Dusit Thani Lubi Davao Resort

The Philippines has long been renowned as a beach lover’s paradise, what with 7, 641 islands, as of the last count. While irregularly shaped, the Southeast Asian island nation boasts a coastline that stretches approximately 36,289 km (22,549 miles), across the many gulfs, islands, and islets that dot its sparkling jewel-toned seas.

Ensconced within one of these captivating coves, along the sun-kissed shores of Davao Gulf in Davao de Oro, Dusit Thani Lubi welcomes guests to a laidback, luxurious oasis. Here, in the midst of a lush thicket, once a coconut plantation, bounded by the crystalline ocean and framed by the expanse of sapphire skies, stands a distinctive haven of gracious hospitality and easy tropical elegance.

A heart-filled hideaway of heritage and hospitality

Dusit Thani Lubi certainly lives up to its namesake—Dusit Thani, the leading hotel chain under the long-established hospitality group, Dusit International, was named for the wondrous utopian kingdom imagined in the early 1900s by King Rama VI of Thailand. Literally translated as “town in heaven,” Dusit Thani seeks to embody the culture of paradise, with perfection and blissful existence at its very core. The King’s vision lives on in each Dusit Thani property, worldwide; but perhaps more so at its Lubi Resort, which is nothing short of idyllic and inspired in its identity.
“As a Dusit brand, our aspiration is to really offer Filipino hospitality and Thai graciousness to guests. This, when combined, is something much more delightful. As an island property, they can expect our team to be very accommodating but very mindful as well of giving guests their privacy. This is the ideal getaway for them, with the right balance of activity and peaceful spots to relax,” says Christoph Kuch, a German national with vast experience in the industry, worldwide, and the resort’s current general manager.
“We always wanted the island to be one’s well-deserved luxury experience. It is a unique destination that offers serenity and exclusivity off the coast of Davao Gulf. It is where the blend of Thai and Filipino hospitality meets the tropics and the natural gifts the island boasts of,” Kuch adds

Leisurely living, in the lush lap of luxury

As part of the esteemed hotel group, Dusit Thani Lubi adheres to an exacting standard of comfort and luxury. The resort at Lubi is a masterful showcase of elevated elegance in the heart of the tropics, with a design style influenced by the Dusit property in the Maldives. “The design and architecture of the villas were inspired by architect Geoffrey Bawa and the colonial Sri Lankan coconut plantations of the 1920s,” Kuch notes.

This aesthetic concept is not only in line with the benchmark of beauty set by the Dusit group but is also a nod to the property’s own history as a coconut plantation. Moreover, Dusit Thani Lubi was built with careful attention to the ecosystems and environs in which it exists—as such, the resort is a hideaway in happy harmony with its natural surroundings. Kuch narrates: “As mentioned, the island was a former coconut plantation. Apart from the lush greens, landscapes, and seascapes, a lot of biodiversity can be found here. With the majority of the land preserved and conserved, many species of birds remain visible.

Marine life is also protected through the sanctuaries, in partnership with public and private sectors. During the hatching season, sea turtles with imprints here on the island come back, and this serves as an educational attraction for guests.”

Given its still-pristine location, several environmental initiatives are in place to preserve the property and ensure the eco-sustainability of the resort’s operations. Energy systems that promote optimal and efficient use of power, roads designed to absorb rainwater to replenish the island’s aquifers, and a reverse osmosis plant for turning rainwater into drinking water are just a few items on an impressive roster of eco-friendly features at the resort.

The lavishness of the place, on the outside, is marvelously mirrored in the resort’s sophisticated guest accommodations. With a very limited number of guestrooms, Dusit Thani Lubi affords its guests the privacy and exclusivity they seek. “The resort currently has a total of 18 luxury two-bedroom (114 sqm) seafront villas with private terraces and beautiful open-air garden bathrooms, each with a large soaker bathtub. The villas can accommodate up to six persons, and some even have plunge pools facing the beach for a truly relaxing, luxurious, and private experience. On another part of the island are the West Villas, with 24 keys as of the moment. Each villa has an ocean balcony with a scenic view of the Davao Gulf,” Kuch points out.

