Elysia Beach Resort in Donsol, Sorsogon

Last may 17-18, the whole family traveled to Donsol, Sorsogon for a family outing courtesy of my sister who was celebrating her birthday.  Donsol is famous for the butandings (giant whalesharks).  We left home at about 11 am and reached the resort at past 3 in the afternoon.  we had stopover in Daraga for an hour for lunch, so more or less, it was a 3 hour drive from Pili to Donsol.  My folks not being used to long drive were already so exhausted. When we arrived, warmly we were greeted not by the staff in the resort.  My sister went to the information first for check in and her face was already red from anger while talking to the 2 staff.  She booked three super de luxe, (3 adults plus 1 child), and one de luxe bedrooms (2 adults). Since we were 12 adults and 2 kids, she was asking the manager and supervisor if they could accommodate another one in the de luxe bedroom for additional fee.  The manager and supervisor insisted that it is their policy that de luxe bedrooms can only accommodate 2 persons.  It was impractical to book for another room since their rates is also quite pricey.  (room rates ranges from 3,100 - 3,500 php, without breakfast).

My brother in law asked them if it's possible to sleep in the car instead, but they said sleeping in the car is not allowed.  They even suggested that we just book the extra person for an overnight stay in the neighbor resort as backpacker for only P500.  Hmm, is this how you should treat your guests, drive them away and suggest to book instead to a competitor?

So we tried to ask again, but they were firm about their so-called company policy.  The manager (who doesn't look like and act like a manager) can't even decide on her own, and said we ask the owner instead.  So to make the story short, my bro-in-law, talked to the Korean owner, and she allowed the extra person to stay in the room.

Sigh.  Should the manager allowed us earlier, it could have been so much easier, and we all would be happier.

We proceeded to check our rooms.  Inside is a very basic yet a clean one.  It's quite small for 3-4 people, but since we will just be staying for the night, it was no problem.  Noted that not even one bottle of water was provided. Good thing we brought our own.

There was very little water coming out from the shower.

The bathroom was as basic as well.  There was a small pack of safeguard soap provided.

I was quite disappointed to have find that the beach's sands were black.  But i quickly reminded myself that this is not what they were known for, so i shrugged it off.  The beach front had hammocks, day beds and kubos where you could relax.  The calm sea was at least relaxing.  

We were not able to swim by the sea in the afternoon since it was lowtide already.  Elysia's beach is a bit rocky so you need to walk further to be able to swim.  Also, we were warned that there were salabays (jellyfish), so we have to be careful.

not a very attractive sight

Sunset was at least beautiful.

We spent most of the time by the lone pool which was just in front of our cabins.

The pool is small, and water too warm.  Clean or not, I'm not too sure as they're not strict with swimming attire.  :P

Before the trip, my sister asked the resort if we could bring our own food.  They said no since they had a restaurant.  But we saw a family eating Jollibee meal in the restaurant.  Luckily, my elder sister brought bottles of beer and we drink it by the pool side and the guard didn't mind. The information said it was not allowed to sleep outside, but our companion fell asleep on the day-bed by the pool side and the guard didn't wake him as well.  I guess the management has to be consistent with their policies, if it's indeed existent.

Restaurant

To be fair, I think the place was lovely.  Not too grand, but relaxing.  The place is very quiet especially in the evening.  It's perfect for couples wanting to have some quiet time.   I would not recommend it though for big groups or families who have small kids.

Sadly, we didn't go whaleshark-watching.  Everyone was not too keen on it (killjoys, grrrrr), and not to mention, expensive.

Maybe next time.  

But I will stay in another resort.   (sorry, having incompetent staff can be such a turnoff).

Elysia Beach Resort

Pangpang, Donsol, Sorsogon, PHILIPPINES.

Phone Number: +63-917-547-4466
Email: elysia@live.co.kr