ATMOSPHERE RESORTS: Have you tried the Best Eco-Luxury Resort in Dumaguete?

Related Blog Post: BLUE Restaurant: One Yummy Reason to Stay at Atmosphere Resorts

ECO-LUXURY has shifted the focus of tourism by providing benefits for both the economy and the environment. By combining premium hospitality services with ecological and social responsibility, ATMOSPHERE RESORTS shows us how the two worlds can co-exist.

Owners Gabrielle & Matthew Holder designed Atmosphere as an immersive experience that forces us to evaluate our relationship with nature and value the communities around us–all while getting some good ol’ R&R.

The underlying goals of the resort are to support the local community and continually reduce the environmental impact of the business. By adopting simple, sustainable, and socially responsible practices all throughout their operations, Atmosphere promotes mindfulness in the midst of indulgence.

Here’s why Atmosphere is the best Eco-Luxury Resort in the Negros Island Region…

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa Philippines
Maayong Tubig, Dauin, 6217 Negros Oriental. Philippines
Telephone: +63 35 400 6940
Mobile: +63 917 700 2048. +63 998 960 2289
Email:  enquiries@atmosphereresorts.com
Web: atmosphereresorts.com
Facebook: @atmosphere.resorts
Instagram: atmosphereresorts

Search for the lowest Atmosphere Resorts & Spa rates at Booking.com in partnership with Our Awesome Planet.

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Related Blog Posts:

• Atmosphere Resort: Taking Sustainable Cooking to the Next Level
• Atmosphere Resort: Have you tried the Best Eco-Luxury Resort in Dumaguete?
• Bleu restaurant: One Yummy Reason to Stay at Atmosphere
• Lumago Designs: Literally, from Trash to Beautiful Jewelry
• Awesome Dumaguete: A Weekend Getaway Itinerary 
• The Goatery: Dumaguete’s World Class Sustainable Dairy Goats Farm

While there are a lot of wonderful things to discover at Atmosphere, the resort has become synonymous with great food, professional diving, and its exciting excursions.

 

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila, we traveled by plane to Dumaguete in one hour and 20 minutes via Philippine Airlines, whose planes fly to the city twice daily–8.40am and 1.20pm. A one-way ticket from Manila to Dumaguete is usually around Php 3,000.

Travel tip: We booked our flights with Skiddoo, which offered us a cheap and easy way to book our flights online. That’s right. The fastest growing online travel agency out of Australia is now in the Philippines! It’s the cheapest place for you to compare and book airfare.

If you find cheaper flights on another website, Skiddoo is ready to match that price. Just take a screenshot of the cheaper flight’s price, call+632 770-5380 and email the picture to contactus@skiddoo.com.ph so Skiddoo can verify it. Where else can you find travel agents online who would lower their price for you? For more info, just visit their website at https://www.skiddoo.com.ph/

 

The friendly staff welcomes you with complimentary Iced Tea and a stub for an Indian Head Massage within your first 24hrs.

As much as possible, Atmosphere wants to give value to your stay. This goes as far as complimentary domestic transfers, a cocktail on Thursdays, drinks with every dive, snacks during Happy Hour, fresh fruit and water with every excursion, and local snacks delivered to your room every night!

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Owner and licensed architect Matthew Holder gains inspiration from the local scene and designed all suites with sustainably sourced Cogon grass roofing.

 

Accommodations available are the Penthouse, Family Suite, Garden Apartment, and Deluxe Suite. We got a chance to experience the Garden Apartment and Deluxe Suite.

CURRENT ROOM RATES (December 2015 – November 2016)

PENTHOUSE
Standard rate – P18,000
Peak period rate – P20,000

FAMILY SUITE
Standard rate – P15,000
Peak period rate – P17,000

APARTMENT
Standard rate – P13,000
Peak period rate – P15,000

SUITE
Standard rate – P11,500
Peak period rate – P13,500

PEAK SEASONS
December 18 – January 3
February 6 – 13
March 23 – 28

Check out low rates and availability from Agoda: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

You may visit www.atmosphereresorts.com for more information.

 

GARDEN APARTMENT

The Garden Apartment has the Penthouse on the upper floors, which can be availed of separately. Both are ideal for couples and small families.

 

There is a cozy living room space and dining area good for two.

 

Every day, the dining area is stocked with seasonal fruits like Mangoes or Bananas–just call the reception to get your daily refill.

