Tourists who have never been to Davao will undoubtedly enjoy this private tropical paradise, which is conveniently a 5-minute boat ride from the city. So, if you’re searching for a quick beach holiday from Davao – Discovery Samal is the place to be. Perfect for families and couples who want to unwind and spend time in nature. You can take advantage of their day tour pass or up your game even more by staying at one of these gorgeous luxurious villas on the island. Without a doubt, Discovery Samal is the best resort on the island!
Discovery Samal is located in Samal Garden Island in Davao del Norte, Philippines. It is the newest five-star resort and tropical luxury getaway managed by the Discovery Hospitality Group. Expect a luxe comfortable holiday stay with Discovery’s signature warm hospitable service and staff who make you feel at home. The property is massive, but golf carts are readily available 24 hours a day to transport guests from one location to another. The 6-hectar Discovery Samal property designed by renowned architect Ed Ledesma and interior designer Manny Samson, have been tastefully curated and developed with interiors that blend. It boasts of 153 lavish villas and plush accommodations, including 9 private villas with their very own dipping pools, and the biggest resort convention facilities in Davao that can accommodate up to 1,200 guests.
It’s my second time staying at Discovery Samal, the first time was for a wedding and this time was just to relax, lay on the beach, and have a proper vacay.
Here are our Top 8 reasons why we love staying at Discovery Samal…
HOW TO GET THERE:
PLANE: Take a 2 hour plane ride from Manila to Davao International Airport (Francisco Bangoy International Airport).
CAR: The Discovery brand is known for their “Service That’s All Heart”, and it is felt the moment guests land at the airport. We were warmly greeted at the arrival gate by the DS Driver for the resort’s Airport Shuttle Service. (Note: This is a complimentary service for staying guests.)
It took us around only 10 minutes to reach the Discovery Samal Welcome Center via the DS Van. ( Note: It can take up to 30 minutes depending on the traffic situation from the Airport to the DS Welcome Center.)
Once we’ve arrived at our destination. The staff warmly greeted us with a genuine smile for the initial check-in and took care of our luggage transfer. They gave us welcome bracelets, and offered some cookies & water as we waited for our scheduled boat trip.
BOAT: Golf cart transfer to the boat.
We then boarded a speed boat that brought us to Samal Garden Island. The ride was about 5 minutes long.
Boat Schedule:
One we ported, we were immediately fetched by the golf carts. From there it was a short ride to the lobby, where we were greeted with a complimentary ice cold refreshing pomelo juice that comes with a cold towel. A perfect treat for this crazy summer heat!
While at the check-in counter, the view from the lobby was quite inviting. We can’t help but be enticed to dig our feet into the white sand or swim in one of the beach front pools.
After getting our room cards. We were then ushered to our suite. The DS Staff even offered a quick tour of the resort before heading to the room.
In case you’re wondering, a Day Tour Pass is Php1500/head and is consumable.
THE POOLS
One of the main highlights of our stay is the iconic infinity pool, which gives you an amazing view out to sea over gently swaying coconut trees and the stunning views of the Davao Gulf.
It’s not the hotel’s only pool either. There’s also another stunning infinity pool at the beach level area and one massive pool with a sunset view exclusively for villa guests.
There’s also a kiddie level area on all pools that’s shallow and safe for kids.
Operating Hours:
6 am to 9 pm
Beach Club Pool – Level 1
Villa Pool – Level 2 (Exclusive for Villa Guests)
Hotel Pool – Level 6
THE BEACH
Discovery Samal boasts the longest white sand beach on Samal Island.
Mornings here are so peaceful, I really enjoyed just hanging out by the white sand beach. The calm waters in the morning are ideal for kayaking and paddle boarding and other water activities.
Water activities include : Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Jet skiing, snorkeling, Island Hopping (Boat Tour).
We appreciated the thoughtful complimentary iced water and towels provided at the pool and beach area.
HARIBAR
Haribar is a combination of the words “haring ibon” and “bar”. The facilities are top notch and one cannot leave without taking advantage of the happy hour sunset drinks by the beach!
