Tugawe Cove Resort, Caramoan

The more you beach, the less you worry.

When TripAdvisor announced the 2018 World’s Best Small Hotels in the World with Travelers' Choice Award, it was no surprise that Tugawe Cove in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, is included in the prestigious list. The resort has been getting the accolade since 2016, a recognition for its luxury accommodation, exceptional service, with glowing satisfaction from travellers worldwide.

I, for one, could attest. I wasn’t just satisfied with my over-all Tugawe experience. I was blown away.

When I first set foot in Caramoan, many, many years ago, Tugawe isn’t still around. But I already fell in love with its beautiful islands, white-sand beaches, mysterious lakes, limestone karst formations and sand bars. The same way how many international film and television productions did that they made it a Survivor Island. Tugawe is the compelling reason for me to return.

Tugawe is a 25-hectare resort located near the Eastern tip of the Caramoan Peninsula. It is owned by couple Ernesto and Cecilia Magtuto, who named the place after the hardwood tree tugawe, which used to grow abundantly in the area. It is secluded and a bit far-away from Caramoan town proper, and thus could only be reached only by boat (or helicopter).  Actually, it is faster to get to the resort from the neighboring island province of Catanduanes than from Naga. But I opt for the latter, considering budget and time constraints. I availed the resort’s land and sea transfer. It was very convenient and almost cut the usual travel time from Naga to Caramoan into half.

I was still sleepy from my eight-hour bus night trip from Manila to Naga, but how could I resist the amazing view along the coast?

I was warmly welcomed by staff, the moment the speed boat docked in the private cove of Tugawe.

A golf cart was waiting to take me on top of the hill where the registration area, restaurant and my accommodation are located.

I was served with welcome refreshments in the restaurant which has the most breath-taking view of the sea, hills, islands and islets.

I was also assigned my own personal butler. Every guest or group is assigned their own butler, who is the designated staff to assist them the whole duration of their stay.    

Then time to check-in. There are three room types in Tugawe: Hilltop, Hillside, and Lakeside.

Hilltop and hillside villas are located on the elevated part of the resort; as the name suggests on top of the hill and the side. Beside Room 305 is the last standing Tugawe tree. All the rooms, good for couple or family, are fully air-conditioned with LED sets and satellite TV, hot and cold shower, and comfortable beds with duvet covers.

Lakeside villas, on the other hand, are nearest to the beach and overlooking the lake. When the lake is placid, the reflection on the water of the villas, lime rock formations and trees, is a visual treat, quite soothing and almost charmed.

I just find it hilarious (although valid) that some of the guests complain about room location. Those in hilltop find it tiring to go down (taking 200 or so steps especially when the electric railway isn’t working) when accessing the beach, and then return up afterwards. Those in the lakeside, usually had difficulty going to the restaurant, that’s why most of them would prefer room service when ordering food.

Meals by the way, especially the complimentary breakfast, is satisfying with copious serving (that could last until lunch) of comfort food: soup, pancakes and banana bread, pancit, danggit and daing na bangus, bacon, embutido, and adobo. Pizza, pasta, seafood, all-day breakfast meals, and desserts are also available in the restaurant. Merienda meals are affordable though ala carte lunch and dinner meals are a bit pricey.

After a fulfilling meal, guests could shed off some calories by visiting the recreation room and play billiards, chess or foosball, or just simply read a novel or book from the library.     

But I am more excited to face the days ahead full of adventures waiting just within the comforts of the resort's vicinity.

Stop and smell the flowers. I literally did that. 

Monitor lizards are omnipresent around the lake. A few I guess (like the one I saw) already got used to humans.

There are two incredibly beautiful infinity pools by the beach and on the hilltop; the latter often featured in picture-perfect postcards of Tugawe. I enjoyed swimming and lounging in both, as they both overlook the cove and the azure sea.

I also availed the free water activities offered by the resort, particularly kayaking and snorkelling. 

Just a short kayak-ride from the beachfront, I was quite impressed with the marine wildlife that is being preserved by Tugawe. It is commendable how the resort worked so hard in restoring the corals within the parameters of their beach.

But extra caution is needed when snorkelling as jellyfish sometimes appear along with the swimmers. The recent Caramoan incident about a Fil-Italian child who was stung by a box jellyfish and died, was too disheartening and should serve as a precaution for all Caramoan boatmen and island hoppers to always bring with them vinegar as a first aid measure in alleviating the venomous sting of jellyfish.

I marvelled at the scintillating and relaxing view of the sea and verdant hills from the resort’s viewing deck and the lighthouse, which is a short trek from the resort. Even the distant Mt. Mayon is visible on a clear day.

The dusk I witnessed that day was utterly calming and peaceful.

During nightime, the resort and its surroundings turn almost magical with all the dazzling lights from the hilltop restaurant down to the lake and beachfront. Fireflies abound too within the resort. Truly, it is an idyllic, romantic honeymoon getaway. 

I had the most wonderful and memorable stay at Tugawe. The sun, sea and lake indeed left a mark of paradise in my heart. Even the air sweet, and salty I already miss the moment I stepped on the speedboat to return back home. But halfway through the sea journey, the speedboat suddenly stopped with no one near to help us. And just when I thought that my Tugawe experience has already ended when I left the resort’s premises, the last adventure is still about to unfold.

From Manila take Naga-bound bus or plane, or plane bound for Catanduanes. When availing the land and sea transfer of the resort, pick up point of passengers is either airport (Pili or Virac) or bus station (Naga). This is faster and more convenient than commuting from Naga to Caramoan.

Tugawe Cove Resort

Brgy. Colongcogong, Caramoan

Camarines Sur

Tel. Nos: 0918-9657885, 541-9089