Let’s unearth the golden jewel of the North and one of the top luxury resort in Cebu, Philippines – The Golden Sands Destination Resort. As the long stretch of white sand kisses the calm waves, towering coconut trees are swaying in the heat of the sun like a warm hug that increases coziness to the place. As you wander in the beach, you can feel the breeze of summer air and the fragrant salty smell you needed. The serene place we needed from the bustling little town we always grind, the place of harmony from our discorded thoughts and the home of joy to our agony.
𝓗𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓸 𝓗𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓶𝓾𝓷𝓲𝓽𝔂! Marycris here. Let me take you to our little Hiventure as we celebrated our 9th Anniversary as a couple in Daanbantayan’s newest gem.
Following Christmas Season, the next beautiful time of the year for me would be the Dry Season. Now in Philippines, PAGASA officially declares start of hot dry season in which we Filipinos commonly use the term “Summer”.
Nine years of being together was such a roller coaster ride for us and so we took a trip that we both deserved. The sun hitting your skin, the ocean's breeze engulfing your body and the sands on your feet. What could be more amazing? A day to relax and just loose sounds in the beach like a perfect getaway.
We prepared the essential things to bring like vaccination card, my menthol eucalytptus oil and my OOTDs which to my surprise matches the ambiance of the place.😄 Thank you also to my supportive colleague Nenin of @lakwatserangtihik for lending her summer hat to me which unexpectedly also matches my outfit.😀
We walked in by the resort and greeted with a warm welcome by their staff for registration and undergo some misting and procedures for safety purposes. As we walked inside their gates, a golden picturesque then gently unfolds within our eyes.
THE VILLAS
The villas are one of the things that you’ll like about the place. Located at the edge of the lagoon. They are pricy which is just reasonable considering the amazing view it offers for both the ocean and the lake.
Rates:
Garden Villas: 8400 php ($168) per night with free breakfast for two pax
Lagoon Villas: 12000 php ($250) per night with free breakfast for two pax
Family Villas: 18300 php ($366) per night with free breakfast for two pax
They also offer a Day Use for 950 php ($19) which we availed that includes 450 php ($9) consumable for food and drinks, a beach and pool access, beach towel and free kayaking.
THE RESTAURANT
As soon as we arrived into the resort, we immediately headed to the restaurant since the 3 hour ride is enough for us to feel hungry. We took some pictures while waiting for our orders to be served.
We ordered our favorites: sizzling gambas, grilled grand marnier steak with sauce which satisfied our cravings. And some mango and vanilla smoothie which quenched our thirsts.
We recorded ourselves in a video like a mukbang vlogger eating in a fine dining restaurant.😀
While having our lunch, I could not help myself from marveling around the beautiful sights in front of me.😍 What a lovely date it is!
THE LAGOON
This water feature is perfect for the kayaking activity which stretches our muscle in every rowing stroke while appreciating the marine life behind us. The lagoon was the one separating the villas and the beach.
The lagoon provides a wooden foot bridge where you can access in going to the beach. This is one of our favorites of the Instagrammable spots of the resort. With just a timer and a tripod, it captures our memory in that beautiful place.
We also considered this place as one of our location for our pre nup shoot but since we did not push through, we promised ourselves that we would definitely come here. Our heart is full!
THE POOL AREA
Another option to enjoy the stay is through swimming on this pool which is free for use to those availing the day use package and checked in guests.
THE BEACH
This is the main attraction of the resort. The beach is a long stretch of uninterrupted white sands which is probably one of longest in the Mainland Cebu. The beach plus the calm ocean evokes a sense of serenity and tranquility.
The towering coconut trees situated along the beach brings us into a tropical state of mind and provides us shades and used as our hiding spots when heat touches our skin and becomes overwhelming throughout the day. We also found a slanting coconut tree then climb and rested there like a monkey.😂
A number of cottages, recliners and sunbeds can also be seen along the beach placed within a distant from each other where you can take a rest quietly and enjoy quality time while hearing the sound of the waves.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Aside from kayaking, the resort offers stand up paddle boat and biking for rentals @ 200 php ($4) good for one hour. This is the resort’s way to promote a healthy lifestyle.
We rented a fat bike and it was such an adventure ride since the sand’s beach did really test our stability and balance while boosting our adrenaline. We really had a good time stretching our muscles though pedaling against loose sands while exploring the vast expanse of resort.
Aside from those mentioned activities, you can perform a yoga or any exercise you want since the property offers a lot of open spaces. This is really a perfect place to meditate while feeling the breeze engulfing your body.
Aesthetic hammocks suspended between coconut trees are also perfect if you want to spend a lazy day on the beach.
And to complete our experience before consuming our day use package, we were greeted by this lovely golden sunset and it feels like a comfort of home to watch something beautiful in the horizon.
From the golden ambiance of the place, the golden services it offers, my golden outfit and this golden sunset. I can say that it was Indeed a Golden Stay for us in Golden Sands Destination Resort! A perfect place to regenerate my soul and uplift my senses. We would definitely come back.
That's it and see you on our next Hiventure!
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS POST!
CrisLandingOnÑo is a couple who created this blog to build a place to store precious moments and memories and share backpacking travel experiences, life adventures, wedding budget tips, food trips, marathon tips, and many more. .
Inspired by the famous Korean drama on Netlfix “Crash Landing On You”, Marycris and Niño are two opposite beings crashing to each other.
They are a couple who never says no to new adventures. So if you are inspired by what this couple just wrote here, an upvote is pretty appreciated. STAY TUNED for CrisLandingOnÑo's new episodes to be released SOON!