Siargao's Hidden Gem: NERUDA Loft—Your Dream Studio Awaits!
Siargao's Hidden Gem: NERUDA Loft—Your Dream Studio Awaits!
Alright, alright, settle in, my fellow wanderlusters, because I'm about to spill the beans on Siargao's supposed "Hidden Gem" – NERUDA Loft. And lemme tell you, it’s less a glittering diamond, more like a slightly tarnished, but ultimately charming piece of driftwood you find on the beach. Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a rollercoaster of a review!
First, the Promise: The ALLURE of NERUDA Loft – Your Dream Studio Awaits!
(Okay, maybe I'm being a bit overdramatic with "Dream Studio," but the marketing copy does lay it on thick.) The idea is this: you're escaping to Siargao, that surfing mecca, and NERUDA Loft offers you… well, shelter. And a decent one, from what I've gathered (more on that later). It's poised to be the perfect backdrop for epic waves, sunsets, and that elusive Instagrammable lifestyle. But is it actually all that? Let's break it down.
Accessibility (and the Bare Bones Truth):
Okay, real talk. Accessibility is… iffy. They list "Facilities for disabled guests," which is promising, but I couldn’t find specifics. This is a big one; a hotel should be upfront about it. The "Elevator" is a good sign for some. But, for the mobility-challenged, call ahead and triple-check!
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges & Wheelchair Accessible:
Again, this needs to be confirmed. Listed as facilities, but I NEED to know HOW it's provided before I book. This is the stuff that makes a trip work or fail.
Internet Access & Wi-Fi - The Digital Nomad's Lament:
Ah, Internet. The lifeblood of the modern traveler. Let’s start with the good: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And in the public areas too! The website also lists Internet [LAN] which always makes me smile – who even uses LAN anymore?! But hey, options are good, right? Now, the experience… depends on the day. Sometimes it's blazing fast, allowing me to upload those dreamy sunset shots. Other times? Crickets. I'm talking dial-up speeds in a digital age. Plan accordingly. Maybe download that Netflix queue before you go.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… or, How to Embrace Your Inner Beach Bum
Here's where NERUDA Loft kinda shines. They boast a Swimming pool [outdoor] – and it's gorgeous. Pool with a view? You bet. The views from the pool are seriously something. And, of course, the classic Spa.
But let's be honest, in Siargao, the real relaxing happens on the beach. Still, the facilities are a nice touch. I did indulge in a Massage, which was heavenly after a long day of surfing (or, you know, just "attempting" to surf). They offer a Sauna, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Gym/Fitness, and Fitness center etc… I, uh, didn't make it to the gym. Priorities, people. Surfing, eating, napping, repeat.
Cleanliness and Safety – Pandemic-Era Realities:
Okay, let's get serious. In a post-pandemic world, Cleanliness and safety are paramount. NERUDA Loft seems to have it covered. They list a whole host of precautions: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Phew! That's a lot. I’m cautiously optimistic. I saw the staff cleaning, and I appreciated the effort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (or, Avoiding the Tourist Traps):
The Restaurants at NERUDA Loft are… fine. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Dessert in restaurant, Poolside bar… Basically, you're covered. The Asian breakfast was pretty decent, and the Coffee/tea were okay. The Poolside bar is a lifesaver for those sunset cocktails.
Services and Conveniences – Because Vacations Aren't Always Smooth Sailing:
Alright, so this is where NERUDA Loft scores some points. They offer the expected: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes. They also have Cash withdrawal, and a Convenience store. The Front desk [24-hour] is always a plus.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly or Forget It?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I can't speak from experience here, but it appears they're aiming for a family-friendly vibe.
Access – Getting In, Getting Out, and Staying Safe:
This is pretty standard: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. Feels solid.
Getting Around – Navigating Siargao's Island Life:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking. They've got you covered, which is essential on an island.
Available in All Rooms – The Necessities and the Little Luxuries:
OK, so this is the meat and potatoes. "Dream Studio" might be a stretch, but they do provide: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Minibar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Now, the "dream" part depends on your expectations. The rooms are clean-ish. Comfortable-ish. They have the essentials. Some of the furniture might be a bit… dated. But, hey, who cares when you're steps from the beach? The Blackout curtains are a godsend after a night of partying. And the Free bottled water? Essential in the Siargao heat.
