Escape to Paradise: Dreamwave Beach Resort's Untouched Beauty in Puerto Galera
Escape to Paradise: Dreamwave Beach Resort - My Puerto Galera Adventure (Honestly!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Dreamwave Beach Resort in Puerto Galera, and let me tell you, my head is still buzzing with sunshine, salty air, and… well, let's just say a few slightly less glamorous realities. This isn’t your perfectly filtered influencer review; this is the real deal, unfiltered and honest, about what Escape to Paradise actually offers. And trust me, after a week of sun, sand, and a near-miss with a rogue jellyfish, I have opinions.
First Impressions: Arrival and Accessibility… (and a Little Panic!)
Getting to Dreamwave is… an adventure. Forget the perfectly smooth airport-to-hotel transfer you see in the brochure. It's more like a mini-tour of the Philippines. The resort does offer airport transfers (kudos!), but be prepared for bumpy roads and scenic views. Seriously, though, the scenery is breathtaking. Lush green hills, turquoise water, and the sheer, unadulterated beauty of the island slowly unfurling before you – it’s the reason you come.
Now, about accessibility. They do have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, which is great. However, I'm not disabled, but I did notice a few things. The walkways aren’t always perfectly smooth, and some of the paths can be a little steep. So, if you need absolute wheelchair access, double-check directly with the resort – don’t just rely on my opinion, because I missed those details!
Rooms: Sanctuary or… Slightly Quirky?
My room? Well, it was a cozy little haven with all the essentials. Air conditioning (thank GOD!), a comfy bed with a MASSIVE extra-long bed (hallelujah for tall people!), and a balcony overlooking the ocean. Waking up to that view every morning? Priceless. They also offer rooms for couples. I did not check it. Other rooms had a seating area, a mini-bar, a safe, and a coffee/tea maker. There was even complimentary tea! The details…I loved them!
The decor is, well, let's call it “rustic chic.” Think natural wood, earthy tones, and a few quirks that give the place character. My shower, for example, loved to fluctuate between freezing and scalding for no apparent reason. But hey, it's part of the charm, right? (Maybe pack a shower timer!)
The rooms were cleaned daily, there was a safe in the room, and all the necessities. I had no problems with hygiene, the room was very clean after an awesome vacation.
Internet: A Love-Hate Relationship
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YAY!…Mostly. The signal was strong in the public areas, but in my room, it could be a little… temperamental. There was LAN access, too, if you’re old school. But prepare to unplug (kinda) if you love streaming. Come on, you're in paradise. Embrace the digital detox!
Food & Drink: Buffet Bliss (and a Few Surprises)
Ah, the food. This is where Dreamwave really shines. The buffet breakfast is a feast! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it, they've got it. Fruits, pastries, eggs cooked to order, the works. I loaded up on coffee every morning, a serious necessity.
They have multiple restaurants, serving Asian and international cuisine. The food was generally good, though once in a while, something would be slightly under-seasoned. But honestly, with that view and the friendly staff, it’s easy to forgive a minor culinary hiccup. They offer a la carte options as well.
There's also a poolside bar, perfect for sipping cocktails while watching the sunset. The happy hour deals are a must-do. I discovered a signature cocktail that I'm still dreaming about. The poolside bar was my favourite spot.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beaches, Bliss, and Being Busy
Okay, this is THE reason to come to Dreamwave. The beach is incredible. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft and white. Days were spent swimming, sunbathing, and generally blissing out. I also went snorkeling - mind-blowing. The underwater world is insanely beautiful!
For those who want a little pampering, the spa is a must. They have a full range of services: massage, body wraps, body scrubs, you name it. I went for a deep tissue massage, and it was pure heaven. The sauna and steam room were also excellent. They even had a pool with a view!
They have a fitness center, too, for those who want to stay active. Me? I mostly stuck to swimming in the ocean.
Cleanliness & Safety: Reassuringly Present
In these times, safety is obviously a huge concern. Dreamwave really takes it seriously. They've implemented all sorts of COVID-19 protocols: hand sanitizer, sanitizing, masks, etc. The staff are trained in safety protocol, and the rooms are sanitized between stays. They even had individually wrapped food options! You could tell they care about your well-being.
The Little Things that Matter:
- Staff: The staff are genuinely lovely. Always smiling, helpful, and eager to please. They really make you feel welcome.
- Convenience Store: Handy for snacks and essentials.
- Gift Shop: Great for souvenirs.
- Concierge: Helpful with booking tours and activities.
- Cashless Payment: Easy peasy.
The Quirks (Because Every Place Has Them!)
- The Bathroom (Revisited): That shower…
- The Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray! They will find you.
- Random Power Outages: It's island life! Embrace the adventure (and maybe pack a flashlight).
Overall: Escape to Paradise? Absolutely!
Despite the small imperfections, Dreamwave Beach Resort is a truly special place. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the everyday and connect with nature, and more importantly, yourself. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and offers something for everyone. It wasn't perfect. But it was real. And that's what I loved about it.
