Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort (Cocotel)
Escape to Paradise: Aninuan Beach Resort (Cocotel) - A Review That's Got Real
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort (Cocotel) that's less "corporate brochure" and more "drunken diary entry." I spent a few days there, survived (mostly!), and now I'm spilling the tea. Or, you know, whatever cocktail they were pushing at the poolside bar…
Metadata for the SEO nerds (and the marketing team, if they're reading): Aninuan Beach Resort Review, Cocotel, Mindoro, Philippines, Beach Resort, Sunset, Accessible Resort, Family-Friendly, Spa, Restaurant Review, Wi-Fi, Luxury Resort, Travel Philippines, Romantic Getaway, Aninuan Beach, COVID-19 Safety, Best Resorts Philippines, Island Getaway
First Impressions (and a Slightly Awkward Entrance):
Getting to Aninuan is a bit of an adventure in itself. Forget those pristine airport landings. We bounced along bumpy roads, the air thick with that tropical humidity that instantly makes your hair frizz. The drive? Let's just say it built anticipation. Turns out, the resort is tucked away on a stunning stretch of Aninuan Beach. And the sunsets… oh sweet merciful heavens, the sunsets. They truly are unbelievable. The kind that makes you want to weep tears of pure joy and Instagram spam.
The check-in? Thankfully, streamlined. They offer Contactless check-in/out, which, in these Covid times, is a godsend. I will say, the first thing I noticed was the resort's commitment to Cleanliness and safety. They’ve got all the buzzwords – Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available to give your mind at ease. More on that later…
The Doorman was friendly, though, bless him, he looked slightly bewildered by my over-enthusiastic greeting. Clearly, I was ready for a cocktail.
Rooms: Paradise with a Few Quirks
We were in a room that, thankfully, had Air conditioning, which is non-negotiable in the Philippines. They also offer Non-smoking rooms, Soundproof rooms, and rooms with Private bathroom, which is exactly what you need if you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway. I swear I could still hear the waves.
The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver, especially since I was supposed to be “working” (cough, cough, mostly sunbathing). They also boasted Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which is a major plus. You can find the Internet access – wireless anywhere on the property. And if you're a real old-school LAN-lover? They also offer Internet access – LAN.
The room itself was spacious, with a comfortable Seating area and a Balcony overlooking…yes, you guessed it… the beach. Let me tell you, sinking into that Sofa after a long day of… well, relaxing, was heaven. Seriously though, no complaints.
The Downside (Because Let's Be Real):
There wasn't any Pets allowed or even visible Pets allowed unavailable sign, it's a good thing for any allergy-sufferers out there.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag?
Okay, let's get real about Accessibility. While the resort says it has Facilities for disabled guests, I didn't see a ton of obvious adaptations. The terrain is a little uneven, with (beautiful) steps leading down to the beach. If you're using a wheelchair, be prepared for some assistance and possible limitations. Accessibility here needs a bit more refinement.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Paradise Experience
Alright, the food. This is where things get… interesting. Aninuan Beach Resort has a lot of options. They have a restaurant that offers A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant. They also offer a Buffet in restaurant, which is always lovely. I loved the Asian breakfast to start the day.
I'm going to be honest, the portions were sometimes a little… small. This is where I became thankful for the Snack bar. The dishes, however, were tasty. I was particularly fond of the salads. They even serve Vegetarian restaurant for those with dietary restrictions.
They offer a Bottle of water per person. There's a Poolside bar, which is a must-have for any beach resort. The Happy hour came and went, and I never noticed. They offer Coffee/tea in restaurant which is great.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks of Paradise
The resort is surprisingly well-equipped. They offer Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and a Convenience store, which, I'm not going to lie, was my lifeline for snacks and forgotten sunscreen. Also, a Gift/souvenir shop.
They also have a Cash withdrawal machine which is great for easy payment. It's the little things, people!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (And My Personal Spa Disaster)
This is where Aninuan Beach Resort truly shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with that perfect infinity edge that merges with the ocean. Pure Instagram bait. They don't offer a Pool with view, as it's just the standard setup.
The Spa… Now, the spa. I was so excited. They offer a Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom. I went for a massage, expecting bliss. What I got… let's just say, the massage therapist was clearly new to the job. It was less "relaxing" and more "mildly alarming." I now know the full extent of my shoulder knots. Afterwards, though? Bliss.
For the Kids (And the Babysitters):
They have a Family/child friendly environment. Also offer Babysitting service, Kids meal, and Kids facilities.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Covid Conundrum:
They take Cleanliness and safety seriously here. Beyond the sanitizing and distancing, the staff were extremely friendly and eager to assist. They really made an effort to make you feel safe and comfortable. But, remember that, they offer Rooms sanitized between stays.
They do offer Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, and Staff trained in safety protocol.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Despite a few foibles, yes, I would. Aninuan Beach Resort offers a genuine escape. The location is breathtaking, the staff is lovely, and the sunsets are truly unforgettable. If you're looking for a chill getaway with some serious beach vibes, this place is a winner. Just maybe, bring your own massage therapist.
KLCC's Crown Jewel: Unveil Tropicana The Residences' Luxury!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is the real Puerto Galera, Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort version. Prepare for a rollercoaster of sun, sand, questionable decisions, and maybe, just maybe, some actual relaxation.
