If you’ve ever wondered how Enchanted Cove Resort began, the real story isn’t fancy or polished. It started with a tent, a quiet lagoon, and two people plus several cats and dogs searching for a peaceful place to call home.

Back in 2017, we moved to Bucas Grande Island with whatever we could carry. We pitched a tent in the very same cove where the resort now stands. There was no power supply, no water supply, no internet and not much around except nature. We collected rainwater for daily use, cooked simple meals, and fished every day — not only for ourselves, but also for our five cats and dogs who stayed with us in the tent.

Life was quiet but beautiful. Nights were filled with glowing planktons and fireflies. Mornings were slow, with the sound of birds echoing across the lagoon. Even with the simplicity and challenges, we enjoyed every minute of it. Those three months in the tent shaped our connection to this place.

As time passed, we kept imagining how special it would be to share this cove with others — especially the guests from Shiela’s travel agency, who often visited Bucas Grande and Siargao. At that time, we handled groups ranging from 30 to 70 travelers, and accommodations in the area were limited. So while the resort was meant to stay simple and nature-focused, we designed it with enough space to comfortably host larger groups.

With the help of local builders, architects, and engineers from Socorro, we began building the resort from scratch. Transporting materials took time, especially during rainy days, but the local team worked with dedication and heart. After about six months, Enchanted Cove Resort was ready, and in 2018, we opened our doors to the public.

There was still no internet here — no Starlink yet — and surprisingly, guests loved it. They reconnected with nature, enjoyed quiet meals together, laughed without distractions, and bonded in ways people rarely do these days. Fresh meals from our kitchen, drinks by the water, and the serenity of the lagoon made their stay memorable.

Then came March 2020.
The pandemic forced all resorts in the area to shut down. At first, we thought it would only be temporary. But months passed with no updates. Travel stopped completely. We eventually had to leave the resort. I became seriously ill due to Crohn’s disease, the boys needed school on the mainland, and financially, it became one of the hardest periods of our lives.

For five years, Enchanted Cove sat quiet.

In 2024, we finally returned — ready to rebuild. The work was tough, but seeing the place come alive again felt emotional and fulfilling. With patience and determination, we restored the resort and made improvements for a new chapter.
Now, a year later, we’re proud to open our doors once more.
The lagoon remains peaceful. The skies are still full of stars. The magic we fell in love with is still here.

Running this place also supports the local community — from boatmen and guides to farmers and small suppliers. We also continue our outreach for the schoolchildren in Barangay Doña Helene, and guests are always welcome to join or support if they wish.

Thank you for reading our story.
And thank you for supporting our small family-run business.

We look forward to welcoming you to our cove soon.