A considerable stay in the metropolis can be rather exhausting, tedious traffic, ccornucopia of malls, restaurants, buildings and a constant flow of people and vehicles. There is then an impelling need for respite in one of the souther islands. First choice of course would be Boracay but this has ceased to be a pristine island  and is now teeming with tourists and establishments. Cebu has become another tourist favorite but is slowly gaining ground in developing into another mini metropolis.
 

 
An island that has to be considered is Bohol which boasts of refreshing verdant rice fields, lush vegetation and quaint villages. In Baclayon hidden on a mountain top is a resort that will take you to another world and where tranquility could be felt in the expansive area of the PEACOCK GARDEN resort. The way to the resort is a steep winding path and as the gates open you can breathe in the serenity as the vehicle traverses the winding path concerted with trees historically identified and accentuated by a  lone peacock proudly parading his fan feathers.  And there perched om the mountain top is the villa in its understated elegance of European influence. Indeed you have ceased to be in the Philippines as resident Chito Lloren ex Bayanihan dancer and former Parisian resident now based in Yagna commented everytime he visits the resorts.
 

 
The congineality of the entire hotel staff is impressive and exudes a definite western influence.  40 rooms in 4 villas are meticulously furnished, each with a personal touch. The premier room has wood carved  bed headboard, cabinet,  chest of drawers with a wall to wall television screen and marbled bathroom with gilded ornaments.  The sitting area is comfortably provided with matching sofa set. The terrace opens to an astouinding panorama of the open sea with an enthralling infinity pool and Grecian statues accentuating the manicured lawn. One is entranced with the placid aura and engulfed with a feeling of euphoria with this confrontation of utmost serenity. A notable feature is the mural on the side of one of the villas facing the lawn. An awe-inspiring painting depicting ancient Greece  enhances the authentic ambiance of the inspiration.



 

 
Old Heidelberg, the restaurant  is the piece de resistance of the resort. Sublimely exquisite, a blend of antique, art nouveau and jugendstil characteizes the furnishings. The eye catcher is the multi layered chandelier, epitome of sheer style and refinement. Lined against the walls are the antique cupboards from mechelen as well as the chairs. The armorial and memorablia are definietely German revealing the heritage of the owner and general manager Hans Schoof married to glamorous Lani who has graced the 2011 calendar of Images of Asia.
 
Fine dining is  featured in this restaurant served ala nouveau cuisine prepared by a German chef. The menu features luscious gourmet  dishes that is surely a delight for the discriminting palate. Sumptuous breakfast is served in an intimate room also furnished in the style of the restaurant but with walls higlighted by antique paintings. Another striking feature is the wine cellar where one can savor  an array of exclusive wines meticulously selected  for the connoiseurs.
 
The resort boasts of a Roman inspired spa to further pamper guests with their pleasurable services. A grand tour of the rooms is given by experiened personnel enumerating the variety of choices for relaxation to wind up your day in the resort.
 

 
Our stay in the resort was through the courtesy of dance diva  Becky Garcia, good friend of Hans and Lani. Incidentally Becky resides in Rotterdam with her husband Dr. George Sarakinis. She regularly commutes to Manila due to her involvement in the Dance Sport Council of The Philippines. Founder, organizer and president, Becky was responsible for elevating ballroom dancing to a professional level. Quarterly ranking and competitions are held to pave the way for dancers to participate in international competitions. Becky introduced lambada to the Manila society and had a dance program on television with RJ Jacinto. She is a licensed adjudicator for international ballroom competitions and also writes for the society column of the Manila Times. Monday evenings for Becky are spent in Encore where ballroom dancers are afforded the chance to display their wares and dance the night away.
 

 
Truly said that Hans Schoof is the godfather of Bohol for he has endowed the province with a treasure where the prevailing sentiment is VIP treatment for all guests. This paradise is a valuable addition to the tourist spots of Bohol and one where excellence, efficiency, and courtesy are top priorities.
 
 

 

 

 

 

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