A Review: Maia's Beach Resort, Bantayan Island, Cebu

We had this pool all to ourselves; pool also available for day tours for P150

Hanging bridges connected the garden point to point

We spent Holy Week in Bantayan Island, Cebu. Since most of the resorts in Sta. Fe were fully-booked, I picked a resort further south  and about a 20-minute drive from the Sta. Fe Port - Maia's Beach Resort. I'd consider it a blessing in disguise because the resort was all that I could imagine for a quiet Holy Week vacation.

Because it's a bit far from Sta. Fe, Maia's Beach Resort offers land transfers for free to and from the port. The driver was already there when we arrived, which was a huge relief, after traveling for hours in the mad peak season rush. We arrive at the resort at around 3pm. We are told that it's just been re-opened to the public after a few repairs to address the damage caused by Yolanda.




The rooms



We were very happy with the rooms. We got ours at P3,600 per night (good for three; with breakfast for two). After going through the all-day waiting (hello again, Holy week rush!), arriving to a very neat and ready room was a consolation. I booked for a twin room but requested for an extra mattress but we were surprised that they didn't just give us an extra mattress but an extra bed. The white walls, curtains and sheets complemented the elements of coconut wood and bamboo; and gave off a very beachy and windy feel. It was not a luxury room (not even near it) but it was tidy and comfortable so I'd be quick to give it a thumbs up.

The food

The food was great!!! We made friends we Ate Awe, who was their only staff at the restaurant. He (technically still a guy but preferred to be called 'ate') was very accommodating. I appreciated the fact that Ate Awe was so proactive. There was no need for us to tell him what we needed because he'd always be first to offer. The star of the menu was the hot chocolate, made from pure cocoa. Weeks after this vacation, I'd still find my self craving for Ate Awe's hot choco. The pork belly is also a must-try.

The beach



Maia's Resort is beachfront but the beach is not as nice as those that you'll find in Sta. Fe. The beach here can be rocky and during low tide, the water gets really shallow. The best time to swim is in mid morning. Good thing, there is always the pool for your swim fix. Maia's just have six cottages which is why we had the pool all to ourselves even if it was peak season.

The ambiance

The overall ambiance of Maia's Beach Resort is relaxing. There is a sprawl of greens with hanging bridges to connect the garden from point to point. Aside from the resort itself, the staff (special mention again to Ate Awe) is also very attentive. The place may not boast of fine sand or a wide-sprawl beachfront but the resort itself and the staff are worth your bucks. I still recommend; however, that you drop by the beaches in Sta. Fe to experience Bantayan at its nicest.

If you're looking for resort to stay in Bantayan during peak season, I highly suggest that you consider Maia's Beach Resort for some quiet time

Maia's Beach Resort
Telephone : 0917 635 8612 or (+6332) 406 77 43