Sheridan Organic Farm: Eco Village Paradise in the Philippines (Unbelievable!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the… gulp …Sheridan Organic Farm: Eco Village Paradise (Unbelievable!) in the Philippines. This isn't just a review; it's a confession. A love letter. A slightly frantic, possibly over-caffeinated attempt to convince you to book a damn trip, like, yesterday.
First Impressions (and a little bit of panic):
So, "Eco Village Paradise" huh? My inner cynic (she's a loud one) immediately started prepping for a dusty, mosquito-ridden experience. I pictured… well, let’s just say my expectations were low. But the moment I stepped onto the grounds, my jaw dropped. Seriously. It was like the Philippines themselves had decided to spontaneously sprout a gorgeous, emerald sanctuary. And the air? Clean. Really, really clean. I swear I could breathe easier. And the accessibility? Well, more on that later, but they’ve clearly put some thought into it, which is a massive win in the Philippines.
Getting There & Getting Around (and Trying Not to Sweat):
Getting to Sheridan? Okay, that’s where the “Philippines” part comes in. Airport transfer is thankfully available, and I highly recommend shelling out for it. Traffic can be… an experience. (You’re basically playing Frogger with jeepneys and tricycles). Once you're there, the car park [free of charge] is a blessing. And if you're feeling eco-friendly (and less sweaty), there’s bicycle parking. Though, to be honest, I mostly used the taxi service to get around - it a little too steamy out there for a bike ride for me.
Rooms & Amenities (and Wishing I Lived There):
Let's talk rooms. They're… well, they're heaven. Available in all rooms? Yes, freaking YES, especially air conditioning (thank the travel gods!). Then there are the other details, from bathrobes to complimentary tea. I loved having the seating area so I could relax a little, and the window that opens for the cool air. The interconnecting rooms available were perfect for our group, and the bathroom phone seemed a little unnecessary to me, but it's there!
Now, about the internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it's actually decent, which is a minor miracle in this part of the world. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN are also available, in case you need to get serious work done. I spent most of my time working on… well, mostly, I’m honest, just enjoying the view. Okay, and the complimentary bottled water. Dehydration is not a good look.
The Real Good Stuff: Food, Relaxation, and Pure Bliss (and Possibly Gaining a Few Pounds):
Okay, prepare yourselves. This is where my inner hedonist takes over.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The food. Oh. My. Goodness. My diet went out the window faster than a politician's promise. Let's go over this category: from the Asian breakfast to the Western breakfast, the options were endless. There’s a buffet in restaurant, à la carte in restaurant, restaurants - the desserts in restaurant are worth the trip alone. There’s coffee/tea in restaurant available, and a poolside bar. I think I even had a happy hour at one point – the bottle of water was greatly appreciated after that. The vegetarian restaurant was a huge plus for my friend (who, by the way, raved about it). Room service [24-hour]? Oh, yes. Yes, please.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: This is where Sheridan truly shines. Forget your worries, people. This is the place to do it.
- Spa? Spa/Sauna? Steamroom? Yes, yes, and YES. I did a body scrub (felt like a brand-new human), and the massage was so good, I nearly passed out. Seriously. Incredible. They also have a sauna, steamroom and, you guesses it, pool with view.
- Fitness Center: I, uh, planned to go to the fitness center, but the swimming pool [outdoor] won. Every time. It's just too damn tempting.
Pool Time: I can't stress this enough: THE POOL. The swimming pool. With a view. I spent an embarrassing amount of time in that water. Just floating, staring at the sky. It was… bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. (Apologies to my to-do list).
- Foot bath: I did not get to one, but it is there! Something to put on the list next time…
- Gym/fitness: The gym is fully equipped… if I had gotten to it!
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID-19 Stuff (and a Sigh of Relief):
Okay, let's get serious for a sec. Travel in the time of… well, you know. Sheridan impressed me. They take this stuff seriously.
Clean and Safe: Look, I’m a germophobe. I admit it. But Sheridan? Spotless. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and professional-grade sanitizing services. The staff are trained in safety protocol, and they had hand sanitizer everywhere. I appreciated the individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setup. The room sanitization opt-out available was also a nice touch – respect for guests. They have Sterilizing equipment. They give a sense of peace. They had all the essentials.