Emotional Reaction - The Honest Assessment:
Okay, here's where I get REAL.
- The Highs: The pool! The sunsets! The sheer vibe of being in Siargao. The staff were generally friendly and helpful. The location is decent (close enough to the action, far enough to escape the noise).
- The Lows: The Wi-Fi can be a struggle. Some of the rooms could use a refresh. And, honestly, some of the marketing copy is a bit misleading. It’s not exactly luxury, but that's okay.
- The Imperfections: My room… well, let's just say I found a gecko. A very small gecko. He paid me no mind, really.
A Specific Experience – That One Time I Fell in Love with the Pool (and Then Almost Drowned in the Waves):
So, let's be real. You don’t come to Siargao to sit in a hotel room. But after hours in the waves that were giving me a HARD time, the pool at NERUDA Loft was the perfect cure. The pool felt like silk and heaven. Just floating there, with the sun on my face, the palm trees swaying… pure bliss. Watching the sunsets. That was worth the price of admission. (Then, I went surfing and ended up eating sand for the next hour).
The Final Verdict – Should You Book?
Alright, here's the bottom line: NERUDA Loft isn't perfect. It's not a five-star resort. But it's a solid choice for a comfortable, convenient basecamp for your Siargao adventure. It is also not perfect for accessibility. Its strengths lie in its location, its pool (seriously, I can't stress the pool enough), and the overall laid-back atmosphere.
My Recommendation? If you're looking for a fuss-free, affordable, and reasonably comfortable place to crash after a day of surfing, exploring, and soaking up the Siargao magic, NERUDA Loft is a good option. Just manage your expectations, pack your patience, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories.
NOW…For My Persuasive, Stream-of-Consciousness Offer:
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Studio Loft Shenanigans & Siargao Soul Searching: A Messy Itinerary for Two (Neruda of Bards Nest, Edition)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your polished travel brochure. This is a raw, unfiltered, potentially tequila-fueled journey through the heart of Siargao, Philippines, with yours truly, Neruda (of Bards Nest fame) and…well, let's just say the other human in this adventure is blessed (or cursed) by my presence. Get ready for some chaos.
Day 1: The Arrival & The "Oh God, What Have We Done?" Phase
- Morning (5:00 AM): The alarm screams. My soul departs my body briefly. We're catching a flight from… let's just say a place far away. Before it even is morning in the Philippines. Coffee is vital. Specifically, strong coffee. Lots of muttering about "getting to paradise."
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Arrival at Sayak Airport. The humid air hits you like a warm, salty hug. Or maybe it's just the jetlag hitting. Either way, it's… intense. Finding our booked transfer to Studio Loft is a logistical nightmare involving frantic calls, missed connections, and me dramatically waving my arms yelling about “The Missing Jeepney!”
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): Finally. Studio Loft. Oh. My. God. The pictures lied. It’s beautiful. Actually, staggeringly beautiful. The reality is even better than the curated Instagram feed. We flop into the hammock and, after half an hour, still can't find words. Exhausted, but happy.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Walk to Shaka Siargao. Attempt to order "healthy" food (a noble, often failing, goal). The sunset at Cloud 9 is…a religious experience. Seriously. I think I cried a little. (Emotional, remember?). The vibrant colours are almost too much, the waves are mesmerizing. It's the perfect moment to think about the future. Or, in other words, what am I doing in this life?
- Evening (9:00 PM): Back at the Loft. First, the cold shower. Good for the soul. The first sip of local rum and then writing in the journal about my thoughts. A beautiful view from the balcony. That's all. This is the best ever.
