I’ve always liked resorts with character. As soon as our van drove in at the Anika Island Resort in Sta Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, I thought those container-type accommodations look cozy. I haven’t tried staying in one so I was very curious how they manage to repurpose them as lodgings. Anika Island Resort already had a great location along a beautiful stretch of white sand beach on Bantayan Island and the added comfort of their facilities and services makes for a memorable leisure escape.
Accommodations
Anika Island Resort has a straightforward layout. From the parking area, all the rooms are located on the sides with the center serving as a direct pathway to the beach. Room tpes vary with the farthest from the beach as the cheapest. The Courtyard view, Garden View, Sunrise View, Ocean View and Sunset Villas in order with the Chloe Cafe found in the middle.
With high occupancy at that time, most of our group were on the Courtyard View but we didn’t mind as the beach is only a short walk. The rooms are not that different as well with 12sqm and 14sqm in size difference. It may not look big on paper but once inside, its impressive how they managed to maximize real-estate in this big can. Rooms can either be large queen beds or twin beds. We got a twin bed but they were able to squeeze in a cloths shelf, a side table, small cabinet, LCD TV on the wall and aircondition. The bathroom just have the proper proportion to move around. Not too big nor small either.
To make up for room size though is the spacious terrace with tables and chairs guest can hang around. Each room also have their own broom so people can sweep out any sands outside the room or the balcony. And before going up the stairs up, there’s a faucet for washing up unwanted grime. Wifi strength depends on the proximity of the rooms to the cafe where the router is located.
Chloe Cafe
The Chloe Cafe is a piece of work. It is spacious and airy structure made with materials from recycled metal scraps and wood. This place acts as the reception and dining area. I certainly liked their food. Their seafood are fresh and tasty. I also enjoyed their breakfast, especially their dried squid and danggit.
Summary
There’s a lot of good things going for Anika Island Resort. Aside from the good location along a white beach, the accommodations are modestly good but full of character at a price that’s just right. Service is warm and accommodating. Despite the distance from the Chloe Cafe to our room, staff would bring our orders with a smile. The place is really a great to relax and especially enjoy with friends and families. It’s easy to get lost in the moment just sitting under the shade on one of their lounge chairs by the beach and comfortably enjoy the tropical scenery.
Anika Island Resort
F. Roska St., Bantayan Island, Bantayan Island, Philippines 6047
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
