Everything Random

This is likely our fourth time in Amun Ini in Anda, Bohol, and it never disappoints.

From the moment you step into the lush greenery that prefaces the resort’s main entrance, and right after you hear the warm “Welcome Home” greetings said warmly by at least five of its service crew, you know you have come to the right place for a most relaxing vacation.

There are many things to love about Amun Ini.

First, the seemingly unaltered environs, disturbed only by a few human-made huts where the sleeping and eating quarters are located. Everything that grows in the property is devoid of choreography – but everything seems to be in its proper place. We were billeted on the second floor of a two-storey hut with thatched roofs, and there was a big tree that blocked our view of the sea and the endless horizon. If it were another property, the resort owner could have cut the tree and sold the room for a hundred dollars more (and market the room as “magnificent view of the sea”, or something to that effect). But Fred Carmona, the resort owner, does not do that. He lets the trees be, much to my delight.

Second, the rooms are immaculately clean and tastefully decorated. They are of ample size too, so sharing the room with my daughter this time does not make it feel cramped. (The last time we were here, we booked two second-floor rooms, because our son was with us, but he was unable to join this time because university classes have already started.) The beds are soft and cosy. Some years ago, I wrote that I registered one of my best sleeps here (in terms of length and quality).

Third, food is delicious and beautifully curated. Every meal was delicious and catalysed a good conversation, even among three people. Breakfast, which is included in the room fee, is served à la carte, but the choices are well-planned, ranging from light bites to healthy options and filling ones. My current favourite is the home-made corned beef over hash for breakfast, and the blackened chicken for dinner. The kinilaw was really good that my daughter craves it every meal.

Fourth, the people are really warm, caring, and friendly. Jeff, the dinner waiter, knows the names of the guests, takes our orders and serves them with warm thoughtfulness. Alodia, who leads reservations, answers promptly and arranges our needs with care. Josie, who manages the dive shop, goes the extra mile to arrange a swimming lesson for my wife at short notice. The security guard, the cleaning crew, and the maintenance team are all very friendly but not intrusive on your space.

Finally, the beach – the very reason why I come here often. It sits on a kind of cove: less than a kilometre of white coastline punctuated by stone structures at both ends that seem to act as a fortress to guarantee your privacy. I swim every morning as the sun rises, and every afternoon before the sun sets. It is something that Amun Ini can only offer.

I am writing this as I sit in the open-air restaurant fronting the pool (that only very few use, because why would you wade in a pool when a few steps away the beach is just so inviting?) and overlooking the Anda sea. In a few minutes or so, I will be on the beach again for my day-ender swim.

Home, indeed.