Other Safety Features: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, security [24-hour], and a safe in the room. Also, a doctor/nurse on call.
Services & Conveniences (and Did I Mention the Bliss?):
Sheridan offers all the usual stuff, plus some extra perks. Concierge was super helpful, there’s currency exchange, and daily housekeeping (thank you!). They also have dry cleaning, laundry service, and an ironing service (because I’m a travel mess).
- For the Kids: If you have kiddos, the babysitting service, family/child friendly, and kids meal options are a major win.
Accessibility (and My Heart Swells a Little):
The facilities for disabled guests looked well-considered. I didn't need them personally, but I saw ramps and elevators, and the layout seemed to prioritize ease of movement. This is HUGE, especially in a country where accessibility isn't always a priority. It made me feel… good. Like, really good.
The Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t Perfect, Sadly):
Okay, okay, it wasn't entirely perfect. The Wi-Fi could occasionally hiccup (but hey, island life!), and the service, while generally amazing, could be a teeny bit slow at times (but hey, you’re on island time! Relax!)
My Verdict (and the Part Where I Beg You to Book):
Sheridan Organic Farm: Eco Village Paradise? Unbelievable? Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. This isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with your inner… well, your inner happy person. The food, the relaxation, the staff, the sheer beauty of the place… it all adds up to something truly special.
Here's My Absolutely Honest, Unsolicited, Totally Biased Recommendation:
Book this damn hotel. Seriously. Right now. Stop reading this. Go. Get your dates sorted. Pack your bags. You won't regret it. It's worth every single penny. In fact, I'm already planning my return.
My Quirky, Honest Offer to You (to make you book):
THE ULTIMATE ECO-ESCAPE PACKAGE: "Sheridan's Secret Paradise"
- What You Get:
- 3 Nights / 4 Days in a Luxurious Room with a View: Choose your poison – pool view, garden view, or "I can't believe this is my life" view.
- Daily Buffet Breakfast: Featuring local, ORGANIC, and ridiculously delicious food. Don't miss the mangoes. Seriously.
- One Free Massage: Your choice of relaxation bliss – because you deserve it. They have amazing massages, as I mentioned.
- Complimentary Airport Transfers: Say goodbye to stressful taxi negotiations.
- 10% Off All Spa Treatments: Because you'll want more after that freebie.
- A Surprise Eco-Friendly Welcome Gift: Something nice, to start you off.
- **Free access to all of the
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average meticulously planned itinerary. This is Sheridan Organic Farm & Eco Village, Philippines, through my eyes – a glorious, messy, and hopefully hilarious adventure. Consider it your own personal, slightly unhinged, travelogue.
Day 1: Arrival – Humidity, Happiness, and a Horrible Mosquito Bite
Morning (Seriously Early): Landed in Puerto Princesa. Ugh, the airport. More like a sweaty waiting room. But hey, the second I stepped outside, the air… well, it hit you like a warm, wet hug. (and not the gross kind). Found our ride to Sheridan: a beat-up van that smelled vaguely of diesel and coconuts. Perfect.
Lunch (Delayed): Google Maps said 3 hours. Reality? Closer to 4. Scenic views? Absolutely. Endless rice paddies, water buffalos looking majestic, and the occasional roadside shack selling what looked suspiciously like deep-fried mystery meat. We stopped! Because, adventure. The mystery meat was a bit chewy. But the woman selling it? Absolute sunshine. Made us smile.
Afternoon: Welcome to Eden (ish). Arrived at Sheridan. "Eco-Village" felt a little… generous. More like charmingly rustic. Wooden cabins, a communal dining area, chickens roaming freely. Honestly? I loved it instantly. The "welcome drink" was some sort of hibiscus tea, and it was divine. But then… the dreaded mosquito. That little devil. He got me. Left me with a monstrous itch that still haunts my dreams.
Evening: Dinner and Delirium. The food! Mostly organic, and mostly delicious. We ate under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. Conversation drifted from "Wow, this papaya is incredible!" to "Did you see that cockroach?" (it was a big one). I think I saw a firefly. I think. After one too many San Miguels, the night blurred into a happy, slightly tipsy haze.