We decided to get the calamansi mojito and pina colada from their Buy 1 take 1 promo. And of course tuna KINILAW as pulutan to pair…
Mindanao Tuna Kilawin (P510) Coconut milk, tabon-tabon, cane vinegar, red onion, chilu & calamansi
Tuna kinilaw is a popular dish in Davao, where tuna is fresh and easily available. I enjoyed the freshness of the fish and the tanginess of the spicy vinegar marinade. A must order when in Davao!
Our waiter was very generous and gave us a free serving of peanuts with local chili (siling labuyo).
THE ROOMS
Our room was ready after the quick tour and we were guided to our One-Bedroom Suite located in the two hotel towers. (77 m2 / 829 ft2)
Upon arrival, we were treated to Discovery Group’s complementary relaxing foot wash…and foot massage.
We loved the high ceiling, separate spacious living room and dining area. It is equipped with a dining table, lounge sofa, set, Nespresso machine, refrigerator, cable TV, safe, hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, and en suite bathroom.
The One-Bedroom Suite features a comfortable king-sized bed and a very spacious master bathroom.
A veranda to take in the beautiful surroundings of the grounds and resort. Dry rack for wet clothes and swimwear.
One of my favorite eco-friendly practices here is the usage of reusable containers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. A fantastic way to avoid single-use plastics. The toiletries are also made using sustainable materials.
There is also a separate toilet and bath in the living room for your guests or for quick bathroom access.
We also got a Discovery Shores tote bag and sunblock. Every Discovery Group property has its own distinct tote bag design. They are quite useful, especially that we have so many things to carry around the beach, such as alcohol, wipes, and water.
The Malagos chocolates, fruits, and turndown snacks were an awesome treat.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 adults and 2 children (0-11 years old) ***NOTE: For accompanying children (8-11 years old), there will be an extra charge of Php 1500++/night and will be paid upon arrival.
SAMAL SUITE
If you have extra cash to burn, I suggest you book the Samal Suite. Located on Level 2, guests in selected Samal Suite rooms can enjoy an unobstructed view of the pool area and the Davao Gulf. (50 m2 / 538 ft2)
They have a very wide veranda perfect for a late night “tambay” sesh.
We noticed the lounge sofa here was slightly bigger than our one-bedroom suite, perfect for one more extra guest to sleep on.
Samal Suite Maximum Occupancy: 2 adults and 2 children (0-11 years old). For accompanying children (8-11 years old), there will be an extra charge of Php 1500++/night and will be paid upon arrival. (Rates from ₱ 24,085.00)
THE DINING EXPERIENCE
BREAKFAST AT THE SHORELINE:
The breakfast spread at The Shoreline is well-stocked with numerous options to choose from including international and Filipino breakfast menus. It also provides a casual, all-day dining that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We opted to enjoy our breakfast outside by the pool to take-in the fresh air and of course admire the spectacular view of the Davao cityscape in the distance and if you’re lucky you can even see Mount Apo on a clear day.
FRUIT & SALAD BAR:
Davao is known as the “Fruit Basket of the Philippines”, and a trip there won’t be complete without trying their celebrated local fruits like the mangosteen and pomelo.
Pomelo is a citrus fruit that’s a very popular Davao pasalubong item; you’ll find boxes of them on the luggage carousel on your return flight. Try their pomelo salad mixed with a tangy thai dressing, or enjoy them as is.
Mangosteen’s are the hottest items in the spread, so grab a plate of this fruit if you see some in the buffet. Mangosteens have a sweet and tangy taste that are a good source of vitamins and nutrients. The local fruits are a must try when in Davao!
CHARCUTERIE BOARD:
Besides the fruit selection, we really enjoyed the fantastic selection of International and Davao cheeses, charcuterie, dried fruits and nuts. I fairly enjoyed their blue cheese and manchego.
EGG STATION:
Here you can have your eggs prepared any way you like.
Eggs Benedict are highly recommended by my frequent resort companions. You’ll also find the french toast, pancake, and waffle station here.
FILIPINO & INTERNATIONAL SELECTION:
Filipino breakfast favorites such as crispy danggit, adobo, ampalaya, talong, longanisa, adobo, and garlic rice. Try their crispy dangit (dried fish) with local vinegar and garlic rice.
