Escape to Paradise: D&J Nature Pool's Hidden Riverside Gem in Digos!
Escape to Paradise: D&J Nature Pool – Digos's Riverside Secret (and My Slightly Complicated Love Affair With It)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just got back from a stay at Escape to Paradise: D&J Nature Pool's Hidden Riverside Gem in Digos, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Forget those perfectly polished travel reviews, this is the real deal. Messy, opinionated, and a little bit rambling, just how I like it.
Accessibility: The Good, the Slightly Confusing, and the “Hmm…”
Okay, so, accessibility. This is where things get a little… interesting. While the website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," I didn’t see a ton of explicitly wheelchair-friendly features. The layout felt a little… sprawling, with some pathways that might be tricky. But, and this is a big but, the staff were amazing. They were genuinely helpful and willing to go the extra mile. So, while I wouldn't say it's 100% accessible, it’s definitely worth a call to clarify your specific needs beforehand.
Getting There & Around – It's a Trip, But Worth It (Usually)
- Airport Transfer: They had an airport transfer, which was a godsend. After a long flight, that was a major win.
- Car Park: Free parking! Always a bonus. Valet parking, too, if you feel like being fancy.
- Car Power Charging Station: Nice touch for the eco-conscious!
- Getting Around: This is where things get a little… remote. Taxi service is available, but you’re definitely going to be relying on them. It’s not a place you can just wander out and hail a cab.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe-ish
- Safety/security feature, Safety/security feature: Definitely felt safe with front desk 24hours and security.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to hear, especially these days.
- Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays: Checking all the boxes on the COVID front, thank goodness.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: Reassuring.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Absolutely, always appreciate this.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (And My Love/Hate Relationship with the Window…)
Okay, the rooms. They were… clean. And that’s always a good start.
- Air conditioning: Essential in the Philippines!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES.
- Internet access – wireless: Also YES.
- Air conditioning,
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Bottle of water: My essentials!
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Always a plus for getting some work done.
- Hair dryer, Slippers, Bathrobes: The little luxuries that make a difference.
- Mini bar, Refrigerator: Snack central!
- Non-smoking rooms: Important.
- Satellite/cable channels: Didn't even turn on the TV.
- Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub: Always appreciate a good shower.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleeping in!
- Window that opens: Okay, here’s where I rant. The window opened… but it opened onto… more of the property. So, privacy was somewhat lacking. And the view… well, let’s just say it wasn’t the most picturesque. But hey, a window that opens is a window that opens, right?
- Soundproofing: The rooms were pretty quiet.
- Additional toilet: Never question it. When it's there, it's there.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food, with a Side of Ambiguity
Alright, the food. This is where things got… varied.
- Restaurants: Yes! Plural!
- Poolside bar: YES!
- Room service [24-hour]: YES, although I was a bit too shy to call, even when hungry.
- Breakfast included, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: A good range, but quality varied depending on what you picked.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes, good to have options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Essential fuel.
- Snack bar: Always good for a quick bite.
- Happy hour: I am not one for happy things, but it exists.
- Desserts in restaurant: I ate desserts every day.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Hooray for options!
The Spa and Relaxation – My Moment of Zen (Or Attempt Thereof)
Okay, let’s talk spa. This is where I went all-in. And it was… mostly amazing.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna: Yes, to all of them!
- Massage: Book one, trust me. They were amazing.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Went for the whole shebang. It was glorious, even if I felt a little awkward at first. The masseuse was a total pro.
- Pool with view: Yes, a gorgeous view!
- Gym/fitness center: I didn't use it.
- Foot bath: I love foot baths!
Things to Do – Beyond the Pool (and Why That Might Be a Challenge)
Escape to Paradise is all about the pool. And the riverside. Forget about a bunch of activities.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: It's glorious, and it has a beautiful view.
- Family/child friendly
- Baby sitting service:
- Pets allowed
- Shrine: Always love seeing one!
- Kids facilities: Mostly just the pool, but my niece had a BLAST!
Services and Amenities – The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don’t)
- Concierge, Doorman, Daily housekeeping: All fantastic.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Super convenient.
- Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange: Good to have.
- Meetings, Seminars, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events: They have facilities for events, which I didn't use.
- Luggage storage, Safe deposit boxes: Useful.
- Invoice provided: Nice for expense reports.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Always a temptation.
For the Kids – A Mixed Bag
They have some kids' stuff, but it's not a massive kid-focused resort.
- Kids meal: Always a plus.
- Babysitting service: Nice to have.
- Family/child friendly: Mostly the pool, but the staff made an effort.
My Final Verdict (The Real Deal)
Escape to Paradise is a hidden gem, warts and all. It’s not perfect. It has its quirks. The food is up and down. The accessibility could be improved. The view from my window wasn't exactly postcard-worthy.
But…
The staff were genuinely lovely. The pool is seriously stunning, and the spa is worth the trip alone. It's a place to unwind and disconnect. If you are looking for a place to just chill and disconnect from the city, this is the place.
My Recommendation - Book Now (But Know What You're Getting!)
Here's my (Very Honest) Offer for You:
Tired of the Same Old? Craving a True Getaway? Escape to Paradise: D&J Nature Pool in Digos Awaits!
Book your stay at Escape to Paradise now and experience:
- Unforgettable Relaxation: Soak up the sun by the pool. Let the worries melt away.
- Amazing Spa: Indulge in a massage or body treatment. (Trust me on this one).
- Delicious Food & Drinks: Satisfy your cravings at one of the restaurant.
- COVID-Safe Environment: We take your safety seriously with thorough cleaning and safety protocols.
- Beautiful Views: Be prepared for tranquility.
But, a word of warning:
- It's not a perfect resort.
- If you’re looking for the most perfect hotel ever, maybe look elsewhere.
- Book now and you'll get a free bottle of local wine to enjoy by the pool*. (While supplies last).
Don't wait! Embrace the imperfections and discover the magic of Escape to Paradise! Click here to book your escape!
(Remember to double-check all the details and facilities according to your personal needs before booking.)
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secrets of Casacotta Bali
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the glorious, slightly-chaotic adventure that was my weekend getaway to Lowkey Riverside Resort in Digos, Philippines. Prepare yourselves for a travel itinerary that's less "precision-engineered Swiss watch" and more "slightly-tipsy toddler's painting." Let's go!
Lowkey Riverside Resort: A Dive into Delights (and Maybe Some Delusions)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Annoying Mosquito (aka, Paradise Found…and Then Assaulted)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Reactions: Whew! After what felt like an eternity crammed in a sweaty van (seriously, Filipino public transport should come with hazard pay), we FINALLY arrived. The bamboo gate creaked open, revealing… well, it was kinda lowkey. Just a smattering of cottages strung along a riverbank. But the air… the air was thick with the scent of fresh leaves and… promise. I was immediately sold. My first thought? "This is the place for a perfect relaxation." And then, a mosquito bit me. The honeymoon was already over, people.
- 2:00 PM - Cottage Chaos & River Ramblings: Our cottage was… cozy. Let's call it that. "Cozy" in the way a tiny house with a questionable plumbing system is cozy. But the view! Oh, the view. The river was emerald green, bubbling happily as it flowed by. Spent a good chunk of time just sitting on the porch, watching the water. This is bliss. Or at least, it was until a GIANT dragonfly buzzed my ear. Seriously, I'm pretty sure it was the size of a small hummingbird.
- 3:00 PM - Lunch & Local Flavors (with a Side of Mild Panic): Okay, the resort's restaurant was a little… rustic. Think "homemade" and "slightly-understaffed." But the food! Lechon kawali (crispy pork belly) that practically melted in my mouth. Sinigang that had me smacking my lips and asking for seconds. The only problem? The waiter forgot my drink twice. And the other diner was literally screaming for his beer. But hey – part of the adventure, right? Right..?