Day 2: Farm Life, Falls, and a Fury of Floundering
Morning: Wake Up! (And Swat). The roosters! Good lord. Relentless. But the sunrise was worth it. Plus, that mosquito bite was still itching like crazy. Swatted at it, cursed it, then forced myself to get out of bed.
Late Morning: The Farm Tour – A Lesson in Humility. The farm tour was… educational? I learned some things. Like, I have absolutely no gardening skills whatsoever. Watched a local show us how to harvest veggies. Looked at a bunch of plants that I could not name. It was all sunshine and smiles, but secretly I felt like a complete idiot. I spent more time swatting mosquitos than learning about composting.
Lunch (Still Eating): Back at the dining area. Food was good. Ate. More mosquito bites.
Afternoon: Secret Falls – Pure Magic (and Wet Socks). Found a secret waterfall. Had heard about it. The hike was… treacherous. Slippery rocks, sketchy ropes, and a general feeling of impending doom. Thought about turning around. Didn't. And holy moly, it was worth it. The waterfall was breathtaking. Crystal-clear water, a hidden grotto. Spent an hour swimming, laughing, and trying not to slip on the rocks. Bliss. And it made me forget about that mosquito bite (temporarily).
Evening: Trying to Relax/Failing Spectacularly. Back at the cabin, tried to relax. The thought would be nice. But with the mosquito bites and an unexpected case of being alone I suddenly felt an odd panic, like I'd lost my grounding. Went back for dinner at the dining hall. The food was nice. I ate alone.
Day 3: Kayaking, Karaoke, and Goodbye (with a Mosquito-Shaped Scar)
Morning (Still Itching): More roosters. More sunrise. More mosquito-related existential dread.
Late Morning: Kayaking – Or, How I Almost Capsize and Humiliate Myself. Kayaking. Sounds idyllic, right? It was… until I kept paddling in circles and almost capsized. Managed to avoid falling in the water (barely) and then enjoyed the serene mangroves. It was fun. Kind of.
Lunch (Rapidly Approaching Departure): The last lunch. Ate. No bites. (miracle!) The organic food was starting to grow on me. That Papaya was delicious again.
Afternoon: Karaoke – The Unleashed Beast. The eco-village had karaoke. Because of course they did. Thought about not going. Too late. A couple of beers later, and I was belting out a terrible rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Did I care? Absolutely not. It was glorious. Got a whole bunch of new friends singing alongside.
Departure: The Final Goodbye (and a Promise to Return). Said goodbye to the staff. The people were lovely. Left a piece of my heart (and a huge mosquito-shaped scar) behind. The drive back to Puerto Princesa felt bittersweet. I was tired, itchy, and maybe a little bit sunburnt. But I was also rejuvenated.
Evening (Last Call): Stopped again for more Mystery Meat. (Still Chewy). Flew home. Already planning my return!
Final Thoughts:
Sheridan Organic Farm and Eco Village? It wasn't perfect. It was imperfect. Absolutely imperfect. But that's what made it perfect. It was real. It was raw. And it was an adventure I’ll never forget (even if that damn mosquito does). Go. Just go. But bring bug spray. And maybe a sense of humor, because you're gonna need it.
Unwind in Austrian Bliss: Luxury Chalet with Stunning Wellness!
Okay, so Sheridan Organic Farm: Eco-Village Paradise? Is it *really*? Because I'm seeing a lot of Instagram…
Alright, buckle up buttercup. "Paradise" is a *loaded* word, right? And yes, the Instagram is... well, let's just say it's curated. I went there with a suitcase full of expectations after seeing the photos. Picture-perfect organic veggie gardens? Check. Cozy cottages overlooking rolling hills? Check. Inspirational wellness retreats? ...Check. Mostly.
But look, real life? It's messier. The "rolling hills" sometimes feel like a *very* long walk if you're trying to find WiFi (which, let's be honest, is a crucial part of modern "paradise"). And those perfect veggies? Yeah, some of them occasionally get eaten by, uh, enthusiastic insects. But the thing is… the *spirit* is there. And that's what matters.
What's the deal with the food? I saw something about farm-to-table... is it actually any good? I'm a picky eater.
