Anika Island Resort (Santa Fe): Cebu Hotel Guide
Overview of Anika Island Resort
Anika Island Resort is one of the most beloved beachfront resorts in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. Known for its iconic container-style rooms, white-sand beachfront, and calm, family-friendly atmosphere, the resort has become a top choice for couples, families, and leisure travelers seeking a tropical escape on セブ島. Its direct beach access, peaceful ambiance, and warm hospitality make it ideal for guests who want a relaxing island getaway without sacrificing comfort.
Located just 10–15 minutes from the Santa Fe Ferry Terminal, Anika Island Resort offers a perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion. Whether you’re traveling from Cebu City via the Hagnaya Port or exploring Bantayan Island’s attractions such as Paradise Beach, Ogtong Cave, or Kota Park, the resort serves as an excellent base for your stay.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed information about room options, amenities, dining, nearby attractions, and helpful travel tips to make the most of your stay at Anika Island Resort.
Location and Access
Anika Island Resort is located on the southeastern coastline of Bantayan Island, within Santa Fe—an area known for its powdery white sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. The resort sits along a quiet stretch of beachfront, providing stunning sunrise views and a relaxing seaside atmosphere.
How to Get There
From Cebu City:
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Travel from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port (3–4 hours by bus or private van).
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Take the ferry from Hagnaya to Santa Fe Port (1–1.5 hours).
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From Santa Fe Port, take a tricycle to Anika Island Resort (10–15 minutes).
The resort’s location is perfect for island-hopping tours, snorkeling trips, or leisurely beach strolls along Santa Fe’s famous coastlines.
Room Types and Accommodation Features
Anika Island Resort offers a range of room categories designed with comfort and simplicity in mind. Their signature “Sunflower rooms,” made from refurbished shipping containers, are especially popular among travelers who want a unique island experience.
Beachfront Rooms
These rooms offer uninterrupted views of the sea, allowing guests to step directly onto the white sand beach. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or travelers who want a premium location.
Garden View Rooms
Centrally located within the resort, these rooms feature lush garden surroundings. They offer a peaceful environment ideal for families and solo travelers.
Ocean View Rooms
A favorite among guests who want scenic views without opting for full beachfront access. These rooms provide a comfortable balance of affordability and beautiful island scenery.
Family Rooms
Spacious rooms that can accommodate groups and families, offering extra bedding, larger floor space, and convenient access to resort amenities.
Room Amenities
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Air-conditioning
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Private bathroom with hot and cold shower
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Comfortable beds and linens
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Cable TV
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Veranda or balcony (for select rooms)
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Wi-Fi (in common areas; may be limited due to island connectivity)
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Complimentary toiletries
The minimalist and clean design ensures a refreshing stay, allowing guests to fully embrace the island environment.
Dining at Anika Island Resort: Chloe Café
The resort’s in-house restaurant, Chloe Café, serves a variety of Filipino and international dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood caught around Bantayan Island. Popular menu options include grilled fish, seafood platters, kinilaw, and breakfast favorites.
Dining Highlights
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Beachfront dining area with sea breeze views
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All-day dining (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Vegetarian options available
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Signature seafood dishes and grills
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Fresh fruit shakes and island-inspired beverages
Guests particularly enjoy dining during early mornings or late afternoons when the lighting and sea views are at their best.
Beachfront Experience
The main highlight of Anika Island Resort is its powdery white sand beachfront—one of the best in Santa Fe.
Features of the Beach
Visitors can spend their days swimming, sunbathing, taking photos, or simply unwinding with the natural ambiance of the island.
Activities and Things to Do
Bantayan Island offers a variety of outdoor adventures, and Anika Island Resort provides easy access to many of them.
Island-Hopping Tours
Explore nearby islands such as Virgin Island, a favorite for snorkeling and beachfront picnics. Tours can be arranged through local boatmen or travel kiosks in Santa Fe.
Snorkeling and Swimming
The waters around Bantayan are calm and crystal-clear, making them excellent for snorkeling. Various marine life can be spotted near coral areas.
