Sophia’s Garden Resort

Tucked away in a quiet area amid lush tropical forests, this lovely eight-room boutique has plenty of local charm. Interiors have a blend of traditional Filipino style and marked Spanish influences, with capiz shell inlays, lots of wood accents, and touches such as stained-glass details and lace curtains in rooms. Common spaces and rooms are housed in low traditional wood-and-concrete buildings set in tranquil well-kept grounds with manicured lawns and tropical plants. The lobby is small but sunny, with huge windows, a cute front desk with shell and stained-glass details, and a purple couch. Outside, wooden gazebos with muslin curtains and lovely wrought-iron furniture lend the gardens an inviting, peaceful, and romantic vibe. 

Sophia’s Garden Resort is located on a small road about a mile from the Coron-Busuanga Road. The area is rural and quiet, with just empty lots, mangroves, and thick forests in the immediate vicinity of the property. Coron town, home to a few restaurants, bars and shops, is located a five-minute tricycle ride away. The nearest sandy beach is in a secluded area a 20-minute drive south of Coron. However, most guest come to Busuanga Island not for the postcard-perfect stretches of sand but for its world-class snorkeling and diving, both of which can be found a short boat ride away. The tour desk at Sophia’s Garden Resort can arrange island-hopping and diving trips for a fee. The airport is a 30-minute drive away. 

The hotel has eight rooms housed in two low buildings decorated with wooden shutters and stained-glass panes. All rooms are spacious, airy, and clean, with large windows overlooking the serene grounds, and gleaming white tile floors. Decor style is simple but cute, with a lovely mix of traditional Filipino elements such as wooden furniture and shell decorations, and traditional Spanish accents, including lace curtains and iron lamps with stained-glass shades. All rooms have flat-screen TVs (although cable signal is sometimes spotty), electric kettles, free bottled water, hairdryers, and air-conditioning, but lack mini-fridges, phones and safes. Units closest to the reception area may be able to pick up the free Wi-Fi available in the lobby. The hotel also provides torches for those willing to go stargazing at night. Bathrooms are simple but clean, with cute round white sinks decorated with painted flowers, wooden cabinets, walk-in rain showers, and hotel-brand toiletries.

The hotel’s pool is small but relaxing, with a whirlpool, a small shallow area for children, and several padded loungers. A couple of tables with chairs are available in the shade, and the deck is surrounded by a lush garden with bamboo trees and flowers. The restaurant serves an excellent free breakfast with local dishes and continental options, as well as a mainly Filipino menu for lunch and dinner. Romantic dinners can be requested in the poolside gazebo, which is decorated with dim lights and muslin curtains. There is no full spa on-site, but the hotel offers massage services on request. Wi-Fi is available in the reception area, but rooms lack Internet connection, and some mobile carriers don’t provide service in the area. Airport transfers and day trips can be arranged at front desk for a fee.