Saturday, November 4, 2017

My Best City Escape goes to Kandaya Resort!


Early this year was our quick weekend getaway to Cebu, Philippines. We booked in a resort in Daanbantayan, Cebu which we have never known until Gavas Family, our family friend, introduced it to us. By the time we made the booking, the resort’s website was down so we had to do Google searches of the photos, resort info, etc. It was well-recommended to us by our family friend so we trusted them, more than the pictures we saw on the internet.

One Saturday, we took a 3-hour drive from Mandaue City to Daanbantayan, Cebu. Road was concrete all the way so it was hassle-free and very much convenient. The road trip was relaxing in itself as we passed by uncrowded municipalities and saw most of the blue skies and green plantations.

After the 3-hour drive, we finally reached our destination: Kandaya Resort! Weeee! It was no longer something we just saw in social media nor was it just a story relayed to us. We’re finally in the resort, face to face! So imagine our excitement upon arriving and seeing the resort’s signage. We hurriedly captured the moment to document our soon-to-be astounding experience.

Before entering, the guard-on-duty checked first his list of guests to confirm our reservation. After doing so, he allowed us access to the resort. The resort’s entry area were well-planted with coconut trees. Upon arrival at the parking area, we were immediately assisted by Kandaya Resort’s staff and helped us with our luggage to be placed in the golf cart.

So our energies were even pumped up as we reached the lobby, which was actually just approximately 100m from the parking area. We were greeted by the receptionist and offered welcome drinks and cold towels soaked in their Kandaya Signature Scent, which smelled pleasantly citrusy and organic and very fit for that moment as it was hot outside. So thumbs up to Kandaya for that!

Lobby towards the infinity pool and beachfront

After the check-in, we were taken to the main building where our room was located. And upon entering the building, we were blown away – well, also literally. The breeze was blowing through the huge building doors as both access doors were open. We were also mind blown with how scenic and beautiful the main lobby was – the interiors were superb and the instantaneous view of the infinity pool and ocean skies were beyond astonishing. We can just stand in awe while entering the main lobby.




So our journey continued as we were led to our room, which has a veranda plus a Koi pond outside. The room was big and more than cozy. Anyone can just stay in the room the whole day.


Nestled in the coastal heart of Daanbantayan, Cebu is this explicitly magnificent and captivating view of Kandaya Resort. Not to exaggerate but really the resort was breathtaking and more so, exquisite.

The resort opened in 2014 and houses 40 plus accommodations: Deluxe Room, Premier Room, Ocean View Suite, Garden Villa, Garden Pool Villa, Beach Pool Villa and Ocean Pool Villa. Owned by Salimbangon-Yeung Family, the resort used to be the family's beach house and was later developed into a resort named in homage to Datu Daya, a tribal chieftain in Daanbantayan during the prehistoric times.

Koi Pond at verandas of rooms at the Main Building
Bar at Kusina Restaurant

Kandaya Resort’s free amenities include an open gym with boxing ring (Kombate or MMA area), lawn tennis court, basketball court, beach volleyball court, air-conditioned gym, game room, recreational bicycles and 30 minute-use of kayak and paddle board, among others. Other services and facilities requiring additional charges include extended use of kayak, snorkeling in Malapascua Island, motorized water sports and a visit to the Daya Spa and Kuwadra Horse stable. For the resort’s dining experience, it’s an exclusive service by Kusina Restaurant, which has Dedon outdoor furniture collection all over the place – same with the villas. Resort’s main lobby and rooms have mix furniture from Murillo and Coast Pacific.


Buffet Breakfast at Kusina Restaurant

It’s truly exhilarating and calming just walking around Kandaya Resort – very private and serene, like you could hear the flowing water inside the main building. Night breeze was all the more tranquil and the dining experience at Kusina Restaurant was likewise relishing.


Truly, with Kandaya Resort, it’s more fun in the Philippines! It’s the best city escape to just lose yourself in the most relaxing and rejuvenating way. One doesn’t even have to go far, not even abroad with nearby countries. You just have to go to Daanbantayan, Cebu to discover this amazing gem in the Philippines.

Indeed, our weekend getaway was an experience to remember. And if there’s one word to describe our overall Kandaya Resort experience – it would simply be, ecstatic!

Visit their website at www.kandayaresort.com. For Mactan International airport transfers, resort van fee costs Php 4,000.00 (one-way) and Php 7,000.00 (roundtrip) for maximum of 6 persons. If you want to perfectly seal your lavish paradise getaway, Kandaya Resort also offers helicopter ride for maximum of 4 persons at Php 180,000 (one-way). Enjoy your stay!

This photo only by Shin Singson

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