So, should you go?
YES!
Here's the Deal to Seal the Deal:
Escape to Paradise: Dreamwave Beach Resort - Your Puerto Galera Getaway!
Exclusive Offer: Book your escape to Dreamwave Beach Resort today and receive:
- 15% off your entire stay!
- A complimentary couples massage in our luxurious spa (because you deserve it!)
- Free airport transfer (less stress, more fun!)
- A bottle of locally sourced wine upon arrival (cheers to you!)
- Access to all Dreamwave amenities!
Don't wait! This offer won’t last forever. Book your dream escape now and discover the untouched beauty of Puerto Galera!
[Link to Booking Page]
Hurry, paradise awaits!
Florence's Hidden Gem: 25Hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, Pinterest-perfect travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. Dreamwave Beach Resort in Puerto Galera? We're about to live it. And trust me, it ain't gonna be all sunshine and rainbows. (Though hopefully, there'll be a fair share of those.)
Dreamwave Debauchery: A Puerto Galera Pilgrimage (AKA: Pray for My Liver)
Day 1: Arrival of the Slightly Seasick (and Severely Jetlagged)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up still feeling the flight, and with the feeling of being somewhere i do not like to be. Airport. Manila. Ugh. Okay, coffee. Lots of coffee. And maybe a strategically placed Bloody Mary. Gotta fight that internal clock, right? And those airport pastries… tempting, but I'm trying to stick to a "vacation, not a food coma" mantra. So tempted.
- 8:30 AM: Ferry to Puerto Galera. Oh, the boat! Okay, deep breaths. The sea could be fine, the sun is kind, and the water is blue. But then the first waves hit… and my stomach does a freestyle dance in my throat. I will never get used to boat trips.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Arrival at Dreamwave! Actually, dreamy. The beach is stunning, the sand is white and inviting, and the staff are all smiles. But… it's more crowded than I expected. And the room? Okay, it's clean. The air conditioning is working (praise the sun gods!). But that "ocean view" is slightly obstructed by a very enthusiastic palm tree. Ah well. A view is a view, right? If you squint.
- 11:00 AM: Attempt to unpack. This is always more of a "stuff everything in a general area" operation. Finding my swimsuit is proving difficult. Pretty sure my brain is still in Manila.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the resort restaurant. The food is good, but I ordered the "spicy" dish, and let's just say my taste buds are staging a revolt. Water. Lots of water.
- 1:00 PM: Beach time! Finally! The water is warm, clear, and inviting. I attempt to read my book but get quickly distracted by the cute little sand crabs scuttling around. I am a child at heart.
- 3:00 PM: Nap time. It's essential. The jetlag is brutal. And the after effects of the spicy dish. Whoops.
- 5:00 PM: Sunset cocktails. YES. Finally. The sky is on fire, the music is good, and the rum is flowing. Maybe I'm starting to understand the appeal of this place. But a single sip becomes a series of sips.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I am still full of the spicy dish but I need to try something else. Seafood galore, but the memories of the spicy dish persist.
- 9:00 PM: Music and more cocktails at the beach bar. I meet some friendly locals. It's all sunshine and smiles.
- 11:00 PM: Bedtime? The music is going on but I'm exhausted. Maybe I can still make my way to bed.
Day 2: Scuba Diving & Existential Dread (and Maybe a Little Drunken Karaoke)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, still feeling the effects of last night. Oh, the joys of a good time. Breakfast. Eggs. Bacon. Coffee. Fuel up for the day!
- 9:00 AM: Scuba diving! I'm not a particularly confident swimmer, but the idea of exploring the underwater world is too tempting. The instructor seems nice, and the gear looks… intimidating. Still excited.
- 9:30 AM: The instructor starts with the equipment, which seems all over the place. But, then, into the water! The moment of truth.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Diving! The first few minutes are terrifying. I feel like a clumsy astronaut. But then… it's breathtaking. Schools of fish, coral reefs in brilliant colours. I forget my worries. I am weightless, free. And then… I run out of air slightly early. It gave me a little scare. Now I am fine, but I'll remember that.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the local restaurant near Dreamwave. It looks interesting.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Back at Dreamwave. More food and sun,
- 2:00 PM: Back to the room. More sun and drinks.
- 5:00 PM: Karaoke. Alcohol. Singing. The world. It is what it is. No regrets.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime. Sleep.
Day 3: Farewell, Beach Bum (and a Sincere Promise to Drink Less Tomorrow)
- 9:00 AM: Waking up. The sun is up and I want to enjoy this day.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 11:00 AM: Packing. What a mess.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM: Sun.
- 4:00 PM: Ferry.
- 5:00 PM: Manila. The end of the holiday.
- 6:00 PM: Flight.
Quirks, Observations, and Ramblings:
- The Sand: It's like powdered sugar mixed with tiny diamonds. Every footstep feels like a massage. Pure bliss.
