Escape to Paradise: CASALAY's Luxury Villas & Unbeatable Diving in Puerto Galera
Escape to Paradise: CASALAY's Review – Dive Deep Into Luxury (and My Brain!)
Okay, people, listen up! I just got back from CASALAY in Puerto Galera, and my brain is still buzzing like a reef full of clownfish. This place… well, it's trying very hard to be paradise. Let's dive in, shall we? And trust me, it's gonna be a long dive.
Accessibility: (Let's be honest, it's important!)
I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t specifically need full wheelchair accessibility, but I did take a close look. This is Puerto Galera, people. Think rugged, scenic, sometimes… challenging. While the villas themselves appear to be built with some accessibility in mind (like the potential for wider doorways), navigating the grounds could be tricky. Lots of steps and uneven terrain. So, if you need hardcore accessibility, double check with CASALAY before booking. They do have facilities for disabled guests, but you'll want a clear picture.
On-site Munchies & Booze (The Important Stuff!)
- Restaurants & Lounges: Yeah, they've got ‘em.
- Restaurants: Multiple! A la carte, buffets, Asian (and specifically, Asian breakfast – which I love), international cuisine, the whole shebang. There's a vegetarian restaurant, too, which is a major plus for me – though the "salad" was… well, let's just say it needed more pizzazz. The food quality here is on the overall high end. I had some truly stellar meals.
- Bars: Poolside Bar, the works. You can get your cocktail on while staring off into the blue yonder.
- Coffee Shop: Essential. I need my caffeine fix.
- Happy hour: check it out
- Food Delivery: The option is there to order food.
- Room Service: 24/7. Bless. Because sometimes, after a day of diving, you just want to curl up with a movie and a burger.
- Snack Bar: I always need somewhere to find something to tide me over during any adventure
- Bottle of Water: I always get my personal bottle of water, so it has to be nice.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast was very nice
Internet – Because We Can't Fully "Escape" Anymore, Can We?
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Huge tick. Essential. I mean, I'm trying to disconnect, but I also need to post Instagram stories of my incredible dives, right?
- Internet (Overall): It worked. It wasn't always lightning fast (hey, island life!), but it was reliable enough to stream a movie and keep me connected to the real world.
- Internet [LAN]: I didn't use it, but the option is there if you’re a wired kind of person.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yep. Good for, you know, updating your status in the lobby.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The "Escape" Part, Finally!
Okay, this is where CASALAY shines. They understand the "escape" part.
- The Diving!! (Oh My God, The Diving!) Okay, let's just be real, the diving is the star of the show here. The resort is right on the action, and the dive center is top-notch. The visibility was incredible, the coral was vibrant, and the fish…oh, the fish! I saw a sea turtle, a manta ray, and more colorful reef dwellers than I could possibly name. This alone is worth the trip. This is why you go to Puerto Galera.
- Things to relax:
- Body scrub, & Wrap: Yep, the spa is very capable.
- Fitness Center & Gym: I'm not a gym person on vacation, but hey, the equipment was there if you need it.
- Foot bath: A luxury I could get used to
- Massage & Spa/ Sauna/Spa/ Steamroom: This is where it gets really good. I spent an afternoon melting in the sauna and had an incredible massage. They’ll work out all the stress from your life.
- Swimming Pool, with a View: Gorgeous. Just gorgeous.
- Poolside: One of my favorite things
Cleanliness and Safety – Because, Hello, 2024!
- Anti-viral cleaning products & Daily disinfection in common areas: Good. Necessary. Appreciated.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Nice.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: More good.
- Safe dining setup & Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Check, check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely noticed. They were on it.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind.
- Individual Wrapped Food Options: Well, I never felt they were overly intrusive, but the care was there.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Let's Talk Grub!
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian, Western Cuisine: It's all there.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essentials!
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes!
- Happy hour: Good. And I'm always happy.
- Buffet restaurants: Decent.
- Poolside: The bar has all the essentials.
- Room Service: The essential is here.
- Salad, Soup: Always good to find.
- Snack Bar: Amazing, and I went often.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge & Doorman: Helpful and friendly.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless.
- Elevator: Important, especially if mobility is an issue.
