How to Book a Private Resort in the Philippines: Complete Guide

Booking a private resort in the Philippines used to mean scrolling through Facebook groups, sending countless messages, and hoping for the best. Today, platforms like Pribado make it much easier — but there are still things you should know to get the best experience. ## What is a Private Resort? A private resort (sometimes called a "private pool") is an entire property rented exclusively to you and your group. Unlike hotels where you share amenities with other guests, a private resort gives you: - **Exclusive use** of the swimming pool, rooms, and facilities - **Privacy** — no strangers in your space - **Freedom** to play music, cook, stay up late, and set your own schedule - **Better value** for groups — splitting the cost among 10-30 people often works out cheaper than hotel rooms ## Step-by-Step Booking Guide ### Step 1: Determine Your Requirements Before browsing, answer these questions: - **How many people?** This determines the minimum property size you need - **Where?** Consider travel time from your location - **Budget per person?** Divide the total rate by guest count for a per-head cost - **Must-have amenities?** Pool, videoke, hot spring, beach access? - **When?** Weekday rates are typically 20-40% cheaper ### Step 2: Browse and Compare On Pribado, you can filter resorts by: - Location (province, city) - Price range - Guest capacity - Amenities (pool, videoke, kitchen, etc.) - Availability dates Look at photos carefully. Read reviews from past guests. Check the resort's complete amenity list. ### Step 3: Contact the Owner Before booking, it's good practice to message the resort owner to: - Confirm availability for your dates - Ask about any restrictions (noise curfew, pet policy, etc.) - Clarify what's included (towels, utensils, drinking water?) - Ask about extra charges (excess guests, electricity, corkage) ### Step 4: Make Your Booking Once you've confirmed details: 1. Select your dates and guest count 2. Review the pricing breakdown 3. Choose your payment method (GCash, Maya, or bank transfer) 4. Pay the resort owner directly using their provided payment details 5. Submit your payment reference for verification ### Step 5: Prepare for Your Stay Before your trip: - **Confirm the address** and save it in your navigation app - **Coordinate arrival time** with the owner - **Prepare food and supplies** — most private resorts don't include meals - **Bring entertainment** — board games, cards, speakers (if allowed) - **Pack essentials** — towels (some resorts don't provide them), toiletries, sunscreen ### Step 6: During Your Stay - **Respect house rules** — follow noise limits, pool rules, and checkout times - **Report issues immediately** — contact the owner if something's broken or missing - **Take care of the property** — treat it as you would your own home - **Document any concerns** — take photos if something isn't as described ### Step 7: After Your Stay - **Leave the property clean** — basic cleanup is expected - **Leave a review** — help future guests make informed decisions - **Report any issues** — if something was wrong, let the platform know ## Red Flags to Watch For Be cautious if: - The resort has no photos or only stock photos - The price seems too good to be true - The owner refuses to provide a contract or confirmation - There are no reviews or very few details - Payment is required to an unverified account ## Why Book Through Pribado? - **No booking fees** for guests — you pay exactly what the owner charges - **Verified listings** — all resorts are reviewed before publishing - **Direct payment** — pay the owner directly via their QR codes - **Reviews and ratings** — see what past guests experienced - **Payment validation** — your payment is tracked for accountability - **Support system** — help available if issues arise Start browsing private resorts on Pribado today and find your perfect getaway.