 

The apartment has a kitchen complete with stove, kettle, oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Guests are welcome to buy and bring ingredients from Malatapay Market, or request the staff to do it.

(Note: If you can’t cook, you can ask one of the chefs to personally cook for you in the kitchen.)

 

One of the resort’s primary revenue generators used to be their water bottles, but Atmosphere decided to stop selling them to reduce plastic usage. Complimentary water gathered from a well on site is widely available in their rooms, along with reusable containers. You can use the glass bottle in your room or the metal bottles (P685 each) on excursions.

(Note: Atmosphere’s well water is cleaner than the municipal supply that comes prepackaged in a water bottle, so drink away!)

 

When getting rid of your waste, we highly encourage you to segregate properly. Twice a week, the waste is brought to the municipality for recycling.

 

The vibrant paintings of local scenes give life to the cozy abode.

A towel rack, vanity area, and closet are provided for your convenience. Towels are changed only every other day to save water.

 

You may request for a Garden Apartment with Twin Beds.

 

The bathroom has a shower with solar-heated water–meaning, water is warmed using the natural heat of the sun.

The toilet also comes with a dual flush to reduce water waste.

 

Lemongrass-scented toiletries like shampoo, soap, and shower gel are provided in refillable containers instead of individually packaged bath essentials.

While a toothbrush and shaving kit can be requested at the lobby, it’s encouraged that you bring your own.

 

Outside your room is a pocket garden where you can dry your clothes or towels.

 

DELUXE SUITE

The Deluxe Suite is the most compact of accommodations and has no kitchen, but is a perfect couple’s retreat.

 

The bed is situated right at the entrance.

 

Beside the door is a reading nook.

 

The headboard acts as a small kitchen island where you can enjoy small meals or snacks. At the back is the restroom hidden by a sliding door.

 

You can find a water dispenser, closet, and mini bar at the back of the room.

 

Your shower is located outside. Don’t worry! Shower areas are always surrounded by walls.

 

POOLS

There are currently 3 pools in the resort. The pools have depths as shallow as 1.5 meters and as deep as 3 meters. The largest pool is where first-time divers can receive lessons.

 

The smaller pools are great for beginner swimmers, children, or people who simply want to wade in the water.

 

In line with their philosophy, these pools are saltwater chlorinated. This drastically reduces chemical usage.

 

The pool is open all day, but there is no lifeguard on duty, so make sure to never leave your kids unattended!

 

THE SANCTUARY SPA

Operation Hours: 9AM to 10PM (last reservation can be made at 8:30)

The Sanctuary Spa is a perfect place to relax and offers great services like massage therapy, wellness programs, foot spas, wrappings, pedicures, waxing, and more!

 

The spa uses only locally made aromatherapy products by Amu’in (a line by Hotel & Spa Essentials).

 

There are 6 full body massages available. The ones we recommend are the Traditional Filipino, Hot Stone, and Water Shiatsu.

 

THE BAR

Directly by the poolside is the bar, which comes to life during Happy Hour from 5PM to 6PM (you can buy two of the same drink for the price of one).

 

You’ll know it’s time to have fun when someone rings this bell and yells “HAPPY HOUR!”

 

Be sure to check the signboard to see what you can order.

 

We highly recommend getting the refreshing Lychee Martini.

 

Snacks freshly made at the resident bakery are also served at your convenience. Look out for the delicious rum cakes if they’re available that day!

 

One of the great things about the bar is how all the metal components are locally fabricated in Dumaguete. By buying as close to home as possible, Atmosphere supports the local community and lowers their environmental impact.

 

TREE HOUSE

Yoga lessons for all yogis of varying levels as well as circuit training sessions can be taken daily at the tree house.

(Note: A romantic dinner at the tree house can also be scheduled and set up by the staff–free of charge!)

 

EXCURSIONS & TOURS

Diving or tour schedules and rates to Apo Island, Oslob, The Community Fish Sanctuary, and more places near Dauin can be viewed at the lobby.

 

At the shore lies a Fish Sanctuary run by the entire community of Dauin. Buoys mark areas where boats cannot enter.

Snorkelling and underwater photography can be done just at the shoreline.

 

We highly recommend going to Apo Island to see the Turtle Sanctuary.

 

At Malatapay Market, you can shop for local goodies.

 

Watch dolphins play at Bais.