- Cash withdrawal: Essential.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Tempting.
- Laundry service: Useful.
- Luggage storage: Needed.
For the Kids – Family Time!
- Babysitting service & Kid facilities: They have them for a family vacation
- Family/child friendly: Yep.
Access – The Nitty-Gritty
- CCTV
- CCTV outside property: important!
- Front desk: Front desk is 24hr which is great.
- Security: Security is there around the clock.
- Smoke alarms: Standard.
- Soundproof rooms: Very cozy
Getting Around – Getting to Paradise
- Airport transfer. Check.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yup.
- Taxi service: Available.
Available in All Rooms:
- Air conditioning & Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My Final Verdict?
CASALAY is a high-end resort with a lot to offer. The diving is unforgettable. The spa is amazing. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The downsides? Let's be honest, it’s not pristine. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of the charm. Honestly, it's still worth it. It’s not a perfect, polished experience – it’s a real escape.
My Honest Score: 8.5/10 (Mostly because of the diving!)
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Are you dreaming of crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a resort that truly gets the meaning of "relaxation"? Then you NEED to book your stay at CASALAY in Puerto Galera!
Here's why you can't miss this:
- Unbeatable Diving: Dive into the world's most vibrant underwater landscapes. See colorful fish, majestic sea turtles, and, if you're lucky, maybe even a manta ray! (My experience was unreal!).
- Luxury Villas: Treat yourself to a stay in a stylish villa with all the comforts you crave.
- Relaxation Station: Unwind with
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just going on vacation, we're going on a glorious, slightly chaotic, potentially sunburned adventure to CASALAY Boutique Villas & Dive in Puerto Galera. Forget the perfectly manicured itineraries you’re used to. This is the real deal, warts and all, with a healthy dose of “OMG, I need a drink” sprinkled in.
Day 1: Arrival and the Promise of Paradise (Mostly)
- 9:00 AM: Ugh, the flight. Let's just say I'm pretty sure the person in front of me had a pet parrot on their carry-on. The constant squawks REALLY didn't help my pre-vacation anxiety. Finally, Manila! The airport is a delightful symphony of honking, and the heat hits you like a brick.
- 10:00 AM: The pre-arranged hotel transfer. Okay, this is where things get…interesting. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to think the shortest distance between two points was a goat trail. And the aircon? Apparently, it operates on the principle of "sporadic whimsy."
- 12:00 PM: Ferry to Puerto Galera! So, about the ferry…let's just say I developed a sudden, intense appreciation for Dramamine. The water was choppy, the boat was small, and I swear I saw a seagull give me the side-eye. Oh, and did I mention the questionable karaoke?
- 2:00 PM: FINALLY! CASALAY! And…WOW. Okay, all the travel trauma FLEW off me. The villas are stunning. Pure, unadulterated tropical bliss. My villa has a private plunge pool overlooking the ocean. I'm pretty sure I could live in this pool. Forever. Okay, maybe not forever. I do need food.
- 3:00 PM: Quick unpack and a dive into that plunge pool. The water is the perfect temperature. I feel all my stress melting away. Okay, this is the life.
- 4:00 PM: Walk to the beach for a sunset. I’m walking, and the view is so scenic. And the sunset! It’s a full-blown technicolor explosion over the sea. I have to sit here and take it all in. I needed this.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. The food is delicious, and the cocktails are STRONG. I'm already plotting my revenge on that parrot on the plane. Tomorrow, I will be ready.
- 7:30 PM: Staring at the stars and thinking about the world.
Day 2: Underwater Wonders (And Maybe Some Panic)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the sound of… birds singing. Imagine that! Today is dive day! My anxiety is starting to creep in. Deep breathing. Focus. Positive thoughts.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The resort's breakfast is really good. The tropical fruits are unbelievably sweet. Fuel for underwater adventures!
- 9:00 AM: Dive briefing and intro course. Meeting the instructor. He seems nice, and this makes me less nervous. He explains everything with great care, which is very reassuring.
