Discovery Samal is Nominated for Best Resort in the Philippines at DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2027

Discovery Samal is proudly stepping onto the national stage as a nominee for Best Resort in the Philippines at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2027 which marks an exciting milestone for the resort and a proud moment for the destination it calls home.

The nomination celebrates the experiences and connections Discovery Samal has created over the past three years. From family getaways and romantic escapes to corporate retreats and trips with friends, the resort has welcomed guests from different backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories on the island.

The nomination not only recognizes the resort experience, but also showcases Samal Island as a world-class destination, where breathtaking surroundings, memorable experiences, and a distinctly Filipino warmth come together. It is a celebration of how far it has come and an invitation for more travelers to discover what makes this part of the Philippines truly special.

A Resort Built Around Gathering

The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate outstanding travel and hospitality experiences as chosen by the readers of DestinAsian. Discovery Samal’s nomination under Best Resort in the Philippines gives guests, partners, Davaoeños, and supporters of the destination an opportunity to rally behind a resort that has made Samal its home.

Discovery Samal brings people together through warm Filipino hospitality and thoughtful service. From family holidays and weddings to celebrations and corporate events, the resort caters to a wide range of occasions. Its 1,000-capacity ballroom also makes it a key venue for MICE gatherings, strengthening Samal and the wider Davao region as a destination for both business and leisure.

The resort has also grown into a place for milestones and shared experiences. Couples can celebrate at the Chapel on the Hill or along the beachfront, while families can enjoy three expansive pools, the Sandbox kids’ play area, an arcade, and Samal Escape Spa. Just beyond the property, Samal Island’s clear waters invite guests to snorkel and discover the rich marine life that gives the destination its distinctive character.

Together, these moments tell the story behind its DestinAsian nomination not through a single attraction, but through the celebrations, connections, and memories created on its shores.

Cast Your Vote for Discovery Samal

Help bring this recognition home to Samal. As Discovery Samal competes for Best Resort in the Philippines at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2027, every vote is a chance to celebrate not only the resort, but also the warmth, beauty, and hospitality that make Samal and the Davao region truly special.

To vote:

Visit the official DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards voting page at destinasian.com/survey/vote

Go to the Best Resort in the Philippines category.

Select Discovery Samal as your choice.

Complete the required information and submit your vote.

Voting is open until October 20, 2026. Share the voting link with family, friends, and fellow travelers, and help bring greater recognition to Samal and the Davao region. Every vote celebrates the people, experiences, and warm hospitality that have shaped Discovery Samal over the years.

Discovery Samal Marks Three Years of Meaningful Hospitality

Discovery Samal marks its third anniversary with a celebration that reflects the values that have shaped the resort since its opening: giving back to the community, honoring the people behind every guest experience, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Mindanao. As the resort commemorates three years of meaningful milestones, it also looks ahead with renewed commitment to creating authentic experiences that connect guests to the heart of the island.

Giving Back to the Community

True to its belief that hospitality extends beyond welcoming guests, Discovery Samal began its anniversary celebrations by giving back to communities in need. In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the resort held a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative in Malapatan, Sarangani, supporting families through its Hot Meals on Hot Wheels program and donating clothes, linens, and other essential items. The initiative reflects Discovery Samal's enduring commitment to uplifting grassroots communities and creating a positive impact beyond the resort's shores.

For Discovery Samal, celebrating milestones means creating meaningful change where it matters most. By working alongside local organizations and extending support to communities in need, the resort continues to live out its purpose of serving with compassion, generosity, and genuine care.

Celebrating the People Behind the Experience

The anniversary also honors the people who have made Discovery Samal's journey possible. Through a series of anniversary Sportsfest activities, employees came together to strengthen teamwork, camaraderie, and wellness — values that continue to define the resort's culture. More than friendly competition, the event recognized the dedication of Discovery Samal's Guest Experience Makers (GEMs), whose passion and commitment have helped create memorable stays for guests over the past three years.

At Discovery Samal, exceptional hospitality begins with its people. By investing in employee well-being and fostering a supportive workplace, the resort continues to build a culture where service comes from genuine care and meaningful human connection.

Honoring Mindanao Through Culinary Storytelling

Continuing the anniversary festivities, Discovery Samal welcomed members of the media and key opinion leaders to "Three Cheers for Three Years," a Media Appreciation Night celebrating the partnerships that have helped tell the resort's story since its opening. 

A highlight of the evening was an exclusive five-course tasting menu inspired by the culinary traditions of the Maguindanaon, Ata, Obu Manuvu, Maranao, and Bagobo-Tagabawa peoples. The specially curated menu also serves as a preview of Discovery Samal's upcoming Kadayawan offerings, inviting guests to experience the region's heritage through contemporary cuisine. Complementing the dining experience were performances that blended tradition with modern artistry. The resonant sounds of the kulintang, paired with contemporary violin performances, created an immersive atmosphere that celebrated the harmony between heritage and innovation.

Anniversary Experiences for Every Guest

Guests are invited to join the celebration through a selection of exclusive anniversary offers available for a limited time. These include a special anniversary room package, Glamping Soirée 3+1 vouchers, restaurant vouchers, and an early-bird promotion at Haribar Lounge, allowing visitors to discover new ways to experience the resort while celebrating this milestone year.

Looking Ahead

As Discovery Samal enters its fourth year, the resort remains steadfast in its commitment to creating meaningful experiences that celebrate the richness of Mindanao and the warmth of its people. Guided by a vision that goes beyond luxury hospitality, the resort continues to invest in its communities, empower its team members, and create authentic experiences that connect guests with the island's culture and traditions. From curated MICE events and social celebrations to immersive seasonal offerings for Halloween and Christmas, Discovery Samal looks forward to welcoming more guests and creating even more memorable moments in the years ahead.

"Three years may seem like a short time, but for us, every day has been shaped by the people who believed in Discovery Samal — from our team members who bring heartfelt hospitality to life, to our partners, our local communities, and every guest who has chosen to celebrate their moments with us. This anniversary is more than a milestone; it's a reminder that growth is most meaningful when it is shared. As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating experiences that honor the rich culture of Mindanao while continuing to give back to the communities that inspire us,” said Jon Bartlett, General Manager of Discovery Samal. 

With three remarkable years behind it, Discovery Samal continues to build on the values that have defined its journey — community, culture, and heartfelt hospitality.