Our First Family Getaway at Casa Del Mar, Sulangan

Hallo! Let me introduce you to the very first vacation destination that my family and I visited together in the Philippines—Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

This trip was especially meaningful because it was also my husband's first visit to the Philippines. At that time, we were not yet married, and it was during this trip that we met in person for the very first time.

While planning his journey to the Philippines, he searched for vacation spots near my hometown and came across Casa Del Mar on Airbnb. The beautiful beach house immediately caught his attention. When he showed it to me, I loved it as well. It looked peaceful, cozy, and perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Ironically, even though I had lived in the same region for most of my life, this was also my first time visiting Sulangan. Looking back, it was the perfect place for such a special chapter in our story.

When we arrived at the place, we immediately fell in love with it. The beach house was beautifully designed, clean, and fully equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

It had a semi-bungalow style with a lovely terrace at the front overlooking the beach. The living room was connected to the kitchen, creating a cozy and open space. The bedroom was spacious, featuring a queen-size bed and two extra beds beside it. I think it could comfortably accommodate up to six people.

The bathroom was modern, clean, and well-maintained. There was also a laundry area and a reliable water supply. The staff were incredibly kind, calm, and friendly, and the owner was very welcoming and accommodating as well. As a thoughtful gesture, he even gave us a bottle of wine as a welcome gift on our first day.

Sadly, I can’t share photos of the interior because most of the pictures I took included my daughter. However, I can say that the entire house had a peaceful, aesthetic, and serene atmosphere that made our stay even more special.

Here is the famous Sulangan Church, one of the most visited church in Eastern Samar. Many people from our region and other nearby regions come here to pray, seek blessings, and give thanks. It is especially common for people to bring their newly purchased vehicles to be blessed for safe travels.

We visited the church to attend Mass, particularly because we were not feeling well at the time, especially my daughter. Looking back, my husband's first visit to the Philippines was quite challenging, as this was during the period when COVID-19 was still widespread.

The church was only a short walk from Casa Del Mar, so we decided to walk there. However, the intense heat of the sun made the journey a little difficult, especially with my daughter, who was only three years old and feeling unwell.

Thankfully, everything turned out well. I am grateful that we were able to visit the church and even more grateful that my daughter recovered and was healthy again after about a week.

Right in front of the terrace was a beautiful view of Sulangan Beach. It was incredibly serene, peaceful, and perfect for families looking for a private getaway away from the crowds.

I remember spending time at the beach every day, enjoying the calm waters and relaxing atmosphere. Outside the house, there was a table with chairs and a large umbrella that could comfortably accommodate four people. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning view of the sea.

Most of our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners were spent there, enjoying the fresh air and the sound of the waves. My husband especially loved taking photos. He captured the beach from every possible angle—the boats, the fishermen, the changing tides, and even the smallest details around us. During both high and low tide, his camera was always busy. He even photographed the insects around the house, the lizards on the walls, the ants on the ground, and just about anything that caught his attention. Hahaha!

Sunrise and sunset were always my favorite moments at the beach. Watching the sun rise and set on the horizon created a peaceful atmosphere that brought a sense of calm and clarity to my mind. The gentle sound of the waves, the cool sea breeze, and the beautiful colors of the sky made every moment feel special.

There was something truly relaxing about sitting by the shore and simply taking in the view. It gave me peace of mind and helped clear my thoughts from the stresses of everyday life.

It was a simple yet unforgettable experience—one of those moments that remind you how beautiful life can be.

This is the view of the beach house from the shoreline. On the left side, you can see Casa Del Mar, where we stayed during our vacation. At this time, the tide was low, giving my husband the perfect opportunity to walk farther out and capture the house from a distance.

The low tide also revealed more of the beach, creating a beautiful perspective of the property against the peaceful coastal scenery.

Oh, and that beer? My husband brought it all the way from Germany to the Philippines just for a beach photoshoot! Hahaha!

Overall, our stay was beyond perfect. Even now, as I look through the photos and write this post, I feel excited all over again and find myself wanting to return and experience the peaceful life there once more.

If I had to rate both the beach house and the beach itself on a scale of 1 to 10, I would honestly give it a 50! I truly loved the place, and I know my family did too.

The staff were amazing—friendly, attentive, and incredibly helpful. During our stay, they changed our beddings three times, and someone was always available to help with trash disposal. One staff member, in particular, was exceptionally kind. She checked on us every day, especially because my daughter was very sick at the time. She even offered medicine for her, and I was truly grateful for her care and concern.

Sulangan itself is a beautiful island connected by a bridge and located not far from Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It is surrounded by other attractions, including Calicoan Island, beautiful beaches, caves, and scenic shorelines that visitors can explore.

From the terrace of Casa Del Mar, we could also see another island across the water. Although it looked close from a distance, it actually required a boat ride to reach. That island was Homonhon Island, another destination loved by many tourists. Sadly, we were not able to visit it because our priority at the time was taking care of our daughter. Besides, Casa Del Mar already offered everything we needed for a relaxing and memorable vacation.

Even so, I still look forward to returning someday. Hopefully, on our next visit, everyone will be healthy, and we'll have more opportunities to explore the nearby beaches and islands that we missed the first time around.♥️