- 10:00 AM: SCUBA! OMG. This is it. I’m suited up, nervously waddling to the water. Getting into the water is a bit of a struggle, and getting the mask right took a minute. But getting underwater…wow. The colors! The fish! The utter quiet! It's like entering another world. My first dive was an absolute sensation, and I was actually really good! Okay, so the last dive was…an experience! I think I panicked a little when I couldn't equalize my ears. Briefly, I started to think of myself as a mermaid on the way down to the bottom of the sea, but the panic passed after my instructor kindly gave me a signal of reassurance, and I was able to settle.
- 1:00 PM: Rest and lunch. The whole experience leaves me exhausted but invigorated. My brain is a bit fuzzy but I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement.
- 2:00 PM: Swim in the infinity pool. Swimming in the infinity pool after a dive is just too perfect.
- 4:00 PM: Beach time. This time I bring my book and settle down on one of the cozy beach chairs, and I let the waves sing me a song.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I think I'll keep it simple tonight, ordering a club sandwich. I'm feeling relaxed and content.
- 7:30 PM: Watching the sea on the sea side. I think I am going to do this every night! I like to watch the stars.
Day 3: Relaxing and Exploring (Mostly Relaxing)
- 8:00 AM: Sleep in! Hallelujah. Slowly, I got up and had breakfast in my villa, which was amazing.
- 9:00 AM: A leisurely massage at the spa. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I seriously considered moving in there. The masseuse found every knot of stress and gently kneaded it into oblivion.
- 11:00 AM: Trying to find something to do, I decide that I will just continue to relax.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in my villa.
- 1:00 PM: More pool time! And people-watching, of course. I've become intimately familiar with the local wildlife - mostly the lizards who've taken up residence on my balcony.
- 3:00 PM: A quick walk to the local town of Sabang. It is small and a bit touristy, but I enjoyed the small shops and the local vendors.
- 5:00 PM: Back to CASALAY and another sunset cocktail. This is becoming a habit.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at the restaurant again. The staff have become my friends
- 7:30 PM: More star gazing. I'm getting serious about this star gazing.
Day 4: Farewell, Paradise (Sob)
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast with that incredible view. I'm already dreading the thought of leaving.
- 9:00 AM: One last languid swim in the pool. Savoring every moment. Trying to soak up as much island magic as I can before I go.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. I have to say goodbye to the friendly staff (I'm going to miss them).
- 12:00 PM: The Ferry, the travel, airport, flight back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a little chaotic, a little messy, and PERFECT. The diving was incredible, the villas were pure luxury, and the staff at CASALAY were genuinely lovely. I’m leaving a bit sunburned (thanks, me!), slightly frazzled, and utterly rejuvenated. I’m already trying to figure out how to come back. Maybe I’ll learn to equalize my ears better next time.
And remember, don't be afraid to embrace the imperfections, the unexpected detours, and the moments that make you feel truly, wonderfully, human.
Escape to Paradise: Chalet Hotel Les Campanules Awaits in Stunning Les Houches!
Escape to Paradise: CASALAY's Luxury Villas & Unbeatable Diving – FAQ (with a side of Real Talk)
So, is CASALAY actually *paradise*? Because, you know, marketing…
Okay, let's be real. Paradise is a HUGE word, right? I walked in there expecting Instagram perfection, all filtered sunsets and flawless abs. And… it's close. REALLY close. The villas? Stunning. Think ridiculously comfy beds that swallow you whole. My first night, I swear I slept for twelve hours straight just because the mattress was *that* good. Then there's the view... *sigh*... The ocean, a million shades of blue. But is it REAL paradise? Well, I did get a mosquito bite on my ankle, and the breakfast buffet, while tasty, could use a bit more variety. So, not *perfect*. But close enough that I’m seriously contemplating selling everything and becoming a permanent resident. So yeah... pretty freakin' amazing.
Let's talk diving. Is the diving *really* as good as they say? I'm a bit of a scuba snob, you know...