Biking and Motorbike Rentals
Travelers can rent bicycles or motorbikes to explore Santa Fe’s beaches, markets, and quiet rural roads.
Visit Ogtong Cave
A small underground cave with a natural pool, located within a nearby resort and accessible with an entrance fee.
Kota Park
Located in Madridejos, this historical site offers a relaxing beachfront park and sunset views.
Paradise Beach
A serene and semi-secluded spot perfect for guests who want a quiet beach day away from the main tourist areas.
Resort Amenities and Services
Anika Island Resort delivers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Amenities
Services
The resort staff are known for being friendly, accommodating, and attentive to guest needs.
Why Stay at Anika Island Resort?
Anika Island Resort stands out as one of the most reliable and enjoyable accommodations in Santa Fe, offering a balance of affordability, beachfront access, and memorable island ambiance.
Reasons to Choose This Resort
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Excellent location on a pristine beach
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Unique room designs (container-style architecture)
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Ideal for couples, families, and groups
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Easily accessible from Santa Fe Port
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Close to dining, cafes, and town facilities
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Peaceful and well-maintained grounds
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Good value for money
Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a family vacation, or simply a relaxing beach holiday, Anika Island Resort offers everything needed for a memorable island experience.
Tips for Staying at Anika Island Resort
To help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip, here are some practical tips:
1. Book Early
The resort is popular year-round, especially during weekends, summer months, and holidays. Book several weeks in advance for the best room availability.
2. Bring Enough Cash
ATMs on Bantayan Island can be limited or offline. It’s best to carry cash for transport, dining, and activities.
3. Expect Island-Style Internet
Wi-Fi may not be strong or stable. Download maps and essential info beforehand.
4. Prepare for Ferry Schedules
Check the latest Hagnaya–Santa Fe ferry schedules, especially during bad weather seasons.
5. Enjoy Sunrise
The resort’s beachfront faces east—wake up early to catch beautiful morning views.
Best For
Anika Island Resort is recommended for:
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Couples – romantic beach walks and peaceful ambiance
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Families – safe swimming areas and spacious rooms
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Friends and Groups – island adventures and group-friendly amenities
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First-Time Visitors – convenient location and hassle-free experience
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Budget-Conscious Travelers – good quality at reasonable rates
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where is Anika Island Resort located in Bantayan Island?
Anika Island Resort is located in Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, off the northern coast of Cebu.
It sits along a white-sand beachfront on the southeastern side of the island, just a short
tricycle ride from the Santa Fe Ferry Terminal. The resort is conveniently placed near Santa Fe
town proper, where you can find small restaurants, convenience stores, and motorbike or bicycle
rentals, while still maintaining a peaceful and relaxed beachfront atmosphere.
How do I get to Anika Island Resort from Cebu City?
From Cebu City, travel first to the Cebu North Bus Terminal and take a bus or van bound for
Hagnaya Port. The land trip usually takes around 3–4 hours depending on traffic. From Hagnaya,
you board a ferry to Santa Fe Port on Bantayan Island, which typically takes 1–1.5 hours. Once
you arrive at Santa Fe Port, you can hire a tricycle directly to Anika Island Resort; the ride is
usually less than 15 minutes. It is a straightforward journey that many first-time visitors find
easy to follow.
What types of rooms are available at Anika Island Resort?
Anika Island Resort offers several room categories suitable for different types of travelers.
Guests can choose from beachfront rooms with direct sea views, ocean view rooms slightly set
back from the shore, and garden view rooms surrounded by greenery. There are also family rooms
designed to accommodate groups or families who need more space and additional bedding. Many of
the rooms are container-style units that have been converted into cozy, air-conditioned
accommodations with private bathrooms, making the stay both unique and comfortable.
Are the rooms air-conditioned and do they have private bathrooms?
Yes. Most guest rooms at Anika Island Resort are equipped with air-conditioning, which is
important in the tropical climate of Bantayan Island. Rooms come with private bathrooms that
usually feature hot and cold showers, basic toiletries, and towels. This setup allows guests to
enjoy an island setting without giving up essential comfort. If you have specific preferences,
such as hot shower availability or extra amenities, it is best to confirm these details when
reserving your room.