- The Locals: The Filipinos are genuinely some of the friendliest people I've ever met. Always smiling, always helpful. It really makes a difference.
- The Food: The fresh fruit is out of this world. Mangoes that practically melt in your mouth. But that spicy dish? Never again.
- The Mosquitoes: They're small, sneaky, and they seem to love me. Insect repellent is your best friend. And maybe a mosquito net.
- The Pacing: It's the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. And, you know, a healthy dose of questionable decision-making.
- The Dreamwave Resort: It's not perfect, but its a paradise. It is a great place to be, and I would love to go there again.
Emotional Reactions:
- Joy: The pure, unadulterated joy of being on the beach, the scuba diving, the singing. It's truly magical.
- Frustration: The crowds can be overwhelming at times. And that spicy dish. Ugh.
- Amazement: The underwater world is a masterpiece. It's like a whole other planet.
- Exhaustion: Jetlag is a beast. And alcohol is a terrible idea when you're already tired.
- Contentment: Despite the hiccups, this is exactly what I needed. A break from reality. A chance to unwind. Even if it means occasionally making a fool of myself.
The Verdict:
Dreamwave Beach Resort in Puerto Galera? Worth it. Absolutely worth it. Maybe I'll even come back someday, but I swear, I'll pack more bug spray. And maybe a less adventurous palate. And perhaps consider moderation. Maybe.
Uncover the Hidden Gem: Courtyard Luoyang - Your Luxurious Luoyang Escape!
Okay, spill the tea. Is Dreamwave Beach Resort *really* paradise? Or is it just Instagram-filtered fluff?
But…and there's always a "but," isn't there? My first night? Total disaster. I swear, a cockroach the size of a small chihuahua decided to share my room. I screamed. A lot. And then felt unbelievably mortified that I'd screamed. The staff was incredibly apologetic and immediately sorted it out (bless their hearts), but the initial shock…hoo boy. Just be prepared. Island life, people! It ain't all sunshine and cocktails.
Also, the Wi-Fi? Let's just say it's…optimistic. Think of it as a digital detox, whether you want one or not. Which, honestly, wasn't the worst thing in the world.
How's the food? Because a girl needs to eat. And I'm picky. Like, REALLY picky.
Now, I'm a vegetarian (don't judge!). They had *plenty* of options for me. Everything was so fresh, and the chefs were super accommodating. One night, they even whipped up a special vegetarian dish *just for me*. I was so touched! And completely stuffed. I mean, *completely*.
The one tiny quibble? The dinner menu could get a little repetitive after a few days. But honestly? Given the location and the quality of everything *else*, I'm not complaining. Just pace yourself, and leave room for dessert. Seriously.
What are the rooms like? Are they, like, clean and comfy, or should I bring a hazmat suit?
Then, they upgraded me (because, you know, cockroach trauma). My new room? Glorious. Seriously. Spacious, with a balcony overlooking the beach, HUGE comfortable bed, and a bathroom that practically demanded I take a bath. (And I did! With bubbles! Don't judge.)
My advice? If you have any issues, speak up! The staff is genuinely helpful and wants you to have a good time. Don't be shy! And maybe pack some earplugs, just in case. Island sounds can be… intense. (Roosters. I'm talking about roosters.)
Okay, activities. Beyond sunbathing and staring at the ocean (which, let's be honest, is mandatory), what is there to *do*? I get bored easily.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend the sunset cruise. It's not cheap, but it's worth *every single penny*. Picture this: you, a cold drink in hand, watching the sky explode with color as the sun dips below the horizon. Absolutely breathtaking. I may have shed a tear or two (don't tell anyone!). I went with a group of total strangers, and we ended up all being so happy. It was probably the best evening of my entire life.
There are also spa treatments. I had a massage. It was… heavenly. I'm not a massage person, usually. But this one… melted. Every. Single. Muscle. I floated out of there.
And seriously, get out and explore the area. Don't just stay glued to the resort! There's so much more to see!
What’s the vibe? Is it a party scene, a romantic getaway, or something in between? Because I'm bringing a group of friends, and we're a bit… loud.
It's perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends who are looking to unwind and recharge. You'll find people of all ages and backgrounds. There's a good mix.
Your loud group? You'll be fine! Just respect the other guests, and you'll have a blast. The staff is super friendly, and they don't judge. (Mostly.)
Okay, let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or are they just going through the motions?
I had a minor medical issue (long story involving spicy food and a dodgy stomach). I felt awful. The staff practically turned themselves inside out to help me. They got me medicine, brought me ginger ale, and checked on me constantly. I was overwhelmed. Seriously, they went above and beyond.
They remembered my name. They knew my breakfast order. They even remembered my favorite kind of cocktail. (Because, you know, research.) They are the heart and soul of Dreamwave. They made the entire experience so much more special. And that's not something you can buy; that's something that comes from the heart. And I'll never forget it.
