The Manor at Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is one of my favorite places in the Philippines. Located on the beautiful island of Mindoro with it’s steep mountains, lush jungles, remote beaches and tranquil pace of life, it is a destination that is surprisingly easy to get to with only a 2 hour bus ride and boat crossing from metro Manila. It features some of the finest snorkeling and diving in the Philippines. White Beach is a famous tourist destination and very crowded, expensive and busy with all the activities that you expect in a tourist resort (jet skiing, bars, restaurants, etc.). Sabang is more laid back with dive shops, hotels and lots of ex-pats, but the real gem lies to the west of Sabang, east of white beach and north of Puerto Galera. This triangle includes the small islands of Paniquian and Medio islands. The coves, beaches and reefs here are the best in the area. There is even a cave you can visit with an underwater entrance in addition to land access. It's the area near the town of Puerto Galera proper which is the main business center featuring some great restaurants, fruit markets and stores without the frantic pace of White beach and a short ride to Sabang. Most convenient to this area is The Manor which sits up on a hill on a peninsula overlooking the entire Puerto Galera area with sweeping views up and down the coast and across at the huge volcanic mountains. It is built like an estate with a large main building, lots of out buildings, private pool, long winding driveway. The Manor is filled with beautiful pieces of art collected from all over the world by the owners and huge spacious rooms exactly like you would expect as a guest of a large private estate. For those old enough to remember the show; think “Fantasy Island”. It is one of the most unique properties in the Philippines and a must if your itinerary includes Puerto Galera area. The hotel is usually quiet and very private. It features a beautiful swimming pool with views of both the mountains and the majestic palms and waters of Balateros cove. It’s only a short walk from the hotel to Sandbar beach where you can rent the boats to take you out to the snorkel sites on Paniquian and Medio islands. The staff at the Manor are also first class. Well trained, friendly, helpful with an intimate knowledge of the area. They arrange all your transportation needs, prepare meals in the dining area if you are eating breakfast, lunch or dining in for dinner. The rooms and grounds are maintained in great condition. Restaurants in the area include Robbies pizzeria and the yacht club located just down the hill from the hotel which also features a once a week Indian night. I have stayed at the Manor every trip for the last 11 years for a week or so and can heartily recommend it. It is a unique property, a unique and special feeling to live on an estate with a private pool and wait staff, unbelievable views and such convenience to world class activities but yet private and quiet. And it’s surprisingly affordable. I attached photos of the views and sunsets that text can’t convey ;)

This was a very special property nestled near the Yacht Club and one which oozed class and sophistication. It had a private and serene ambience and could boast great service. The bathroom was particularly lavish and had very good personal cleansing amenities.

My wife & I stayed at The Manor in February. We really enjoyed being away from the scene at White Beach & Sabang. Still we were only a few minutes walk from the bay, boating & snorkeling opportunities! The Manor offers peace, quiet & privacy along with outstanding views! We felt pampered by the friendly staff. The food was good as well. The rooms are each unique, comfy & well decorated. We felt like we were visiting friends when we stayed here!

This is a great place to stay, this was my second time staying here. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this for anyone that is looking for a great place to stay.

The staff are so accommodating and they excel in customer satisfaction. The rooms are large, bathrooms have hot water, refrigerator that keeps your drinks icy cold, the A/C - well you have to keep it on low when in the room (very effective). Breakfast offers a good variety and very yummy. It’s away from the night clubs and noisy night life. Quiet, private and serene. It doesn’t get any better. FYI - after staying a few days I was upgraded to the VIP room as it was available and was offered out of kindness and courtesy. Wow. I recommend staying here as a return customer.

Overall no complaints at all, it is what is advertised as

Service was great, close to White beach and walking distance to get a boat for diving/snorkelling.

Nice secluded location next to the yacht club. Large, clean rooms. Friendly staff. Food is mediocre, but that's typical for Philippines.

On the face of it, lovely looking small hotel. Views amazing.. However, - this is not a 4 star hotel - more like 2.5 stars - bed sheets and pillows stained - bedding very cheap - shower dreadful - dribble night 1, no water at all (inc sink) first morning (until they fixed it). - no blackout curtains so room was very light at sunrise. - Wi-Fi is almost non-existent - Cannot use laptop so rely on mobile phone Wi-Fi which is decent enough. - this is not a 60gbp a night hotel- half that is reasonable. - every decision has to go past the manager (owner), who is based in Manila.. he seems very short-sighted. Hotels.com were very unprofessional in helping me with these issues. As the hotel wouldn't refund unused nights, hotels.com wouldn't help me further. I've used them often, but no more.

Wifi can be improved, but yeah i can say this for most parts of the philippines