Check Your Dream Batanes Trip Off That Bucket List in This Cozy, Charming Hotel
by Marla Miniano-UmaliBatanes, with its breathtaking scenery and otherworldly charm, has always been on every Filipino’s list of dream destinations.
Picture lush green rolling hills, stunning vibrant landscapes, a simply serene way of living, heartfelt hospitality, and quiet pockets to find solace and solitude in—all the elements of an enchanting escape that will not only alter your perspective about the Philippines and its bounty of natural wonders, but quite possibly change your life as well.
One of the coziest corners you could find in the province is Bernardo’s Hotel in Basco, conveniently located five minutes away from the airport and town proper.
Seamlessly blending the comforts of a hotel stay with the warm familiarity of home, Bernardo’s offers no-frills accommodations that won’t distract you from your amazing surroundings. Its immaculate rooms and fresh, crisp sheets allow you to recharge from the flight, while thoughtful features such as cable television, a hot shower, hair dryer, personal refrigerator, and complete set of toiletries ensure you won’t have to worry about anything except savoring your once-in-a-lifetime getaway. They also offer reasonably priced tuktuk services, bike rentals, and van rentals for when you’re ready to go out and explore, and an in-room massage (available from 2 PM to 11 PM, for an extra fee) to soothe your aching limbs after a full day of soaking up the sights.
But the true heart of Bernardo’s lies in its genuine, generous service: the staff is courteous, attentive, and always ready to help you out and give you great insider advice. Whether it’s assisting you in your transportation options or figuring out which tour suits you best, the team behind Bernardo’s Hotel is committed to making your stay an unforgettable one.
The hotel is also home to the much raved-about Casa Napoli, where they serve delicious breakfast and the best brick-oven pizzas—which are so good that they’re often an integral part of most people’s Batanes stories. You can dine al fresco for an early supper while enjoying the pure, cool breeze, then catch the glorious sunset from the hotel’s roof deck, which offers a 360-degree view of the majestic mountains, spectacular sea, and sparkling starlit night sky.
Disconnect from the rest of the world while forging a deeper, stronger connection with nature by taking the North Batan (Basco Town) or South Batan (Mahatao and Ivana; Uyugan Town) tours, where you can keep your eyes peeled (and your cameras ready!) for Mount Iraya, a volcano that holds the honor of being the province’s highest point; the picture-perfect Naidi and Tayid Lighthouses; the verdant rolling hills of world-famous Marlboro Country; and cobblestone-walled houses, historic churches, and fascinating fortresses that offer a peek into the life and ways of the Ivatans. Afterwards, find your peace by taking a leisurely, introspective stroll along the shore of Chanarian Beach, a mere stone’s throw away from the hotel. During Batanes’s winter months, December to February, it’ll be too cold to swim, so save your plans for a quick dip for a summer visit in March to June. In any case, the sight of the cerulean waters, the sound of the powerful waves crashing against the rocks, and the grounding, humbling feel of the pebbles beneath your feet are more than enough to punctuate your trip.
When all is said and done, there is an unexplainable, almost mythical quality to Batanes—which means it’s a place infinitely better experienced than read or heard about. And with their exclusive deals on Deal Grocer, you can do just that for a price you won’t find elsewhere.
Though Basco was undamaged by the earthquake that hit Itbayat in July 2019, we at Deal Grocer are keeping Batanes in our thoughts. To support relief and rehabilitation efforts, visit this page.
Bernardo’s Hotel
Brgy. Chanarian, Basco, Batanes
bernardoshotel.com
For inquiries & reservations:
Thea Ordas
(0917) 512 5346
(0908) 816 4811
Discover more of The Land of the True Insulars with our Batanes Travel Guide.
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This article was last edited on August 7, 2019 by the DG Traveler team.
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