Cover Discovery Samal blends seamlessly and thoughtfully into the local environment (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
Discovery Samal blends seamlessly and thoughtfully into the local environment (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
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Located on a picturesque island off the coast of Davao City, Discovery Samal is at harmony with its surroundings
Toward the south and far from the skyscrapers and bustling crowds of the city lies Discovery Samal, which rests upon the tranquil shores of the eponymous island. It boasts some of the most luxurious rooms and amenities imaginable, made complete by the sight of the calm seas, the sound of the crashing waves and the feel of the gentle breeze. This makes it the perfect getaway destination for those chasing adventure or a more exclusive escape. It is paradise on earth, and this breathtaking seaside resort is near and dear to the heart of its president, Beatrice Gonzalez-Magallanes.
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Above Feel like a head of state at Discovery Samal's presidential suite (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
Feel like a head of state at Discovery Samal's presidential suite (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
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Above Beatrice Gonzalez-Magallanes, the president of Discovery Samal (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
Beatrice Gonzalez-Magallanes, the president of Discovery Samal (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
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Under her supervision, Discovery Samal opened its doors a little over a year ago. “I grew up in Davao,” she shared. “Our family really loved going to the beach.” Samal was only a short boat ride away, so she and her family would often visit the island. When a family friend jokingly offered to sell their portion of the beach, her father took it seriously and purchased it, envisioning a future for it. “Some people were saying, why did you buy [the beach]? There isn’t even a beachfront!,” Gonzalez-Magallanes recalled. It took years of cleanup efforts, but eventually, as the area expanded and the debris were cleared out, the true beauty of the place unfolded into what it is today.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the island, Discovery Samal was constructed with natural wood and stone, which connects guests to the harmonious bond of nature and luxury of this tropical landscape. The stone walls surrounding the property are all handmade by Ifugao craftsmen, evincing her family’s support for Filipino talent and ingenuity.
Above The luxurious bedroom of the Grand Signature Suite provides unmatched comfort (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
The luxurious bedroom of the Grand Signature Suite provides unmatched comfort (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
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The Premiere Pavilion is the resort’s crowning jewel, boasting larger, more luxurious rooms and spaces, each suite providing stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding ocean. Private terraces, amenities and on-call private butlers 72 reinforce this personalised feel, ensuring that every need and whim is met. The vibrant art brings Samal Island’s natural beauty to life, created in partnership with local artists and thoughtfully curated, resulting in an authentic and immersive feel. While every room is exceedingly excellent on its own, the Grand Signature Suite takes it to a whole other level.
True to its name, the Grand Signature Suite is the definition of the word opulence. Designed to be Discovery Samal’s prime offering, every corner of this 426-square metre four-room suite is well-thought-out, from the hand-picked art pieces down to the finest thread of linen. It is truly one-of-a-kind, and that’s by design. As the only Signature Suite, booking this room guarantees an exclusive, tailored experience that you can’t get anywhere else.
Above Relax and take in the scenic view at the infinity pool (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
Relax and take in the scenic view at the infinity pool (Photo: Courtesy of Discovery Samal)
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Lodgings are just one part of this stunning destination, as Discovery Samal hosts a wide range of world-class amenities for you and your loved ones to enjoy. The infinity pool, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding sea, beautifully captures the inherent bond between nature and the resort. Its wellness spa provides treatments inspired by traditional Filipino healing practices, while its water sports and island tours spark that fiery, adventurous spirit within guests. Each facet enhances the enchanting feeling of the island in a way that only few other resorts can.
Guests can be at ease knowing that their safety is secured during their stay. With a round-the-clock security detail, surveillance cameras and emergency response teams on standby, one can be assured of a pleasant vacation through and through. Discovery Samal is a must-visit destination for those seeking a luxurious yet natural adventure. “It’s a five-star experience,” Gonzalez-Magallanes promises. “We want to bring people from all over, beyond Davao, Cebu, Manila and even outside the Philippines.” The resort is as pristine as the nearby nature it is so deeply connected to, and it is surely an experience that one will never forget.
Unravel the resort’s natural beauty at discoverysamal.com.
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About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
Work
Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
