CEBU'S BEST KEPT SECRET: KANDAYA RESORT

Whoamygod. I can't believe it's been a year since my #MAYcation (aka: that time I took a month off work, went to New York, Cebu, and attended my best girl's wedding in Manila). Even harder to believe is that my May Day Playlist is 2 years old! WHAAAT. Time flies, man. Anyway, you're probably like, "Stop babbling, Reg. Tell me more about this Kandaya Resort that you claim to be Cebu's best kept secret. Is that photo even real?!" 

YES, it is real. We were there last May (late post, I know!) and the reason I mentioned the playlist is coz it'd be the perfect soundtrack to a chill afternoon poolside. 

See what I mean? 

Okay, first thing's first. Where the heck is Kandaya? Kandaya is in Bantayan, the northmost tip of Cebu. It took us around 4 hours from Cebu City, but not to fear, the Transfer Service was very comfortable - we had a spacious van to ourselves and they even prepared goodies for the drive.

"dibs on the Mango juice!!!" - me, hahaha

It still was a long drive though, not gonna lie. But it was sooo worth it. Kandaya Resort did not disappoint. It looked exactly like the photos, only so much prettier. Who said the Philippines cannot do luxury!? The main building, which houses 18 rooms, was so tastefully done. It had contemporary native design elements that was chill yet sophisticated.

the main building

seating area inside the main building

We got a Deluxe Room and holyyyshiii, I wasn't expecting it to be so spacious inside. It was HUGE. I wonder what the bigger rooms are like. (Okay, the answer is here, haha!)

bed and sofa

dresser

breakfast nook and TV

can I take this bathroom home?

bigger than your usual travel size Malin+Goetz

our balcony. But wait,

THERE'S MORE.

We only spent a night in Kandaya and most of the time we were just chilling by the pool. Okay, full disclosure, the sand from the main building? It doesn't lead to the beach. When you reach the edge, you'll see the ocean below you. The beach is in front of the villas, which is about 1-2 minutes walk from the main building. But we considered it "far" and there weren't any chaises (probably coz the villas had their own, haha!). 

The other place we frequented was Kusina. We were there for happy hour, dinner, and breakfast. The pizza was diviiiine  Don't worry, they can bring it to the pool side too, BUT you wouldn't wanna miss Kusina's gorgeous interiors and the panoramic view it offers. 

 bar

 the pretty "nests"

 mojito and pina colada

 cheese and anchovy = HEAVEN (1 for lunch and 1 for dinner, hahahaha!)

 no wonder the pizza tastes really good

 breakfast

 and of course, CEBU MANGOES!!!

Kandaya puts an emphasis on holistic wellness so there's a fully functioning gym, a spa, and even a boxing ring. They have scheduled activities like island hopping, yoga, etc. And oh, they have a STABLE. I wish we had more time to explore, but hey, there's always next time, right?

 poser. hahaha

I think there was only one other family when we were there so we had the resort pretty much all to ourselves. It was the perfect spot to recharge and relax. As much as I'd like to keep this resort all to myself (so the next time I'd go it'll be as peaceful, haha!), it's too good not to share. The rooms, the amenities, the SERVICE, super topnotch. It's a bit pricey, but think of it this way, a) it's the same price as a hotel room in other countries, and b) you really get what you pay for. This is by far my favorite spot in Cebu and one of my favorite properties ever. 

Kandaya Resort is located at Agujo, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines
Contact No.: +63 32 260 6006
Website: www.kandayaresort.com