This year, we spent our Easter vacation here because there were only three accommodation options, which assured me there would be fewer people.

They also have a pool and a restaurant. The restaurant is very important because we have stayed in several exclusive accommodations with no restaurant, and it’s especially a struggle for me because I do not like to cook.

Of course, another major factor was that this place is pet-friendly.

Our accommodations

When we arrived, we met the very accommodating husband and wife owner, who, to our surprise, did not accept any other booking during our stay, so we had the place all to ourselves. They also shared how the place came to be and why it is called Evelyn’s Secret Garden.

They said they built this during the pandemic as a quick getaway whenever they wanted a change in scenery. Evelyn was the husband’s mother, but she died before the place was finished, so to honor her memory, they named the place Evelyn’s Secret.

We stayed three nights and booked the Family Room for our first night for Php 4,500.

The room was spacious, with a king-sized bed and a bunkbed, perfect for families with 2 children.

I loved the bathroom. But the water supply here was errratic.

Upstairs was this view deck, which served as the restaurant’s extension.

This was my favorite spot in the resort, especially during sunrise and sunset.

We moved to the Glamping Hut on our second day. It can be crowded for 2 people, but it was ideal for Hobbes and me.

This is a typical bahay kubo that is common in provincial areas of the country.

Even the layout inside was very provincial, with a mosquito net draped above our bed.

Hobbes especially liked lying by the window, which was airy.

The Food

Food can be a hit or miss. They recommended the Pata Humba, and while the taste was okay, it was overcooked.  

The Beef Tenderloin Steak I had for lunch was good, but both the dishes (Bangus Belly and Spanish Beef Caldereta) I had for dinner were disappointing.

I also did not like their burger because the patty was dry; the tuna sandwich was also not flavorful.

The Special Humba I had for dinner was okay. 

For dessert, I liked their Ice Sweetened Banana. I had it thrice during my stay.

I also liked their Binignit. This was actually not on the menu, but given by the owners when we chatted with each other.

The crepe, though, was not as good. I thought the nuts were stale.

Tip: when dining here, make sure to give them an earlier time for your preferred meal time because, throughout my stay, my food was always served at least 15-30 minutes late.

Breakfast was included in the room rate, and it was satisfactory. I liked their corned beef, so I had it daily and just added another viand (hotdog on the second day and spam on the third) in addition to the egg and rice.

The Pool

Since we were the only guests, we had the pool to ourselves. I thought it was a well-designed pool perfect for dipping regardless of the time of day, as it was always shady. It was also not very deep, making it safe for people of all ages.

Kudos to the caretakers who, after noticing my preference for a late afternoon to early evening swim, would automatically turn on the cascading falls by 5 PM.

In the evening
People who want nightlife might find Evelyn’s Secret Garden boring, but those who, like me, love solitude (or the company of just my loved ones) will love how tranquil the place is at night. It was already dark by 6 PM, with only the sound of crickets permeating the air.

I loved going to the view deck during my stay, just feeling the fresh air while watching the mountains or the pool below.

The Garden
I loved walking around Evelyn’s Secret Garden because of its well-tended gardens. Here are some of my favorite photos.

Pet-Friendly
The owners themselves are dog lovers, which is why they allow pets.

The picturesque nook and crannies make this perfect for a photo shoot, and as usual, Hobbes rose to the occasion by always posing oh so cutely.

A beautiful sunset
I will end this blog with my favorite sunrise photo taken from Evelyn’s Secret Garden.

I took the above from the viewdeck, zoomed in 20x using my Samsung S24 Ultra. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Evelyn’s Secret Garden is located in Barangay Agsungot, Cebu City. For inquiries and bookings, contact +63917-310-8700 or visit their official Facebook page.