Davao Region has lived well with its tagline “from Highlands to Islands” because true enough, our Baguio-like mountain area is just a short drive away while pristine beaches are just a stone’s throw from the city proper. Most recently, a once semi-private resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS or simply Samal Island) has re-opened and is positioned to be a five-star resort on the island.
Not many people know that IGACOS is composed of one main island and seven islets. The main island is visible even from a short 3 storey building in Davao City. Also known as Samal Island, IGACOS is not actually part of Davao City but is a component city of Davao del Norte.
In July 2023, Discovery Samal opened its doors to the public with 153 villas and suites. It is also designed to cater up to 1000 guests in their convention center. Think big destination weddings–Davao style.
Discovery Samal has one of the best facilities on the island and it is a huge asset for the Davao Region to attract more tourists. The lobby and beach line are giving me high-end Boracay vibes. That is having a world-class-looking resort without flying out of Davao. There are so many things to do and enjoy. Genuine service staff will make you feel they won’t hide when they see you. I think I have shared this experience with their staff a thousand times because I truly appreciate this about them.
While I’ll be giving some insights about my experience in the resort, we will be focusing on the food and dining experience at Discovery Samal’s food and beverage outlets.
Discovery Samal’s Dining Options
You have seen the rooms. You have seen the pristine beachline (which I super love btw) but not many have tried the three main restos in Discovery Samal. Luckily because of work, I did for at least a couple of times. Not to brag but trying at least twice has given me a consistent opinion about the flavor and the experience with the service at atmosphere of the restos.
Discovery Samal has three main restaurants which I will be highlighting here: Morning Catch, The Shoreline, and The Bistro. The resort also has The Haribar (which is, obviously, the bar) and the soon-to-open Garden City Cafe.
Specialty Restaurant: Morning Catch
The name of this forward restaurant of Discovery Samal speaks for itself. It is the resort’s seafood specialty dining where you can enjoy fresh seafood catch prepared in various ways. This is the resto where I’ve dined the most already, especially during lunch and the food never disappoints.
On many of my visits, we tried many Thai-inspired dishes in the buffet but there are also many options to choose from. Since this is a seafood restaurant, I would recommend you to try their seafood cooked to your preference (mine was stir-fried crabs or shrimps in butter and garlic).
LOCATION: Level 1, right at the beach club
MUST-TRY: Any seafood dish; ask the chef for their specials of the day
PRICE: Php2400 (buffet lunch every Friday & Saturday only) | ala carte on weekdays and dinner
All-day dining at The Shoreline
If you are one of the in-house guests, chances are you have tried dining with a majestic view of Mount Apo. The breathtaking sunset from the island is another favorite experience I have with Discovery Samal. On some days it is golden yellow, some days are blazing red, and sometimes the sunset rays peep into the clouds and leave silver lines that never look the same!
That visualization plus a serene resort is what you get at The Shoreline. Just like Morning Catch, this resto offers a mixed buffet (on weekends) and a la carte for lunch and weekdays. I’ve had breakfast here also which was served as a buffet during those days.
LOCATION: Level 6, near the Junior Suite rooms. (Tip: best take the cart when coming from lobby)
MUST-TRY: Egg and cheese station during breakfast
PRICE: Php1800 (every day breakfast) | Php2400 (buffet dinner every Friday & Saturday) | a la carte on other days
Fine Dining and Steaks at The Bistro
My first encounter at The Bistro was during the Davao leg of the Food and Wine Festival with Chefs Jay Jay, Chef Rhea, Chef Robby, and Chef Jeramie. While I would been extra excited to meet the team that will run the bistro but the DFWF was in full control of the event with some resort kitchen staff and the full force from the service team of Discovery Samal.
The location was the best fit for the occasion. Overlooking the night lights of Davao City, the sea breeze blowing to your face, and the parade of cake. The evening of the Davao Food & Wine Festival was a great way to introduce the resort’s bistro.
After a few months, I had another experience dining at their breakfast which is a mixed buffet and a la carte menu. I think this is a better way to manage the food for small groups, especially for breakfast service (after an evening of drinks and party) where people do not dine at the same time.
As of writing, The Bistro only operates for breakfast for Villa guests and special bookings. It is yet to be launched and hopefully, we’ll get another review for their food and beverage menu.
LOCATION: Level 2, near the Villas
MUST-TRY: for breakfast, try their eggs ben
PRICE: to be announced after launch
Other dining experiences
I wanted to mention that one of my visits was because of a company Christmas Party. We got to enjoy a dinner in their open area near The Bistro. We were served buffet during the night. The following day, our send-off lunch was also a buffet served in another function room.
Shortly after their opening, our familiarization tour with the Davao media gave us dinner by the beach. It was another dining experience that I think is worth sharing. Discovery Samal has many dining experiences to offer and it is memorable each time.
Setting your dining expectation
One common thing I noticed is for every event that I have attended, there is a huge effort to personalize the experience and give a personal touch to the guests. Effort as in effort which I have to give props to their team. I wanted to also mention though that I have noted some lapses in the service and some preferences for their food. Some people may have experienced the same. In my years serving the hospitality industry, I have learned that if our intentions are good, we discuss this openly with the concerned staff. The resort team can best relay our feedback to the right department and people–not in Facebook for clout.
Food may not be 100% perfect because of preference but it generally won’t disappoint. I wanted to emphasize this here because there are food dishes that I’ve tried that are not my favorite but they taste great. There are many choices to choose from. I’m sure you’ll find something that will satisfy you.
If you can, order the fine dining menu from the media fam tour.
Order the cold buko shake while basking in the afternoon sun. Try their seafood selection. Enjoy your breakfast from 6 AM to your heart’s content. The resort is facing west so the morning sun is not painful for your skin and eyes while sipping a cup of your coffee.
What else is left to do? You. Book a room or visit for dinner or lunch because why not?