Alright, Mr. Scuba Snob. I hear you. I've been diving in the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, etc. And Puerto Galera? It holds its own. The variety is insane! You got the wreck dives, where you can pretend to be James Cameron discovering something new (minus the submersible… sigh). The macro stuff? Unbelievable. Frogfish the size of my thumb nail! I actually cried a little (happy tears, mostly) when I saw my first pygmy seahorse. And the currents... well, sometimes they can be a *teensy* bit challenging. I almost got swept away on one dive! (My divemaster, the incredibly patient Marco, had to physically grab me. Embarrassing, but hey, I made it out alive). But the dive sites are accessible, the marine life is flourishing, and the visibility is usually fantastic. So, yeah, put your snobbery aside. It's GOOD diving. Really, really good.
What's the deal with the villas? Are they worth the price tag?
Okay, let's crunch some numbers. Luxury isn't cheap. But here's the breakdown. The villas are fantastic. They're gorgeous. Think private plunge pools, outdoor showers (totally liberating, by the way), and views that will make you forget all your problems instantly. My villa was HUGE. I wandered around like a lost puppy for the first hour, just taking it all in. Could I have survived in a hostel somewhere? Probably. Would I have felt this relaxed? Absolutely not. Was it worth it? For the experience of pure, unadulterated relaxation and the sheer beauty of the place? Absolutely, YES. I'd eat ramen for a month to afford it again. (And I might just have to… because I'm now addicted). Plus, having your own space to spread out and not share a bathroom with a dozen other people? Priceless.
The food! What's the food situation like? I'm a picky eater...
Okay, food. This is a slightly nuanced answer for a picky eater. The main restaurant at CASALAY is quite good! Fresh seafood, Filipino classics (try the adobo!), and international options. The breakfast buffet is what you expect, with eggs cooked to order, but, as I said before, could use a bit more variety, but it's a minor quibble. I was a little disappointed they didn’t have my favorite Filipino breakfast – *tapsilog* (beef tapa, fried egg, and garlic rice) – on the menu. (What?! sacrilege!) But the staff will go above and beyond to accommodate you. I mentioned my dislike for spicy food, and they made sure everything I ordered was mild. And the pool bar? Amazing. Seriously, the cocktails... the cocktails will seriously impair your judgement, but you'll just love them. So, yes, even the picky eater can find happiness here. Just be prepared to potentially order more coffee.
I have a fear of heights. Are there any activities I should maybe… avoid?
Okay, so heights... Yeah, there are some spots where you might feel a little queasy. The view from the villas is glorious, but you are on a cliff... and it's a long way down. Deep breaths. I'm generally fine with heights, but even I got a little shaky looking over the edge of some of the dive sites. Especially if your dive guide is one of those types who insist on ascending *right* next to the cliff face. So, maybe skip the more advanced dives initially. Stick to the shallower, less dramatic spots until you get your sea legs (and your vertigo under control). If you’re really terrified, maybe bring a friend to hold your hand in the water. Or, you know, just stick to lying by the pool with a cocktail. Honestly, that's not a bad option either.
Tell me more about the staff! Are they friendly?
Oh, the staff! Where do I even begin? They’re not just friendly; they're genuinely *kind*. Like, the kind of people who remember your name after the first greeting and are always smiling. I mean, I'm a grumpy old so-and-so most of the time, but even I found myself smiling back at them. There was this one waitress, whose name escapes me now (sorry!), who was always so attentive and remembered my coffee order before I even had to ask. They’re helpful without being intrusive, which is a rare and beautiful quality. And they genuinely seem proud of their resort and their country. It makes the whole experience so much better. I even left a bigger-than-usual tip. They earned it.
Any hidden gems or insider tips you can share?
Okay, listen up, because this is gold. First, pack reef-safe sunscreen. Seriously. Protect the coral! Second, bring a waterproof camera. You'll regret it if you don’t. Third, get up early at least once to watch the sunrise. It's breathtaking. Fourth, don't be afraid to wander. Explore the nearby beaches. You might stumble upon your own private paradise. Fifth – and this is the most important – *book a massage*. Like, seriously, do it. The spa is heavenly. I had the best massage of my LIFE there (and I've had a few). I'm not a big ‘spa person’, but wow, I was transformed. I walked out feeling like a new human being. And finally, haggle a little at the local markets (but be respectful!). They have some amazing souvenirs. Oh, and bring extra memory cards for your camera. You'll need them. Trust me.
Okay, the real deal: IsComfort Inn
