Discovery Samal

Discovery Samal is a 5-star resort that does not feel like one, primarily due to the food. Given the 5-star level and premium prices, we expected only top-notch here. Coming from the hospitality industry ourselves, our expectations were naturally high, but unfortunately, they were not met. Honestly, we’re not sure if we want to come back. Although their pools and beach were amazing. Room >Spacious and clean, including the bathroom and terrace, with nice flooring >Their bed was too firm for our comfort >We loved their bathroom products >AC felt like it did not work properly. It was not getting our room cold enough. >Artwork (concrete dock) looks depressing - should be more vibrant. >The toilet's flushing system does not seem to work well - you need to flush 2 times. >Their toilet was leaking at the back. Their plumbing team came to check but never returned when they said they’ll get silicone to cover it up. >There was a small cockroach in our room >Housekeeping came for the make-up room service then later asked if we were checking out. They should know this info. >We experienced 3 blackouts/power-change during our stay, which was inconvenient. Food & Drinks >Must-try: Singaporean noodles and pad thai at the Morning Catch >Delicious items in the breakfast buffet: chicken adobo, bacon, congee, ensaymada, cinnamon buns >The breakfast buffet was underwhelming and had minimal international options >Morning Catch: We were served with undercooked har gow, and their siomai was bland. They offered us free coffee/tea. >Bistro, being their flagship fine-dine restaurant, was disappointing. Ragu pasta had watery consistency with a burnt smell, and seafood vongole lacked seafood flavor. We initially planned to try their steak the next evening, but hesitated for the fear that they cannot deliver premium food for the premium price. >Bistro Cafe/Bar: Drinks were amazing. Kudos to the barista on Apr 10, 2026. >Haribar Lounge: Food was average >In-room dining was disappointing. Wagyu burger did not taste like wagyu/beefy, just watery. Pizza felt undercooked and was below average. >Their pool menu was printed on a previous boat/guest manifest. Guest details and confidentiality should not be compromised. >Premium price should equate to premium food. They failed on this. Facilities >Beautiful and modern resort overall, including their chapel at the back >The 3 heated pools were nice and big >The beach and shoreline were clean, big, and amazing >Our experience with the watersports activities, thanks to the staff there, went nice and smooth >The artificial grass around 1 heated pool felt off. It ruins the natural resort vibe. >No available drinks on the top heated pool. >Disappointed to know that you have to pay for the facilities/activities in the Game Room area. Pearl Farm does not ask you to pay for theirs. >I'm not sure if we missed it, but it's weird for a resort to not a have boutique or souvenir shop. Staff >Reservations team were very responsive via email >They had a lot of staff everywhere, all of which were very polite. >Kudos to Ms. Celeste who took her time to listen to our concerns. As well as, Adrian. We felt like they understood us. >We appreciated Ghelai’s hospitality during the check-in. >The resort has a lot of young staff, which seem like interns/trainees. While this is not inherently an issue, our dining experience felt less seamless when staff lacked sufficient knowledge. >Food service staff should be trained more in fine dining etiquette