.) They offer non-smoking rooms, which is a huge plus for me, and while I didn't need one, there was plenty of space. I had views of the ocean. I could open my window and here the waves crashing. My room had Internet access – wireless, a small refrigerator and a coffee/tea maker. There were complimentary tea and free bottled water and bathrobes. It felt like a REAL treat. The daily housekeeping was on point! I even got a cute towel swan left one day! Although I am not sure where the additional toilet was located. Tip: Get a room with a view. Seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Devouring!
This is where Namanday Island Resort really shines. Forget bland hotel food! The restaurants offer a fantastic range. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was out of this world. The Western cuisine in restaurant was good, but honestly, stick to the Asian stuff. The Asian breakfast - oh my GOD. Forget your sad continental breakfast! Fresh fruit, rice porridge, and the best coffee I had in the Philippines! The Breakfast [buffet] was plentiful and delicious. I never had a problem finding something I liked. There's a poolside bar with Happy Hour…need I say more? The Coffee shop? Perfect for that afternoon pick-me-up. The Desserts in restaurant were also incredible but my personal favorite was the mango ice cream that was both delicious and refreshing. They also have alternative meal arrangement, as well as being able to get food by using room service [24-hour]. The best part? The dining area has a gorgeous view of the ocean. Eat your weight in food and relax. Perfection.
Things to Do (Or, How I Spent My Days Doing Basically Nothing - And Loved It)
Okay, so "things to do" is a massive understatement. This is a place to unwind. But, if you do want something to do…:
- Swimming Pool: I’m a pool person, so I was in the swimming pool [outdoor] virtually all day, every day. The Pool with view of the beach, of course, was stunning.
- The Spa: One day, I did treat myself to a massage at the spa. The Massage was heavenly. Pure Bliss. I didn’t sign up for a Body scrub or Body wrap but the option was there.
- Ways to relax: I took advantage of the Sauna but the steamroom wasn't my scene.
- Fitness Center: I wanted to be in shape during my trip, but I didn't use the Fitness center because I can't workout on vacation.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure in Paradise.
Let's be honest, post-pandemic travel still comes with its anxieties. Namanday Island Resort GETS IT. They nail this. Rooms sanitized between stays. Daily disinfection in common areas. They use Anti-viral cleaning products. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere. All the staff are trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. They use Professional-grade sanitizing services. The staff were always masked, the staff were pleasant. This is a place that takes the health and safety of its guests seriously. I felt safe. (And trust me, that's a HUGE deal.) They have a first aid kit and they offer doctor/nurse on call.
For the Kids: A Family Friendly Escape (Probably!)
Okay, I don’t have kids. But! They have Babysitting service! They are Family/child friendly. They have Kids facilities. They have Kids meal! This makes it a good place for families.
Internet and Connectivity (Because Let's Face It, We're All Addicted)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes. Yes! The Wi-Fi was generally pretty good, although occasional hiccups happened. (Hey, you're on an island! Embrace the digital detox, sometimes.) They also offer Internet and Internet services, although I didn’t need to use them. Wi-Fi in public areas was also available.
The Anecdote: My Epic Sunset Debacle (and Triumph)
Okay, so remember that "too good to be true" skepticism? One evening, I was determined to capture the perfect sunset photo. I hiked (well, strolled) down to the beach with my camera gear, determined to get the Instagram shot of a lifetime. I sat at the Terrace for hours, waiting for the light. The sun began to dip, painting the sky in fiery hues, and I was ready. Click, click, click!
… Except, I managed to screw up the settings. The photos were blurry. The light was gone. I could have cried. And then? Then, I realized I was still on the beach, watching the sunset. I ditched the camera, grabbed a drink at the Poolside bar, and just watched. The beauty, in all its imperfect glory. It was one of the most memorable sunset experiences of my life. Sometimes, the best moments are when you ditch the perfection and just live.
The Quirks (The Human Touch!)
- The little things: The staff, from the front desk to the cleaning crew, were genuinely lovely. Always smiling, always helpful.
- The imperfections: Occasionally, the hot water ran out. The Wi-Fi could be temperamental. But honestly, these little "flaws" just made the whole experience feel more… real.
- The Shrimp: The shrimp plate I ordered made my stomach explode and I had to stay in my hotel room the whole day.
Final Verdict: Book It. Now.