The Absolutely Unreliable, Un-Pinterest-Worthy, and Utterly Human Itinerary: Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort, Puerto Galera
Day 1: Oh My God, We're Actually Here (and the AC is a Myth)
- Morning (aka, the Great Escape): Finally! Manila in the rearview mirror. The drive was… well, let's just say the van smelled suspiciously like durian and teenage angst (lots of teenagers, lots of angst). We hit some serious traffic – the kind that makes you seriously question your life choices. But hey, the views, once we hit the coastal roads, were pretty spectacular. Made it to Batangas Port, chaos reigned (as expected), survived the ferry – mostly. I'm pretty sure I saw a small child get seasick. That kind of set the tone.
- Mid-afternoon (Arrival and the Great Room Debacle): Arrived at Sunset at Aninuan. Gorgeous! Palm trees swaying, turquoise water beckoning. You know, the whole Instagrammable shebang. Check-in was… slow. Filipino time, you know? Eventually, got the key. The room… well, let's just say the air conditioning is more of a suggestion. It's like a gentle breeze flirting with the idea of coolness. The bed? Surprisingly comfy. The view, overlooking the beach? To die for. Which is good, 'cause I might die from the heat. Already regretting not packing the industrial-strength fan.
- Afternoon/Early Evening (Beach Bliss and Questionable Food Choices): Okay, beach time! Finally, actually in the water. Glorious. The sand is white, the water clear, the sun… brutal. Slathered on the sunscreen like it was a religious experience. Spent a good hour just bobbing in the waves, feeling all my worries (and the lingering scent of durian) wash away. Then came the hard part: finding a decent place to eat. After a 40-minute walk along the shoreline, we stumbled upon a shack. Fish… fried, and slightly undercooked, but hey, we were hungry, and the San Miguel tasted like liquid gold. (Spoiler: this would be a recurring theme).
- Evening (Sunset, San Miguel, and Existential Dread): The sunset. Oh. My. God. Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, I almost cried. The sky exploded with color, the ocean reflecting everything. Sat on the beach, beer in hand, staring at it all. Pure bliss. Until a mosquito the size of a small bird attacked me. Then the existential dread kicked in. The beauty of life, versus the inescapable fact of decay. So, more beer. The cycle continues.
Day 2: Snorkeling, Sandcastles, and the Inevitable Sunburn
- Morning (Operation: Find Proper Breakfast): The first challenge was breakfast. The in-house restaurant at Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort was closed. The second challenge: find a proper breakfast. Ended up with some sad eggs and instant coffee from a nearby 'carinderia' (small eatery). We are, after all, in the Philippines.
- Mid-Morning (Snorkeling Mishap): Snorkeling excursion! Rented some gear and jumped into the water. The visibility was amazing. Fish galore! But then…a rogue wave. I swear, it slammed me into a coral reef. My leg is now sporting a new shade of red, and several scratches. Lesson learned: respect the ocean. And maybe invest in some proper snorkeling gear.
- Afternoon (Sandcastle Dreams and Ice Cream Realities): Post-reef-trauma, a more relaxed approach. Built a sandcastle. Okay, our sandcastle. It looked more like a sad, lopsided mound, but we tried. The heat was relentless. The only solution? Ice cream! Found a tiny little shop on the beach. The ice cream: a glorious, sugary savior.
- Evening (The Karaoke Abyss and Questionable Decisions): We were tempted… by the siren call of karaoke. Eventually, after a few more San Miguels, we succumbed. I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was… unique. The locals were either incredibly polite or genuinely horrified. Either way, it was an experience. The next morning, I woke with a headache, a vague sense of shame, and a newfound appreciation for the quiet life.
Day 3: Sunburn Salvation, Departure and a Promise
- Morning (Regret and Recovery): The day began with regret. That karaoke was something. And the sunburn. Oh, the sunburn. Re-evaluating my life choices while applying copious amounts of aloe vera.
- Mid-morning (The Search for Shade): The sun was brutal, so the mission was simple: find shade. Found solace in the shade of a huge tree.
- Afternoon (The Slow Farewell): The slow packing started. Taking one last dip in the ocean.
- Evening (Goodbye, for Now): The Ferry to Batangas port was on. We said goodbye to our beautiful beach.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of frustration, sunburn, questionable meals, and even a near-shoreline disaster. But amidst the chaos, magic, and the simple joy found in the beauty of the island. Puerto Galera, you've got a piece of my heart – and a few scratches on my leg. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a better fan. Maybe better karaoke choices. And definitely, a stronger sunscreen.
Pondicherry's Hidden Gem: Balaji Guest House - Unbeatable Prices!
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort (Cocotel) - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You Need More Than Brochure Piffle)
Okay, Let's Cut to the Chase: Is This Place REALLY Paradise or Just a Sunset Instagram Filter?
The Rooms: Are We Talking Five-Star Luxury or "Slightly Damp with Questionable Air Conditioning"?
Food, Glorious Food! What's the Grub Situation? Am I Gonna Get the Runs?
The BEACH! What's the Beach REALLY Like? (Because Instagram Lies, You Know)
Beyond the Beach: What's There to DO? Am I Going to Die of Boredom?
The Staff: Are They Friendly or Do They Secretly Hate Tourists?
Okay, Spill the Tea: What's the Biggest Annoyance? The One Thing That Will Drive Me Crazy?
The Internet: Will I Be Able to Actually Post Those Sunset Pics?