An enthralling escape, in nature’s embrace

Of course, as one would expect from a resort of Dusit Thani Lubi’s stature, unique experiences are just in the offing, tucked into gorgeous groves of green and hidden just beneath the beautiful blue waters of the gulf that gracefully undulates into the Philippine Sea. An array of eco-activities, from water sports to indoor and outdoor recreation, is available for guests to enjoy. Those looking for a lackadaisical, leisurely stay will not be faulted for it, either—after all, in this serene sanctuary, even a simple stroll through the grounds is a tad more special than most. Then there are the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, each one different from the day before, but no less stunning to behold.

“We have a generous view of the mountains and the seas. Davao de Oro is known for its mountain ranges, and the sunrise is best viewed from the beachfront of the island. That is one of the unique morning routines we offer our guests; a morning tea-and-sunrise viewing experience. Our beachfront is an interactive space where shoreline and beachfront activities are available, and where water sports activities can be enjoyed,” Kuch says.

Gastronomy grounded in sumptuous simplicity

Dining at the resort is an enriching epicurean experience, one that deliciously rounds off the enchanting escape. Dusit Thani Lubi is home to three restaurants that palatably pivot on well-loved gastronomical concepts, superbly satisfying in their sumptuous simplicity. Tarictic Grill, the resort’s all-day restaurant, serves a delectable selection of international and Filipino favorites. Guests have the option of dining indoors, at the casual-chic seating area, or al fresco, by the pool.

The Burger Bar and Steak Room is a modern bistro that melds good food with lively entertainment, indoor fun, and games at its bar and lounge. Gourmet burgers, artisan pizzas, craft beers, and cocktails are all on the menu to satiate the appetite and please the palate. Meanwhile, Ga-Ti Authentic Thai Restaurant is a mouthwatering foray into authentic Thai flavors, with signature specials meticulously prepared by the resort’s skilled chefs.

At the helm of the culinary team is executive chef Piya Suthasiri, a Thai national, who has held posts in hotels and resorts across Southeast Asia. “I hail from Thailand, and we value our culture very much. So, my cooking philosophy is to go back to each basic element and detail of the dish, as it is rooted in the very culture of that dish. I always remind my team to understand that food is culture, and its history and principles should be carried out with accuracy. This is our way of showing our customers that culinary appreciation is not limited to ‘fancy food’ or high-end products from other corners of the world. We should be proud of our Asian roots and share that experience with guests,” he emphasizes.

When it comes to the core concepts and inspirations behind each of the resort’s restaurants, Suthasiri says: “I wish to have a menu that is as simple as possible. My approach is always simple, in styling and presentation, but all-out in taste and flavor. We also spend time on produce, like herbs, that can be grown onsite, to enhance the different flavors of food and to deliver freshness. We also maximize the use of any locally-produced ingredients that we can find.”

Where ‘one-of-a-kind’ meets ‘something-for-all’

With the wealth of its wonderful offerings and the unassuming uniqueness of its rustic identity, Dusit Thani Lubi is, indeed, a one-of-a-kind island sanctuary, as destinations go. Yet, by those same tokens, the resort also has something for everyone—no matter the age or the inclination—to enjoy. “We offer guests the luxury of experiences, whether you are the adventurous type or the tranquil type. It’s best for all markets—family vacations, group getaways, team buildings, destination weddings, and more,” Kuch says.

“Every day offers something new on this island. Every encounter with beaming guests is memorable to me. I might not remember all the names, but I remember all the smiles,” he shares. And these days, a smile, the kind that comes from one’s very soul, is quite possibly the highest standard of luxury any vacation property can offer.

An Oasis in a Grove on an Island in a Gulf by the Sea

Words by Angie Duarte & Images courtesy of Dusit Thani Lubi

A heart-filled hideaway of heritage and hospitality

Leisurely living, in the lush lap of luxury

An enthralling escape, in nature’s embrace

Gastronomy grounded in sumptuous simplicity

Where ‘one-of-a-kind’ meets ‘something-for-all’

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