Look, Escape to Paradise: Namanday Island Resort isn't perfect. (Spoiler alert: nowhere is!) But it's damn close. It's a place where you can truly escape – from the stress, the noise, the everyday grind. It's a place where you can reconnect with yourself, with nature, with a good book, and, hopefully enjoy a delicious meal. It’s a place where you can just be.
Offer Time!
Tired of the everyday grind? Yearning for turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and a slice of pure bliss? Then book your escape to Namanday Island Resort in Bacacay, Philippines, NOW!
For a limited time only, we're offering:
- A complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe Ocean View Room. (Because you deserve it!)
- 20% off ALL spa treatments (Massage? Body Wrap? Go for it!)
- Free airport transfers AND welcome drinks. (Because we want you to start relaxing the moment you arrive!)
- Free breakfast (Because we heard, from you, that the breakfast
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the MOST REAL itinerary for Namanday Island Resort in Bacacay, Philippines. Forget those perfectly polished brochures, we're diving headfirst into the glorious mess of a holiday. Prepare for emotional whiplash. I'll be honest, I’m still recovering…
Namanday Island Resort: Operation Sea Escape (and Possibly Existential Crisis)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Great Sandfly Attack of '24
10:00 AM (Give or take two hours, because, Philippines Time): Landed in Legazpi. Pretty sure my soul briefly left my body during the 18-hour flight. Airport shuttle… eventually arrived. Honestly, by the time we had unloaded our bags, a few people were already contemplating quitting their jobs and becoming professional coconut farmers. And honestly, I get it.
12:00 PM (ish): Ferry to Namanday Island. The "ferry" was more of a… glorified oversized banca, but the sea was shimmering, so I didn’t complain. (Not even when a rogue wave soaked my favorite travel book and my new passport holder. Still not over it. And hey, if you aren't used to motion sickness this one can be a doozy. Be warned.)
1:00 PM: Arrived. Namanday is even more beautiful than the pictures. Pure, unadulterated postcard perfection. Turquoise water that seems to hum, powdery white sand… I almost cried. Tears of joy? Maybe. Tears of jet-lagged exhaustion? Definitely.
1:30 PM: Checked into our… bamboo bungalow. Rustic? Yes. Charming? Debatable. The AC worked, but the shower was a delicate dance of temperature control. We made some quick and friendly jokes with the locals who were doing their best to make us feel at home.
2:00 PM: Lunch. Fresh seafood, grilled to perfection. My stomach was rumbling like a volcano, so I was immediately in love. Tried the local kinunot (shark in coconut milk)… and almost choked. Strong, bold flavour. One thing I did learn: Don't underestimate Filipino spice. This was some serious flavour.
3:00 PM: Beach Time! Pure bliss. Until… THE SANDFLIES. Oh, the sandflies. The tiny, evil little vampires of the beach. They. Are. Relentless. By 3:30 PM I was scratching like a maniac, covered in itchy welts, and questioning my life choices. Did I even like beaches? (The answer, after copious amounts of anti-itch cream, was, yes. Yes, I do.)
6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails. Absolutely breathtaking. The sky exploded with color, and for a few glorious minutes, I forgot all about the sandfly massacre. Ordered a Mango Daiquiri. Drank two. Forgot about the sandflies again.
7:30 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. More seafood, more cocktails. More laughter. Felt like a proper tropical getaway. Ended up bonding with the other guests there about the sandflies. We had formed a common enemy.
9:00 PM: Attempted to read. Fell asleep. Jet lag 1, Me 0.
Day 2: Island Hopping, the Mayon Volcano's Gaze, and the Chicken Adobo Revelation
7:00 AM (ish): Woke up. Still itchy. Sun was blazing. Decided that today would be all about conquering – and possibly worshipping – the volcano Mayon.
8:00 AM: Island-hopping tour. I'll be honest, the initial boat ride was pretty choppy. Felt like I could fall in at any second, but I have to hold on. The views were incredible. Lush islands, secluded beaches… but also, more sandflies. I swear, they follow you. The best part was the boat ride to the hidden shore.
10:00 AM: Snorkeling! The coral reefs were bursting with colour, and the fish… oh, the fish. Just magical. Took a deep breath and just relaxed. Forgetting about work back in the UK and all the problems.