 

Experience the beauty of the sandbar at Manjuyod.

 

If you want to go to Dumaguete City or other tourist locations, you have the option of taking public transportation, a private van, or use Atmosphere’s boats.

Public Transportation: Yellow Buses and Jeepneys can take you to the city up until around 6PM
Van Rental: P1,000 to rent, P250 every waiting hour
Boat Rental: P1,500

 

BLUE (RESTAURANT)

The restaurant BLUE is flexible in its approach to dining, ensuring that they cater to all your individual needs through their breakfast buffet, all-day dining, sweet treats, and fine seafood-centric signature dishes at night.

Related Blog Post: BLUE Restaurant: One Yummy Reason to Stay at Atmosphere Resorts

 

BREAKFAST

Aside from the regular spread of cereals, breads, oats, and fruit, guests are free to order a la carte breakfast items. The buffet is a la carte to prevent food waste by making “just enough” for guests–there is no limit to how many times you can order. The breakfast buffet is P750 per head.

For lovers of big breakfasts, get the Filipino Breakfast! You can choose your egg style and choice of viand (bangus, longanisa, tapa, or corned beef).

 

LUNCH 

For lunch, you can order from the All-Day Dining Menu or their Healthy Living Menu.

Mango & Chili Salad with Seared Tuna (P550). Mangoes, bell peppers, chilies, shallots, topped with sesame crusted and seared tuna. 

For a light start to your lunch, order this tangy salad from the Healthy Living Menu.

 

Pinoy’s Pride (P700). Catch of the Day in coconut milk, shrimp, mussels, moringa leaves, Asian vegetables, mango, and chicharon. 

Served with rice, we loved the comforting creaminess the coconut milk adds to the fish. Highly recommended!

 

DINNER

Dinner is served around 6-10PM. Diners have the option of trying the Atmosphere Signature dishes.

Pistachio Crusted Scallops (P500). On warm beetroot and apple salad.

The juicy scallops have a natural sweetness to them.

 

Vegetarian Lasagna (P650). Asparagus, artichoke, zucchini with crispy pasta sheets, saffron-spinach sauce, and mango salsa.

The softness of the artichoke hugely contrasts the crunchiness of the fried pasta sheets.

 

DESSERTS

Ask for the BTS (“Better than Sex”) cake, a decadent molten dessert topped with caramelized honeycomb, from their Sweet Treats menu.

 

THE BAKERY

The Bakery supplies all of the complimentary bread rolls at dinnertime and decadent desserts throughout the day.

 

All items are freshly baked daily.

 

We highly recommend getting their Pretzel Bread at dinner!

 

ONE SCHOOL

This accredited International British School was erected by the owners mid-2010. One School was a way to build a community for other like-minded parents who sought to make a life around Dumaguete.

 

THE ATMOSPHERE SOUP KITCHEN

To give back to the community, the resort runs ASK (Atmosphere Soup Kitchen). The kitchen sponsors 80 children by providing them with well-balanced meals 5 days a week all year. Many of these children come from the poorest neighborhoods around a dumpsite in Dumaguete.

 

Meals are cooked on a volunteer basis by the mothers of the children.

 

ASK is affiliated with a nearby school. In return for the meals, children are required to seek an education.

 

Atmosphere Resorts’ philosophies go beyond simple recycling or saving water. Their approach to eco-luxury is wholesome and meaningful, making sure that each aspect of living within and outside their resort benefits the customer, the local community, and the environment.

Our Awesome Planet personally thanks Atmosphere Resorts for the unforgettable experience!

 

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa Philippines
Maayong Tubig, Dauin, 6217 Negros Oriental. Philippines
Telephone: +63 35 400 6940
Mobile: +63 917 700 2048. +63 998 960 2289
Email:  enquiries@atmosphereresorts.com
Web: atmosphereresorts.com
Facebook: @atmosphere.resorts
Instagram: atmosphereresorts

Search for the lowest Atmosphere Resorts & Spa rates at Booking.com in partnership with Our Awesome Planet.

 

Live an Awesome Life,

Team Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: Our flights were sponsored by Skiddoo, and our stay was courtesy of Atmosphere Resorts. We wrote this article with our biases, opinions, and insights. 

P.S. You can get to Dumaguete via Philippine Airlines, whose planes fly to the city twice daily. Don’t forget to sign up for or bring your Mabuhay Miles card!