Salaya Beach Houses

難得的度假村

Salaya is lovely in most regards, and we would definitely return to Dauin. Pros: Gorgeous grounds, range of types of accommodation, friendly staff at dive shop and in both the restaurant and pool/bar areas, very nice pool and rooms with views, small/boutique-hotel feeling, and amazing, full, fresh breakfasts made to order (try the chia pudding with mango!). In addition, the 2-for-1 happy hour brings the total cost of 2 drinks down to about the level you would expect to pay at other bars or hotels in Dauin. Cons: 1. Prices for food, drinks, and diving are all significantly higher than at other nearby/Dauin resorts, and the dive pricing was not posted on Salaya's website, so was unknown to us until after arrival and discussion with front desk staff. 2. The dive trip to Apo had a further, substantial add-on charge for use of the boat that seemed excessive relative to other Apo trip charges at nearby dive shops. 3. On checking in to our Ocean View Suite (which we had chosen partly because it has a full kitchen), we were told there is an extra fee of $100 USD per day for actual use of the kitchen stove or range. This is written on their information sheet in the room, but we had not seen anything about this during our booking process or pre-arrival communications with Salaya, so we were disappointed. The kitchen also was stocked with exactly two glasses, two mugs, two plates, and silverware for two, but lacked any pots, pans, spices, oil, blender, cutting board, knives, or basic utensils that would be needed for cooking or even cold lunch food prep. Perhaps those are provided if you request to pay the $100 per day to use the oven or range? Dials/controls on the range controls have also been removed to prevent any use without prior arrangement. This all felt a bit off-putting, when most of the area has such an inviting, easy-going, and trusting approach. Though we liked our interactions with the dive shop crew and enjoyed the food we had at Salaya, the pricing for dives, meals, and spa services were such that we ended up walking a bit down the beach or into town to take advantage of other options in the area, and that felt like the best of both worlds.

This place is magic on earth. Salaya is not just a hotel/guest house - the ambiance and feel is like no other place we have stayed in the Philippines. All the staff were incredibly welcoming and passionate about the property and made sure we had an experience to remember. The gardens and pool area is so tranquil, with all rooms having a beautiful view of the sea. We stayed in Porcelain which was a two bed apartment - our family was 2 adults and 3 children - we had plenty of space. The diving is like no other. The service from the initial briefing and getting kitted up to getting out of the sea after a dive to warm towels (!) is first class. We literally didn’t lift a finger (we felt incredibly spoilt!). We enjoyed exquisite drinks and food on board, and snorkellers in our party were welcome with reefs we dived at were also catered to them. We dived on three days of our stay with our Junior Open water qualified children (but there is an opportunity to do Discover Scuba Diving if you are not qualified). We thoroughly recommend the day trip to Apo Island - turtles guaranteed, a beautiful crossing and wonderful staff on board to cater for your every wish. A special shout out to Jomer and Joel who were incredibly kind and patient with our young divers (aged 10 and 11) giving them confidence to experience some incredible dive sites. Salaya is heaven on earth, and what has been created here is incredible. There is nothing they haven’t thought of to make your holiday perfect. We are already saving for our return trip.

Sorry for the long review, the resort could not be described in a few words as it is a very WONDERFUL place to stay. This is the 4th time we have stayed here in a matter of every 3 years. Unlike other high-end resorts, Salaya never seem to age in terms of building structure, quality facilities and services, cleanliness, and most importantly the courteousness of the officers staff. The rooms are SOOOO spacious and VEEERRYYY CLEAN. You would at times feel not wanting to go out of their rooms. When you go out, the place is nature themed and truly feels like paradise!!! And outside… EVERYTHING IS SO CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEA … the grounds, the pool, the resto, the poolside bar, and the beach front Special mention to Ms Carol and Mr Narciso who are heading the resort and so hospitable… i know they have done so much work and close supervision to maintain the top-notch, sterling and first rate over-all quality of Salaya. For those who are sensitive to how resort personnel interacts with guests, this is not an overstatement… the personnel from front desk, resto, housekeeping, including security guards are so very courteous, efficient, kind and very respectful. Even when you just happen to pass by one of the personnel while walking around, they take time to greet you as you pass by them. This is not true in other resorts… thus very good training Salaya 👍🏻 One would feel so much peace, fun, relaxed, joyful and makes you “hate” to check-out and leave the resort.

Its very beautiful and well kept resort, nice small size and with pleasant atmosphere, very spacious villas, equipt with cooking facilities for the ones which do not want to let the chefs of the resort treat them. Villas are clean and furnished with style. The garden areas are kept very nice and clean and the pool is great. Restaurant Food is very good and i have not found a single dish on the menu i did not enjoy. Breakfast with good selection and well prepared. All Staff is super helpfull , friendly and super efficient. All always with a big smile at all times. Thanks for making our stay memorable

Everything we’ve experienced, the grounds, the luxe accommodations, the food, spa services and delightful staff has provided us with the most magical get away. We highly recommend Salaya. Picture perfect setting we hated to leave! Luckily we live in the Philippines and we will visit often!