12:00 PM: Lunch on a deserted beach. The food was prepared for us on the shore. Chicken Adobo. The best adobo I'd ever tasted. My soul did a little happy dance. I’d never been so happy to eat something.
2:00 PM: Back to Namanday. A long walk along the shore. Took in the magnificent sights, breathing in the salty air. Then I see it. The Mayon Volcano. It stood there, majestic and silent. It’s peak was shrouded in mist. I was completely taken aback.
4:00 PM: Massage at the resort spa. Ahhhhhhh. Bliss. Finally some peace from the sandflies.
7:00 PM: Dinner. More Adobo! (I may have become obsessed.) This time, another version. Not quite as good as lunch, but close.
9:00 PM: Watching some movies.
Day 3: Farewell (and Sandfly Revenge?)
8:00 AM: Last breakfast on the island. Pancakes, mangoes, and a pang of sadness. I didn’t want to leave. This was an amazing trip so far.
9:00 AM: Final swim in the turquoise water. Tried to memorize every moment. The waves crashing to shore. The feeling of the sun on my skin. This was the paradise I had been dreaming of.
10:00 AM: Packing. Always a stressful experience. Did I bring too much? Not enough? I'm sure I forgot something important.
11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenirs. Buying a few little things to remember the trip by. A bracelet, a shirt, some local treats.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Decided to go with something I knew I would love. You guessed it: Adobo.
1:00 PM: Ferry back to the mainland. Reluctantly.
2:00 PM: Drive to Legazpi Airport.
3:00 PM: Departure.
4:00 PM: Looking back at all the photos, and feeling the itch and missing the place already.
Quirky Observations/ Emotional Reactions:
- The Filipino people are the friendliest, most genuinely welcoming people I’ve ever met. Their kindness and warmth absolutely make the trip.
- I developed a serious addiction to Adobo. I’m going to attempt a version back home. Wish me luck.
- I may still be scratching, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Namanday, you beautiful, buggy, beautiful place, I'LL BE BACK.
- Seriously, bring ALL the anti-itch cream. Consider insect repellent clothing. You have been warned.
Imperfections:
- Was seriously sunburnt at all times
- I broke my sunglasses
- Lost my favorite hat
- Couldn't keep up my routine from home
- Spent an unhealthy amount of time doing nothing
Ramblings and Scattered Thoughts:
I’m already planning my return. Maybe next time I'll bring a hazmat suit for the sandflies.
Opinionated Language:
- The beaches are GORGEOUS, like Instagram-worthy gorgeous.
- The sunsets? Unreal. Prepare to have your breath taken away.
- Don't skip the island hopping. Just. Don't.
- The food is incredible. Seriously. Prepare to gain a few pounds. It's worth it.
- The resort is amazing. The staff are friendly and accommodating.
Emotional Rollercoaster:
I laughed, I cried (mostly from the sandflies), and I fell head over heels in love with the Philippines. This trip was a reminder to embrace the mess, the imperfections, and the beauty that lies just beyond the well-trodden path. It has been an amazing memory and a great trip. Would definitely go back.
And now, I need another Mai Tai. Cheers to adventure, and may your travels be filled with sandfly-free moments (hopefully!).
Greenfield's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Review!
Escape to Paradise: Namanday Island Resort - Bacacay, Philippines - Oh. My. Goodness. Your Dream Vacation Awaits! (Maybe. It Depends.)
Okay, Seriously. Is Namanday REALLY as beautiful as the pictures? I'm skeptical.
Alright, look, I'm a cynical travel blogger, and I'll admit, I approached Namanday with the same skepticism you're probably feeling. Those Instagram photos? Probably filtered to within an inch of their lives. But… and this is a BIG but… it is stunning. Like, jaw-dropping, actually gasp-out-loud beautiful. The water? Turquoise, crystal clear, and surprisingly warm (even in November when I went - who knew!). The sand? White, soft, and perfect for sinking your toes in while pretending to be a supermodel.
Yeah, there are imperfections – more on that LATER (spoiler alert: the “rustic charm” is a strong contender for understatement of the year). But the sheer natural beauty? Seriously, it's real. I walked out on the first day and just... stared. Then I took like, 500 pictures, just in case the reality fairy decided to vanish the magic. It's more of a "wow-this-actually-exists" situation. So, yeah, it's pretty damn gorgeous.