Day 2: Island Fever & Surf Lessons (and Existential Dread)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Waking up (eventually). Sunrise yoga on the balcony. I attempt to contort myself into positions I saw on Instagram. Mostly end up looking like a confused starfish. The other person is surprisingly graceful. Shows off starts.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at Shaka Siargao. (Again. Because addiction). Scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and the unspoken promise of a beach day.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Surf lesson at Cloud 9. I'm not graceful. I’m more like a beached walrus flailing in the waves. I spend more time underwater than actually surfing. The instructor (a ridiculously tanned and charming local) just shakes his head and smiles. The other person is a natural. I'm secretly jealous. I still consider this the best ever.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a tiny karenderya (local eatery) on the beach. We eat the most delicious grilled fish with our new friends from the surf lesson. Talk about life, travels, and the importance of never giving up…and, well, lots of laughs. The feeling is…so good.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Explore the Coconut Road. A scenic journey through the island's interior. We rent scooters – one of us does the driving, the other clutches the seat in abject terror. I consider the latter to be me. We stop in a little village, meet some locals. The feeling of freedom is amazing. Oh man, this life's a blessing.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset drinks at a beachfront bar. We end up in a crazy party. Karaoke. I might have sung a few too many off-key ballads. The other person wisely took refuge.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Back to Studio Loft. The most perfect day. So many memories.
Day 3: Island Hopping & The Problem with Sand
- Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up slightly worse for wear. The karaoke hangover is real. Coffee is essential now. We're going island hopping today! I can still see the images from the night before. It's the most beautiful mess ever.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Boat trip to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island. Snorkelling, swimming, and general sun-drenched bliss. Naked Island lives up to its name (mostly sand, no shade, and a LOT of sun!). Daku Island is a tropical paradise. Guyam Island is the size of a large parking lot, but utterly charming.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at Daku Island. Freshly grilled seafood and endless amounts of rice (because carbs are life). The other person catches a tan. The sand, however, gets everywhere. Especially in the places you'd rather have it not. In the worst way.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): More island hopping. More sand. More sun. More joy.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset at Cloud 9. Again. Because, seriously, how can you not? This time, we find a secluded spot to watch the sunset, with only the waves as our companions. I write poems about the feeling. It's like a dream.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner at Harana Surf Resort. Delicious Filipino food accompanied by live music. A little bit of dancing. A lot of laughing.
- Evening (10:00 PM): Back to Studio Loft, to sleep and dream of waves.
Day 4: Relaxation & Departure (Or the Beginning of Grief)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Slow start. I journal. (The other person gets the camera to work). The last day in paradise.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Massage. This is a non-negotiable. A deep tissue massage to work out all the knots from surfing, exploring, and emotional over-exuberance. Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at Kermit Surf Resort. Pizza, cocktails, and a longing look at the surf. We get our last dose of sunlight and sand.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Packing (a necessary evil). A silent farewell to Siargao.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Head to the airport, with heavy hearts and memories. The joy is gone, but the memories are still here.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Flight back to… reality. The good life is over.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was messy, imperfect, and utterly amazing. Siargao burrowed its way into my soul. The island offered so much freedom. There's a magic there, a mix of raw beauty, laid-back vibes, and the kind of people that make you feel like you belong. Yes, there were moments when I wanted to scream. But I wouldn't trade this for anything. And I am already planning my return to this island. The next chapter of the poem of my life is getting written. Aloha, Siargao. Until Next time.
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Siargao's Secret Spot: NERUDA Loft - You *Need* to Know (and Maybe, Just Maybe, You'll Love It As Much As I Did – Or Not!)
Okay, *Seriously*, What Exactly *Is* NERUDA Loft? And Why All the Hype?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets… well, let’s say specific. NERUDA Loft is, at its core, a studio apartment situation. Think exposed brick, a killer view (depending on the unit, more on that later…), and a vibe so chill it’ll make you question your entire existence (in a good way, mostly). It's in the heart of General Luna, Siargao. The hype? Honestly, it's earned. The location's primo, the design is gorgeous (Instagram-worthy, let's be real), and it feels like you've stumbled upon a secret society of cool. BUT...
Honestly, it's not perfect! Remember, my first time there? I was DEAD tired from the flight, barely made it through the check-in. There's this slightly awkward walk up the stairs, with my heavy luggage. It's a little bit of a workout after a long day. My initial reaction? “Ugh, really? Another flight of stairs?” But when I finally got into my room? BAM! I wanted to forgive everything.