- 4:00 PM - Poolside Bliss (and a Near Drowning Experience…Just Kidding!): The nature pool? Gorgeous. Shady. Cool. I was like a lizard soaking up the sun. Floating beneath the towering trees, looking a the clear water, I felt like I'd finally reached peak tranquility. I may have gotten a little too relaxed, forgetting my mediocre swimming skills. Let’s just say I got a big gulp of water and had a moment of “Oh crap, this is it…” before I quickly paddled myself back to safety. Note to self: Invest in water wings.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner & Stargazing (or, The Nighttime Mosquito Massacre): The dinner was a decent again, but those mosquitoes! They were back. Like, a whole swarm. I felt like I'd willingly walked into a vampire convention. So much itching! So many slaps! Eventually, retreated to cottage covered in mosquito repellent. I did peep out the window and was able to see a beautiful night sky. If only the mosquitoes could see the beauty in the night.
- 9:00 PM - Lights Out (and Prayers for a Mosquito-Free Sleep): Attempted to sleep. Failed. The rustling leaves, the gurgling river, the phantom mosquito buzzing around my ear… it was pure insomnia. Prayed for a mosquito-free night.
Day 2: River Adventures, Reflections & the Dreaded Departure (and Final Mosquito Encounter)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast & Morning Vibes: Managed to grab a breakfast. Decided to take a quick walk to shake some energy out, but almost slipped on the wet grass.
- 9:00 AM - River Tubing Revelations (or, Where I Became a River Whisperer): Decided to go tubing down the river. OMG. The water was so cool and refreshing, the current gentle enough for even a water-phobic like myself. The laughter, the conversation, the shared experience… pure joy. It was one of those moments where you feel truly connected to nature and to the people around you. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. (And maybe bring a waterproof camera).
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & Post-Tubing Indulgence (with a side of existential pondering): After all that splashing around, worked up an appetite for a huge lunch. Food was really good again. Honestly, the resort's simple menu had a certain charm. The afternoon sunlight, the river flowing by… it felt like a perfect picture. As I ate, I stared at the scenery and it led me to thinking about all the things. What am I doing with my life? Am I happy? Am I eating enough lechon kawali? Existential questions.
- 2:00 PM - Relaxation (Part 2): Headed back to the cottage. Spent some time reading, listening to the birds, and trying not to think about the impending return to reality. It was a good time to just unwind.
- 4:00 PM - Departure & Farewell (to Paradise, and that Mosquito): Time to sadly pack up and leave. Last glance at the river, last whiff of the fresh air, and a final swat at a mosquito. The van ride back was every bit as sweaty and cramped as the arrival.
- 6:00 PM - Back in the real world: The resort was not perfect, but the time there was. I would definitely go again.
Final Thoughts:
Lowkey Riverside Resort? It's not about luxury. It's about escaping from the everyday. It's about simple pleasures, mosquito bites, and moments that will stick with you long after you've left. Go. Embrace the chaos. And bring bug spray. You've been warned. This trip was way better than I was expecting.
Indonesian Paradise Found: OYO 93512 Umbuy Homestay Review (Belimbing Baru!)
Escape to Paradise: D&J Nature Pool – The Unfiltered FAQs (Because Let's Be Real)
So, is D&J Nature Pool *actually* paradise? Or just… Digos-grade paradise?
Okay, brace yourselves. My expectations when I heard "hidden riverside gem" were, shall we say, ambitious. I was picturing a secluded oasis, untouched by the grubby hands of… well, *people*. The truth? It's Digos. And Digos, bless its heart, isn't exactly the Seychelles. But listen, *and this is a big but*… D&J is charming. Really, truly charming. It’s not some mega-resort blasting out music; It’s more like your cool aunt’s backyard pool, if your cool aunt lived near a gushing river and had a knack for landscaping. It’s… honest. It’s *refreshing*.
What kind of 'nature' are we talking about? Does it involve mosquitos large enough to carry off small children?
Okay, the bugs. The bugs are a thing. Bring. DEET. Seriously. I'm not kidding. They're not exactly mosquito-zilla, but they're persistent. And the "nature" is… well, you're by a river. So, expect things that enjoy water: dragonflies, butterflies (pretty ones!), the occasional questionable-looking insect, and, yes, the buzzing symphony of our tiny, bloodsucking overlords. I got bit *everywhere*. Legs, arms, a sneaky one even got my ear! So yeah, nature is… present. But the lush greenery and that amazing river sound do make up for at least 50% of the bug drama.