How do I even GET to Namanday Island?! Navigation sounds terrifying.
Buckle up, buttercup, because the journey is an ADVENTURE. You'll fly into Legazpi Airport (LGP). Then, it's a van ride to Bacacay (probably pre-arranged by the resort, smart move). Then, and this is the real fun part… it's a banca ride (that’s a Filipino outrigger boat) to the island. Which, let me tell you, feels way fancier in theory than it does when you're wedged in a boat with luggage, possibly getting a bit wet from the spray.
The banca ride itself is a rollercoaster. One minute you're thinking, “THIS IS SO ROMANTIC!”, the next you’re clutching the sides, wondering if you're about to become fish food. But the views! As you approach the island, the water gets SO ridiculously clear. The island suddenly pops out of the ocean, and you start screaming inside! At least, I did. And don't worry – they make you wear life vests because, y’know, safety. They are usually a little worn out. This is THE PHILIPPINES!
Pro Tip: Bring motion sickness remedies. Seriously. Even if you THINK you never get seasick. Trust me.
What’s the accommodation situation like? Is it luxurious or…rustic? Be real with me.
Okay, let's address the elephant in the *balay* (that’s a Filipino house, FYI). The accommodation? It's... rustic. More accurately, it's "rustic-chic-meets-slightly-dilapidated." Don't go expecting a Four Seasons. Expect a more... earthy experience.
I stayed in a cottage on the beach. It *looked* gorgeous. Think airy, with a thatched roof, and a view that would make angels weep (the good kind of weep). But… the air-con coughed, the plumbing occasionally played tricks, and the "hot" water? Well, let's just say it was more like lukewarm water. And *one* night, I swear the geckos held a rave in my ceiling. I am not kidding, and the staff just smiled and said "welcome to paradise!"
So, yeah, embrace the imperfections. It's part of the charm, I guess. Or at least, it's a story to tell later. Also, bring loads of mosquito repellent! It's a tropical island. You've been warned.
The food! TELL ME ABOUT THE FOOD! Is it any good?
The food? Oh, the food. It's… a mixed bag. You're on a remote island, so don't expect Michelin-star dining. But the fresh seafood? Divine. Grilled fish, succulent prawns, and the *kinilaw* (ceviche) – fresh from the ocean! I could have eaten that every single day. Which maybe I did at first.
The Filipino breakfasts are a hearty affair, they are not the most gourmet, but they are good. The meals, generally, are a little uneven. I had a BBQ buffet that was so good I actually went back for seconds (and thirds). Then, the next day, the same chef clearly had an off day, and I could only manage to eat one grilled chicken. The rice? Always plentiful! Always! But sometimes, the vegetables were… well, they were there.
My advice? Embrace the local flavors, order the seafood, and don't be afraid to ask for extra chili sauce. And be prepared for the occasional culinary surprise. I'm not saying it'll be five-star, I am saying it'll be honest and good.
What is there to DO on Namanday Island? I don’t want to just lie on a beach all day (but I do).
Okay, so you *can* lie on the beach all day. And honestly? No judgement. It's glorious. But if you're the restless type like me, there’s stuff to do.
Snorkeling: Amazing. The coral is vibrant, the fish are colorful, and you just can't get enough of this stuff. I spent hours just floating around, staring at the underwater world.
Island Hopping: Take a banca and explore some other nearby islands. Each one is different, each is beautiful. You can do some exploring on some gorgeous beaches.
Kayaking: Perfect, calm waters for some easy paddling. It's the perfect workout that doesn't *feel* like a workout, because you're surrounded by paradise.
Diving: Namanday has some amazing diving areas! This is what I love most, the water is so clear and the scenery is breathtaking!
Hiking: It has some beautiful mountains, and it's challenging. But the scenery is worth it.
Mostly, though, you'll want to just… relax. Read a book. Sip a cocktail. Watch the sunset. You'll find your own pace on Namanday. It's that kind of place.
How is the service? Is it friendly?
This is where Namanday truly shines. The service is… *genuine*. Forget the robotic “have a nice day” you get in some places. The staff are warm, welcoming, and genuinely seem happy to be there. They're helpful, accommodating, and always smiling, and they have a genuine joy about them, which is actually really infectious .
They go out of their way to help. I remember one time when I was struggling to light my mosquito coil (seeWallet Friendly Stay
