With stunning views of the Davao Gulf and Mt. Apo, the country’s highest mountain, the Pearl Farm Beach Resort on Samal Island provides luxury seekers the perfect exclusive beach escape.
Formerly a pearl farm where pink, white, and gold pearls were cultivated, the resort prides itself as one of the best destinations in the country.
Welcome to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Your exclusive luxury beach getaway with 2 private beaches, 2 pools, and your choice of rooms, suites, houses, and villas all with breathtaking views of the Davao GulfOn clear days, you can see Davao City’s buildings with Mt. Apo in the background. The Davao Gulf shelters the resort providing calm waters all day and all year round. You can see 360-degree views of the gulf from the upper floors of the Parola Bar, located at the resort’s boat dockThe Philippines’ first infinity pool. The resort first opened in 1992 and has undergone a series of renovations for regular maintenance to stay competitive with other high-end luxury establishments
Getting to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort
The first step is the fly to Davao. Davao International Airport takes flights from all over the country and from Singapore with Silk Air. From Manila, the flight time is 1.5 hours; and from Cebu, it takes less than an hour. The most popular domestic carriers are Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific.
After flying into Davao City, the resort can arrange for an airport transfer vehicle to drive you to their private boat port. From the port, the nightly rate includes a round-trip ferry ride to the resort which takes about 45 minutes. You can also opt for a private boat transfer.
Private Boat Transfer to the Pearl Farm. Round-trip boat transfers are included in the room rate. The boat transfer conforms to a fixed schedule with a few boats going in and out of the resort throughout the day. Should you prefer your own schedule or a private boat, you can make special arrangements with the reservations departmentHospitality from the start. Local fruits are provided for the private boat transfer to the resort. Davao has some of the country’s best fruits, such as durian, mangosteens, and pomelos (a sweet grapefruit). The local mangoes and pineapples are exceptionally sweet as well
Rooms, Suites, and Houses
After a warm welcome with cold drinks and a cold towel, guests proceed to the front desk to check in. The resort offers a range of accommodations, 70 in total, each of which spoils guests with views of the resort and the waters.
Hilltop Room
Set on the hilltop of the resort with panoramic views of the garden and sea. Rates start at 7,900 pesos per night.
Mandaya House
Beach houses with direct access to the Mandaya Beach. While it is farther from the main facilities, guests staying here can simply walk out to the beach from their front doors. Rates start at 9,900 pesos per night.
Samal House
Built on stilts, these stand-alone houses are perfect for couples. The houses have their own balconies to sit over the water with a cup of coffee in the morning or cold beer at night. Plus, the sound of the gentle waves is an absolute lullaby. Rates start at 10,900 pesos per night.
Samal Suite
Newly renovated 2-story suites ideal for families. The master bedroom lies on the upper floor, while the living room on the first floor can convert into the children’s bedroom. Rates start at 14,000 pesos per night.
Samal Houses. 20 water stilt houses are set along the shores of the resort. The floor plan and design are ideal for couples to feel the privacy and seclusion from the rest of the resort in their home away from homeEntering the Samal House. The first thing you will notice is how the bed faces the sliding glass doors for optimal views of the water both night and day. Even with the doors closed, you can hear the sound of the waves wash over as you sleepPrivate balcony. Each Samal House has its own wrap-around balcony and deck to sit out over the water to take in the serene setting. While it is your own balcony, you can see your neighbor’s balconies to your left and rightNatural lighting. During the mornings and afternoons, the natural lighting from outside is more than enough to fill the room. The simple, native décor sets the mood and complements the Philippine beach atmosphereThe bathroom layout is, again, ideal for couples as it provides a separate shower and separate toilet. Bathroom amenities are laid next to the sink, complete with all the necessary toiletries you would expect from a luxury resort. The hallway space has a fully stocked minibar and dresser with a safe, shelves, and hanging rack for clothes, complete with hotel robes and slippers
Facilities
The resort provides all that you want in a luxury escape with 2 private beaches, 2 pools, spa facilities, a game center, an all-day dining restaurant, and a bar overlooking the Davao Gulf.