Is it actually *that* beautifully designed? I see the pics online…
The photos? They're not exaggerating! Think minimalist, sleek lines, thoughtful touches everywhere. The wood floors, the big breezy windows…it’s all designed to make you sigh contentedly. I'm personally a sucker for good lighting, and NERUDA Loft delivers. It's the kind of place where you want to take a deep breath and start journaling (even if you're the kind of person who *never* journals). However, sometimes... just sometimes... I'd be lying in my bed and thinking "Hmm, I WISH there was a tiny mirror on the wall here..." Because you know when you are trying to look cute for your Insta stories, right?
AND the shower! Oh, the shower. Sometimes the water pressure is a little… unpredictable, like a moody teenager. But when it's good, it's *glorious*. One time I was there, the water pressure wasn't great and I had to take a quick shower. Then I remember being so annoyed. But, in the end, I was laughing about the memory later. The point is – it isn’t flawless, but the flaws are charming.
Location, Location, Location! How close is NERUDA Loft to everything fun?
This is where NERUDA Loft truly shines. You are *right in the thick* of General Luna. Restaurants, cafes, surf shops, bars... it's all within easy walking distance. Cloud 9 is a quick tricycle ride away. You can literally roll out of bed and be at a decent coffee shop in five minutes. It's perfect for someone who's not crazy about renting a scooter (like me! I’m a terrible driver). And it's a godsend when, you know, you've had one too many San Miguels and just want to stumble back to your room.
However, I have to be honest. Sometimes, the central location can be a *bit* noisy, especially on weekend nights. Don't expect silence. Pack some earplugs. Unless, like me, you love the vague hum of a good time. Then it's just part of the vibe!
Are the studios all the same? What's the deal with the views?
Nope, not all the studios are created equal. There's a variety of layouts and, crucial detail, views. Some have amazing ocean views (those ones go fast, grab them if you can!). Others might look out onto… well, let's say the neighboring buildings. It’s all part of the charm, okay?
My advice? Try to snag a unit on an upper floor. The views are genuinely stunning up there and the peace and quiet will be worth the extra effort to climb the stairs. And yes, stairs are a theme here.
Once – I tell you this as a warning – I was booked in a room that overlooked a construction site. Construction sites are NOT charming in general. I won't lie; I sulked a little. But hey, at least the people working there probably had a good view of me! Okay, that’s a joke. Sort of.
The price? Is it a budget breaker, or a budget-friendly dream?
Okay, let’s talk money. NERUDA Loft is probably in the mid-range price bracket. It’s definitely an investment, but it's well worth the splurge for the location, design, and overall experience. You *could* find cheaper options, sure. But would they have the breezy vibe? Would they be walking distance to the best restaurants in the island? Would they make you feel as cool as you do when you're in a NERUDA Loft room? Probably not.
It's definitely not a backpacker's hostel. Think of it like this: you’re paying for comfort, style, and location premium. It's a treat yourself moment!
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
The staff are generally friendly and helpful. Expect the typical relaxed Filipino hospitality. They're usually pretty good at assisting you, and they will help you with anything you might need. They are so nice, so genuine. BUT... I will be honest: service isn't always the *fastest*. Island time, you know? Don't expect instant service; embrace the laid-back pace. Think of it as a chance to practice your patience skills (we all need those!).
One time, I got locked out of my room. Whoops! It's a long story involving a faulty lock and a misplaced key card. It took a while to get it all sorted, but the staff was apologetic and fixed it quickly. They even offered me a complimentary drink at the bar while I waited. See? Island charm!
Cleanliness? Is the place well-maintained?
The studios are generally clean and well-maintained. They're cleaned regularly, and the staff does a good job of keeping things tidy. You’ll find everything you need in the bathroom, and the bed is generally comfortable. But remember, you're on an island. Expect the occasional tiny critter, even in the nicest of places. It's part of the deal!
I will say, though, on one occasion, there was a small issue with the air conditioning. It seemed to be running a little…slowly. It took a bit to get it sorted, but it wasn't a complete disaster. The staff was very apologetic, and offered to change my room. But I didn't want to move! So, not perfect, but definitely good enough.
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