Oh, the food. This is where Sheridan *really* shines. Farm-to-table? Honey, it’s practically "farm-to-your-mouth-right-now-before-the-chickens-get-it-first." Seriously. I'm talking freshly picked everything. That mango you just ate? Probably came from a tree you walked past. The chefs are AMAZING. They take these fresh ingredients and… wow.
Now, picky eaters? Be warned. They're not catering to your chicken nugget desires. You gotta be open to trying new things. I was hesitant about the *kangkong* (water spinach) but it turned out to be divine. My friend Sarah, though? She nearly had a meltdown when they served something with… mushrooms. She survived, obviously. Just prepare yourself to expand your palate a little. Or, you know, bring a secret stash of snacks. No judgement.
Accommodation: What's it like? Are the cottages actually cute, or just… 'rustic?'
Okay, the cottages? Think charming. Think… *almost* too charming. They're definitely 'rustic,' but in that carefully curated, Instagram-worthy way. Think wooden floors, mosquito nets (needed!), and views that'll make your soul sigh.
Now, I have to tell you, the first night... I swear I heard rats. Small ones. I panicked. Full flight of fancy, thinking I'd be chewed on in my sleep, or worse, develop an incurable disease. Screamed for assistance, and got a very patient young man to check under the bed. Nothing there. Probably just the wind rustling through the *nipa* roof. But hey, at least I got to experience a little bit of honest fear during the trip. And you know, you get used to nature's little noises. Eventually. Mostly.
The beds are comfortable, the bathrooms are functional, and you'll probably want to take a million photos. Just be prepared for the occasional gecko on the wall. They're mostly harmless. Mostly. (I told myself that *every* night.)
Okay, so what's there *actually to do* other than eat delicious food and be instagrammed?
Aside from stuffing your face with the freshest food imaginable and taking photos of every. Single. Leaf? A lot! They have yoga, meditation sessions, farm tours (which are actually fascinating), cooking classes (which I can't recommend enough), and… well, just chilling. Seriously, a huge perk is just *being*. No city noise, just the sounds of nature.
You *could* also volunteer, getting your hands dirty in the gardens. I tried! It felt good, but I'm not sure I'm cut out for the whole "organic farming" thing. Let's just say my weeding skills need some serious work. But the point is, you have options. And the whole atmosphere encourages you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. It's quite something.
How accessible is Sheridan Organic Farm? (I don't want to spend half my vacation on a bus.)
Accessibility is… a journey. Compared to, say, a hotel in Manila? Yeah, it's not *that* convenient. You'll likely fly into a local airport and need to arrange transport from there. The roads are… well, they're part of the adventure. I'm not going to lie, the drive can be a bit bumpy at times. Think of it as nature's massage! But the staff is generally very helpful and can arrange transportation for you.
Plus, the trip itself is part of the experience. You get to see more of the Philippines! Just pack some anti-nausea medication if you're prone to motion sickness. Trust me. Sarah learned that the hard way on the way back. (And yes, I have an extensive collection of her adventures)
Is it *actually* eco-friendly? Like, beyond just having a sign that says so?
Okay, this is where Sheridan really shines. It's not just lip service. They're walking the walk. They have composting toilets, they conserve water, they use solar power, and they're really committed to sustainable practices. They take stuff like trash seriously, which is honestly, incredibly refreshing. Seeing that level of commitment is inspiring. It makes you *want* to be better, even when you get back home and fall back into your usual habits. But at least you got to feel the goodness while you were there, right?
Let me tell you, there's something deeply satisfying about knowing your vacation isn't contributing to the environmental destruction of the planet. It’s a major selling point for me, and I'm a cynical human to begin with.
Is it expensive? What's the budget like?
Compared to a hostel in Manila? Yes. Compared to a five-star resort? Probably not. It's a bit of a middle-ground budget. The accommodation, food, and activities are good quality, so you're paying for that. But the food is seriously worth the cost - remember those mushrooms?
You'll also have to factor in transport to get there. But, ultimately, it’s not the most expensive place I've been. And you're contributing to a good cause, supporting a sustainable business. And let's be honest, a bit of good karma never hurt anyone. Except maybe Sarah, when she took a tumble while attempting a yoga pose. More on that later...
Would you go back?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Even with the potential of a rat encounter (whichBlog Hotel Search Site
