IN this world, riches are plenty, but treasures, rare. It takes a little seclusion, a bit of distance and that unmistakable glow—all making up for that absolute find.
Kandaya Resort is a gem that rewards the urban seeker: a premium getaway that blends the best of luxury, rest and resort recreation, all within its 14 hectare facility located at Daanbantayan, Cebu. The resort name pays homage to the town’s ancient tribal chieftain, Datu Daya, who once stood as the town’s brave protector.
The moment guests enter the resort’s wide wooden gates, a sense of tranquility is palpable, enveloping the vast area; exclusivity, being one of the prime pillars the brand is built upon.
Before reaching Kandaya’s main lobby, one realizes a pleasant fact about its paths, walkways, trees, structures—none of these are set up in such a way that makes people feel like navigating through a narrow aisle in a crowded grocery. As getaways are often called for as a time to breathe, nothing in this resort feels constricting.The same can be said for its class accommodation as well: spacious, comfortable and luxurious.
The resort offers seven room types to choose from: Deluxe Room, Premier Room, Ocean View Suite, Garden Villa, Garden Pool Villa, Beach Pool Villa and the Ocean Villa. Three of the latter room types have their own swimming pools; however, the resort’s main swimming pool is exquisitely situated near Kusina restaurant, overlooking the open sea.
Kusina is another venue where the Kandaya gets to showcase its fine taste. The interiors are simple yet elegant, and the menu is extensive, with dishes influenced from Eastern to Western fare. But not known to many, Kusina’s gastronomic experience doesn’t always start in the kitchen. Right outside the restaurant is a well-maintained garden that organically grows a number of vegetables, herbs and spices. The kitchen staff take morning strolls through the garden picking only the best and the freshest choices that would go on a plate.
As Kusina takes care of nutrition, the resort has a mixed martial arts center with a fully equipped gym called Kombate, and one of the resort’s more unique offerings, a horse riding facility called Kuwadra, perfect for those into fitness. Sports enthusiasts can use the tennis and basketball courts, and they can also try any of the water sports available from riding paddle boards to hobie cats.
Sure, spending a good day by the beach or the pool is already a reward in itself. However, even more surprises await those who are willing to set out to sea.
Near the resort is Malapascua Island. Popular for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, travelers from all around the planet know Malapascua as an excellent dive spot. Resort guests can take a leisurely 40-minute boat ride, complete with bean bags and beds, that will take them to Kandaya’s own three hectare private beach property at Malapascua—a serving of paradise. Guests can choose to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling or diving, before heading back to the resort. Scuba diving in Malapascua’s world-famous dive sites such as Gato Island, a marine reserve and sanctuary and Monad Shoal, the only place in the world where divers can see the thresher sharks daily, may also be arranged.
After a full day, guests can choose to be pampered and reinvigorated at the resort’s Daya Spa, where a good massage, for most people, is the icing on top of the cake.
Kandaya Resort is located at Daanbantayan, which is at the northernmost tip of Cebu island. To get to the resort takes about a three- to four-hour drive from the Mactan Cebu International Airport. Transfers can be arranged and the resort vans are well stocked with refreshments, making the start and end of one’s Kandaya experience, a pleasant one.