A cozy escape : Hidden Paradise in Dumaguete City
I was in awe when we made the discovery that a place with such luscious vegetation, yet luxurious, cozy vibes, existed right in the heart of Dumaguete. Right across the boulevard too! (Coast side—it’s facing the sea!) A great cozy escape.
The Henry Hotel Dumaguete: A Serene Surprise
Every time we’d pass by The Henry Hotel on our way to the boulevard, I’d catch a glimpse and wonder what it was like inside. We had stayed at The Henry in Cebu before, so I thought the Dumaguete branch would have that same industrial aesthetic. I’m so glad to have been proven wrong!
While the branding is spot on, the actual feel of The Henry Dumaguete was worlds apart—serene, intimate, and beyond cozy. I had no idea such a perfect little corner existed here, tucked away just steps from the bustling boulevard.
First Impressions: A Green Escape
We entered from the coast side, facing the sea, and the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with lush greenery everywhere. So many trees! The grass was perfectly manicured, and it felt like walking into a secret garden. Their check-in area was dim and calming—it made for a great contrast from somewhere bright and sunny, then immediately being greeted with that soft, relaxing vibe as you step inside to check-in or lounge. It was like a breath of calm washing over you.
The Big Red Door: Chic and Mysterious
After checking in, we made our way toward the famous “Big Red Door,” which separated the public area from the private hotel guests' zone. I loved how bold and chic it looked, standing out against the greenery. Stepping through that door felt like crossing into another layer of serenity—more trees, more lush vegetation, and the pool! The friendly front office staff and even the accommodating guard helped us with our luggage all the way to our room.
The Villa Suite: Cozy Luxury at Its Best
Our room had such an ambient, cozy vibe—exactly my kind of luxury! The lighting was dim and soft, with no harsh lights glaring down.
Mommy alone time… for an hour haha
The bed area felt like a little sanctuary, separate from the cute sitting area by the window. I’m a sucker for thoughtful room designs in real life, and this one definitely delivered. Every detail felt intentional yet subtle—little things that made a big impact.
The Pool: Where the Fun Happens
The biggest reason we decided to stay at The Henry Dumaguete was their pool. A quick Google search confirmed it, and after my daughters saw the pictures, there was no turning back!
Cozy Poolside at The Henry Dumaguete
Their pool did not disappoint! It had that perfect mix of cozy luxury and kid-friendliness. The main lap pool stretched about 25 meters long, but there was also a sunbathing and lounging area, plus a shallow part that was only 2 feet deep—just right for the kids! My daughters practically lived in that pool for the entire stay—90% of their time was spent splashing around!
A note: there are no lifeguards on duty, so kids need supervision. But we didn’t mind since my husband jumps in the pool with them, and with so many shallow areas where even our 2-year-old could stand, it was safe and fun for everyone. The pool hours are 7am to 9pm, and trust me, if it weren’t for dinner, the kids would have stayed until closing time.
Henry Dumaguete Pool Sunbathing Area
Dining at The Henry Dumaguete
One of my favorite things about The Henry Dumaguete is their variety of dining options. They have:
Cafe Sans Rival
The Dining Room
Noelle’s Brunch Bar
Popolo Pizzeria
Si, Señor
We ordered poolside through an actual telephone by the pool—how cool is that? We had pizza and pasta from Popolo Pizzeria and fries and drinks from Cafe Sans Rival. I loved having the option to mix and match from different restaurants.
What we Ordered:
- Half Quattro Formaggio / Half Salami Picanto Pizza
- Penne Prosciutto? (I think that was the name)
Penne pasta was the best! Best Pasta I've ever had so far!
Dinner at Si, Señor: A Delicious Surprise
For dinner, we wandered around the resort, checking out the different menus. We first considered The Dining Room but weren’t really in the mood for Western food. Then, one of the waiters recommended Si, Señor, a Spanish-Filipino fusion restaurant, and we’re so glad we took his advice!
Calamares with Sweet potato Chips and Squid Ink Mayo
This was the first dish to come out, the Calamares. The Black mayo (which we assumed was mixed with the Squid’s black ink?) was new for us. Happy to report that it was delicious and it didn’t stain our teeth!
Salad with Apples and Walnuts
I love me a good salad! And this was it and more! A GREAT SALAD!
Gambas (Shrimp)
It was very refreshing to eat Shrimp like this! Made it easy to eat and it was already partially peeled! That green sauce was amazing! I Forget what it was called - Aoili sauce? Whatever it was - it was Delicioussss!
Pork Skewers
As a Filipino, I’ve eaten a lot of pork barbecue, but this one was hands down the most tender I’ve ever had! I usually like a good dipping sauce, but with this, it wasn’t even necessary—it was that flavorful.
Although I didn’t manage to snap a photo of the cake we indulged in, trust me—it was absolutely divine! Rich, perfectly sweet, and a wonderful end to our meal. If you're ever at The Henry Hotel Dumaguete, I highly recommend visiting Si, Señor for an unforgettable dining experience.
A Perfect Stay: 10/10 Would Return
Our one-night stay at The Henry Dumaguete was an absolute delight—a cozy, luxurious escape right in the city. From the stunning greenery to the charming Villa Suite and that amazing pool, everything was perfect. I can’t wait to come back! (✿◡‿◡)