Mandaya Spa. Located steps away from the Mandaya Beach, the resort’s spa treats guests to the necessary vacation pampering. Couples’ houses are also available upon request, complete with a full bathroom and outdoor patioMandaya Sports and Bar. Located at the Mandaya Beach, the game center has a pool table, table hockey, and table tennis for guests to unwind during the day and night. The bar serves drinks and snacks to guests at the game center and at the Mandaya BeachMandaya Beach, with the Mandaya Houses in the back. Large canopies shade and pamper guests along the beach. Set on the other end of the resort, the Mandaya Beach and nearby pool offers more privacy from the main beach and poolView from Mandaya Beach. From the beach, you can see the rest of the resort with the Samal Houses in the foreground and the Samal Suites in the background, while the Maranao Beach and Parola Bar are set in the middlePrivate events on the beach. You can request for privately catered events throughout the resort, such as cocktail parties or a barbecue dinners complete with mind-blowing fire dancersMaranao Restaurant. For breakfast, which is included in the room rate, and all-day dining. The extensive breakfast buffet spread serves Filipino and Western dishes to satisfy the cravings of all guests, including a made-to-order egg station and crepe station
Water Activities
Burn off your breakfast calories in the water. The Aqua Sports Center offers guests a menu of water activities, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling in the Giant Clam Tour.
Speedboats from the Aqua Sports Center. Hop on a boat to explore the waters of the Davao Gulf which are full of amazing coral and meter-long giant clams. At the sports center, you can choose your life vest, fins, and necessary water gearGiant Clam Tour. Swim out to the shallow waters where the giant clams reside. If you can’t swim, you can choose to take a glass-bottom boat to view the clams and coral
Malipano Island
An exclusively private island just across the main resort. Here, you can enjoy the private Malipano beach, putting greens, and host private events such as weddings complete with the island’s chapel
Malipano Villas in the background. The most exclusive villas on the property ideal for large families. The beaches are accessible during the day by speedboat for guests to explore the small islandPrivately catered meals and events can also be requested on Malipano Island. Beach-side grills are the epitome of a true beach vacation. Fresh local seafood and Filipino-style grilled meats with grilled local vegetablesBarbecued ribs, barbecued chicken, beef skewers with grilled vegetables, pickled papaya (also known as atchara), salted eggs (itlog maalat), tomatoes, and green mangoes. The balance of grilled protein with vegetables make this a healthy beachside meal
Malipano Villas
The ultimate privacy for large families (accommodating 6 persons) on their own private island. The villas were designed by nationally renowned architect Bobby Mañosa with his signature touch of native interiors. Rates start at 45,000 per night.
Built on water stilts for the best views of the water and to take in the Davao Gulf. Each villa is 3 stories and 3 bedrooms with a massive outdoor, covered living roomWelcome home. The front door greets you with native décor both outside and inside with use of wood and natural resources and use of local tribal decorationsView from the living room. With countless seating options across the entire living room, you can comfortably enjoy every angle of the Davao GulfThe spacious living room comes complete with a coffee and tea station and fully stocked mini-bar by the open sink. The high-ceiling provides the room with a sense of spacious luxuryFirst floor bedroom. The furnishing of the children’s rooms provides sleeping space for nannies (known locally as yayas), such as with this room’s rollaway beds underneath the twin bedding2nd-floor bathroom. A spacious bathroom located on the second floor with a separate shower, separate toilet, and 2 sinks on top of the vast changing room area3rd-floor bedroom. The top floor bedroom commanding the entire 3rd floor with 3 beds, one king bed and two twin beds, and a day bed off to the sideTwin beds with a view. The elevated twin beds on this 3rd floor wake up to the most stunning views of the clear waters of the Davao Gulf and heights of Mt. ApoImagine waking up in the morning to this. You will never want to leave this exclusive luxury paradise
Disclaimer: This stay was graciously and generously sponsored by Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines and Pearl Farm Beach Resort as part of the Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Familiarization Trip. All opinions, as always, are my own. This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!