Bacon cooked in two-ways–floppy and crispy. They have hash browns, pork & beans and toast to pair.
SOUP STATION:
You’ll find a rotating selection of soup and porridges from choco champorado, corn soup, mushroom soup, chicken soup noodle, and arroz caldo.
I recommend the chicken arroz caldo with a hint of fish sauce, calamansi, spring onions, and heaps of fried garlic. The mushroom soup and chicken noodles were also good.
BREAD STATION:
A selection of assorted international and local pastries. The bread selections were just okay for me.
DESSERT STATION:
Dessert for breakfast? Yes please! They actually have a good rotating assortment of cakes, creme brulee, and other pastries to choose from. Yum!
Of course, they also have freshly ground coffee.
SHORELINE LUNCH & DINNER MENU:
The restaurant serves comfort food, including Filipino favorites, burgers, pizza, and pica-pica for light snacking.
We highly recommend the Linguine Scampi (Php 615), a simple yet addicting pasta dish made of spicy prawns with garlic and cherry tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil. A must order.
The Shoreline Operating Hours:
Breakfast – 6 am to 10 am
Lunch – 11 am to 2:30 pm
Dinner – 5 pm to 10 pm
MORNING CATCH
Morning Catch is the signature Southeast Asian restaurant of Thai Chef Alex Atthasarn Phaithoon. Chef Alex is well-known for his à la carte Thai delicacies, having formerly worked at Discovery Palawan in Club Paradise. The dishes are made from scratch here, so expect a reasonable waiting time before your dish is served.
Seafood Laksa (₱660)
Rice noodles with prawn, squid and mussels in spicy Malaysian coconut broth
Raved as one of the best laksa you can get in Davao. Its coconut curry broth is complex, fragrant, and has just the right amount of richness. We also loved the generous portions of fresh prawn, squid and mussels.
Morning Catch Menu:
Operating Hours:
Lunch – 11 am to 2:30 pm
Dinner – 5 pm to 10 pm
Level 1
CHAPEL
The Divine Grace Chapel of Discovery Samal, with its contemporary architecture, is set on the highest point of the resort, offering a scenic view of the Davao Gulf and the sea serve as its backdrop.
We loved the earthy tones that blend well with the lush greeneries and surrounding water. Ganda!
THE POD MOONLIGHT DINNER
At night, relax with a glass of wine while the pod is illuminated and changes into a romantic dining location under the stars. Each pod is well-ventilated with a portable air-conditioner, and keeps a stable temperature for the comfort of guests. Apart from the ambience and exclusive space, indulge in a specially curated course meal designed by Discovery Samal’s culinary team.
We especially loved the cheesecake dessert.
MINDANAO PAVILION RECREATION AREA
The Game Room is a place for slightly older children and the young at heart. Access to arcade games, ping pong ,and billiards with a wide selection of games is a guarantee of unforgettable fun.
My mom super enjoyed the Dance Central arcade game and the late night Karaoke sessions with the girls.
The Sandbox is Discovery’s day care center where kids aged 0-12 can play with various stuffed toys, board games, and arts & craft activities! (₱₱₱)
The Gym is located near the recreation area. Despite its size, it has enough equipment to provide a full workout.
The resort’s Samal Escape Spa is available to you if you require additional pampering.
SAMAL ISLAND HOPPING
We tried the half-day island hopping tour around Samal Island. It was just okay, and we spent more time on the boat than we did actually exploring the islands.
The highlight of the trip, if you decide to go, is the Taclobo Farm, which is home to 6 species of giant clams with over 2,000 individuals. The entrance fee of PHP 200 includes the guide and snorkel rental.
Read more: Discovery Samal Staycation Guide! (First Look)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, we had such a wonderful time at Discovery Samal. It is indeed a pricier alternative for accommodation, but the Discovery Group’s staff’s unmatched hospitality and warm accommodations are what truly distinguishes it from the rest of the island’s resort and hotel properties.
Of course, we had to eat Davao’s famous Durian before we left! Make sure to allot time to buy pasalubong on your way back to the airport.
Live an Awesome Life,
ABI of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: I wrote this article 100% by a human with my biases, opinions, and insights.
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