Kandaya Resort Daanbantayan Cebu

There’s nothing quite like the conformed mix of relaxation, nourishment and revivability that pretty much sums up a break at the Kandaya Resort. The exclusive 7-hectare paradise (plus, another 7-hectare plantation) nestled in the coastal heart of historic Daanbantayan is a serene haven for those who wish to recharge and rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of the metro.
It isn’t a surprise that Kandaya Resort has rapidly become one of the favorite go-to places in this part of Cebu. The resort is an intimate utopia where one can unravel from the daily redundancies of living in the fast-paced metro, and it’s extremely stunning picturesque scenery is one of the hotel’s ascendancies.

I was absolutely thrilled to check-in for my three-day retreat at Kandaya Resort, and with the detailed itinerary including horseback riding and a cruise to Kandaya Resort’s private property in Malapascua island, who wouldn’t be? A three-hour van ride from Cebu City, we finally arrived at the resort’s reception building where we were welcomed with servings of fresh coconut juice and coconut wine or tuba, and cold wet towels to freshen up as we wait for our rooms to be ready.

The resort has twenty-two (22) villas and eighteen (18) contemporary styled rooms and suites –  a total of only forty (40) rooms in a 7 hectare property- offering guests an intimate, tranquil stay and an opportunity to truly recharge and refresh. I was booked at a 65-square meter Beach Pool Villa which comes with a ravishing view of Daanbantayan beach and the ocean. The villa comes with a private pool, a tub and other comforts offered in the rest of the suites and rooms of the resort. Plus, a very thoughtful amenity for a coffee lover like me – an automatic espresso machine! <3

I genuinely love the beach. I grew up in Mactan and the beach has been a sanctuary since I was a kid, and somehow it has a magical hex on me, that whenever I sight on one, my mind instantly forges a fantasy of me lazing by its sandy waterfront, listening to the sound of waves crashing the shore as the gentle breeze runs through my skin and hair for hours – a vision that I always give in to, which has become a personal meditation of some sort.  Staring through the glass door of my villa was a nostalgic view – a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach getting caressed by the saline turquoise water, which had been calling out and tempting me to sloth by it. But as much as I wanted to laze in the sand all morning, my plotted itinerary noted that it’s time for horseback riding! 😉


Horseback-riding was one of the activities I was looking forward to on this retreat, since it’ll be my first time to actually ride on one. “Don’t look down, only forward,” said the attending trainer. Nervous and excited at the same time, it was an instruction I obligedly followed. Situated beside the resort’s reception hall is the in-house stable and equestrian facility where guests can proceed after booking a ride on the horses. Even kids won’t be left out on the fun for there are ponies in the stable as well. 
Kandaya Resort has another property in the northernmost tip of Cebu, Malapascua – the island famous for diving with the thresher sharks. We took on a day tour to Kandaya Resort Malapascua where we reveled in a delicious grilled lunch, and spent the rest of the day swimming.  I was itching to hop on a motorcycle and take an inland Malapascua tour, but the force of the beach was too strong to resist.

Arriving back at Kandaya Resort Daanbantayan late in the afternoon, beat from hours of swimming in Malapascua, I booked a 10:00PM massage at Daya Spa. Kandaya Resort’s in-house spa combines relaxing sounds, together with organic essential oils with trained experts to sooth tired muscles, delivering a relaxing and reviving experience.

The cuisine is one of the most essential components that would make one’s staycation pleasurable, and Kandaya Resort didn’t disappoint. Kusina, the resort’s only food outlet, serves western and eastern cuisine made with the freshest ingredients from their in-house organic produce and locally sourced goods. Practicing the concept of ‘farm to table’ , Kusina stresses the importance of sustainability – the food outlet’s primary principle. One of my most favorite dishes served during my stay was the Proscuitto and Arugula Salad, which  I am currently craving for, and in a weird way would love to pair it with a glass of the resort’s Iced choco drink! ^_^

Health buffs would be thrilled with Kusina‘s juice concoctions and super smoothies served all year round. Plus, crossfiit, boxing and gym amenities are available and accessible to keep health-conscious guests in tip-top shape.

I would say that an overnight at Kandaya Resort is a good idea to relax, but two-nights would be best, yielding to a dose of leisure and recovery. 😉

Kandaya Resort is located at Barangay Agujo, Daanbantayan, Cebu. For more information about the property tick on www.KandayaResort.com or you may visit their corporate office at the 12th floor, MSY Tower, Blk. 6 Lot 3, Pescadores Rd. Cebu Business Park, Cebu City. Contact them at +63 32 231 0961 loc. 152.