How hard is it to get there? Is it a treacherous journey involving machetes and a map drawn on a coconut?
Nah, thankfully, it's not *that* dramatic. It's Digos, remember? Getting there is pretty straightforward, actually. From the highway, you'll likely be taking some sort of motorized transport - habal-habal, tricycle, maybe even your own car. The roads are… well, they're roads. Don't expect pristine pavement; some of them are a tad bumpy. But I was there with like, my mom so it must be easy to get by. Just be mindful of the route, which is easy to do with Google Maps or simply asking around.
What's with the pool? Is it a glorious, crystal-clear oasis or a slightly-greenish lukewarm bath?
Okay, the pool is the *star*. It's fed by the river, so it's got a natural feel. And honestly? It's stunning. The water is clean (usually!), the temperature is perfect (again, usually!), and the whole setup has a rustic charm. Picture lush plants surrounding it, a little waterfall cascading into the pool… Honestly, I spent a good chunk of my time just floating there, staring up at the sky and pretending I was some kind of river nymph. It’s not Olympic-sized or anything, but it's big enough for some splashing and relaxing. There are some rocks you can stand on and take some pictures. It really is a *good* pool, unlike some others i've been to. I even had the audacity to enjoy it.
Important Note: Don't be put off if it looks a *little* greener after the rain. Nature, folks! Embrace it!
Important Note: Don't be put off if it looks a *little* greener after the rain. Nature, folks! Embrace it!
Can you bring your own food and drinks? (Because I'm a snacker.)
Yes! (Hallelujah!) Bringing your own food and drinks is not just allowed, it's practically encouraged! I packed a picnic, like a boss. Sandwiches, chips, the works. The pool area provides a little area for you to set up shop for the day. Just remember to clean up after yourselves, yeah? It's everyone's responsibility to keep the paradise, well, *paradise*-y!
How are the facilities? Are we talking porta-potty hell or… something slightly less horrifying?
Okay, let's be real. This isn't the Ritz. The facilities (toilets, changing rooms) are functional. Cleanliness varies. Let's put it that way. Bring your own hand sanitizer, just in case you get weirded out by public toilets. And maybe don’t expect a spa-like experience while changing. But they're there, and they get the job done. It's a trade-off: pristine facilities at the expense of paradise, or… functional facilities and a gorgeous river. I choose the latter. Every time.
What's the vibe? Party central or chill and family-friendly?
Definitely more on the chill, family-friendly side. This isn’t the place for raging all-night-long parties. During my visit, there were some families, some couples, and even a lone reader like me, just soaking up the tranquility. It’s a place to relax, swim, eat, and maybe read a trashy novel. I approve. It's not *silent*, mind you. There's the river, there are kids playing, the sound of… well, *life*. But it's a good kind of noise. A happy noise.
The Food, Oh Sweet Gods Of Sustenance, The FOOD! What's the deal?
Okay. Okay. Here comes the *raw truth*. There isn’t a restaurant. You *can* buy some snacks and drinks at the entrance, but… plan ahead, people! Pack food. Pack delicious food. Because, honestly, being hungry is a buzzkill while you stare at the glorious pool. So, pack your own feast, or, you know, be like me and regret it. Seriously. Pack food.
Is it crowded on weekends? And how can I avoid the masses and achieve peak pool bliss?
Yes! The weekends especially the holidays are a guaranteed hit. I recommend going during the week to avoid the crowds. It is generally less crowded, but it is still paradise. If you can only manage the weekend, go early! Arrive before the sun is fully awake, nab a good spot near the pool, and claim your territory. The early bird gets the (almost) empty pool!
Any advice for a first-timer? Like, life-altering, wisdom-filled advice?
Jet Set Hotels
Lowkey Riverside Resort- D&J Nature Pool Digos Philippines
Lowkey Riverside Resort- D&J Nature Pool Digos Philippines