Is Anika Island Resort beachfront and how is the beach?
Anika Island Resort is directly beachfront, and one of its biggest attractions is the wide stretch
of white-sand shore right in front of the property. The sand is soft and powdery, and the water is
generally calm and shallow, making it suitable for swimming and for children to play near the
shore under supervision. The beachfront also offers scenic sunrise views and is ideal for
lounging, taking photos, or simply walking along the coast. Beach chairs and shaded areas are
usually available for in-house guests.
Is the resort suitable for families with children?
Yes, the resort is popular with families thanks to its safe beachfront, relaxed environment, and
family-friendly rooms. The shallow shoreline and gentle waves are generally ideal for kids,
though parents should still supervise their children while swimming. Some family rooms offer
additional beds and more floor space, making them comfortable for parents traveling with kids.
The open spaces around the resort and its calm atmosphere also provide a good environment for
families who want a quiet beach holiday.
What facilities and services does Anika Island Resort offer?
The resort typically offers a range of basic yet practical facilities aimed at leisure travelers.
Guests can enjoy a beachfront restaurant, lounge areas, a reception area for check-in and
inquiries, and landscaped walkways within the property. There is Wi-Fi access in selected
areas, though speeds may be limited due to island connectivity. Additional services may include
tour assistance, transportation coordination, and housekeeping. Facilities are designed to keep
the focus on the natural beach setting while still providing enough convenience for a comfortable
stay.
Is there a restaurant on site and what kind of food is served?
Yes, Anika Island Resort has its own in-house restaurant, often known for serving both Filipino
and international dishes. Guests can expect seafood specialties, grilled meats, local dishes like
kinilaw, and classic comfort food such as fried chicken, pasta, and breakfast plates. Fresh fruit
shakes, coffee, and cold drinks are usually available throughout the day. Many guests enjoy
having their meals in the open-air dining area while overlooking the beach, especially during
sunrise or early evening when the atmosphere is particularly relaxing.
Is Wi-Fi available at the resort and how reliable is it?
Wi-Fi is normally available in common areas such as the lobby or restaurant, and sometimes in
selected rooms. However, because Bantayan Island is a remote area, internet connectivity may not
be as fast or stable as in major cities. Guests who need to work online or stay constantly
connected are advised to prepare for slower speeds or occasional interruptions. Many travelers use
this as an opportunity to disconnect, but it is still wise to download offline maps and important
information before traveling to the island.
What activities can I do while staying at Anika Island Resort?
While staying at Anika Island Resort, you can enjoy a variety of beach and island activities.
Popular options include swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks right in front of the resort. You
can also arrange or join island-hopping tours to nearby destinations such as Virgin Island, where
you can snorkel and relax on more secluded beaches. Around Santa Fe and the rest of Bantayan
Island, you can visit Paradise Beach, Ogtong Cave, or Kota Park, as well as rent bicycles or
motorbikes to explore the countryside at your own pace.
When is the best time of year to stay at Anika Island Resort?
The best time to visit is generally during the dry months, which typically run from late November
to May, when the weather is sunnier and seas are calmer. These months are ideal for beach
activities, snorkeling, and island-hopping. However, this period can also be busier and more
popular with both local and foreign tourists, especially during holidays and long weekends. If you
prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting on weekdays outside of major holiday periods, but always
check weather forecasts and ferry schedules before you travel.
Do I need to book in advance and what should I prepare before my trip?
It is highly recommended to book your stay in advance, especially if you plan to visit on weekends,
summer months, or national holidays, as rooms can sell out quickly. Before your trip, prepare
enough cash because ATMs on the island are limited and may not always be reliable. It is also
helpful to confirm ferry schedules, bring sun protection, and pack any personal medications you
may need, since choices on the island can be limited. With a confirmed booking and some basic
preparation, your stay at Anika Island Resort is likely to be smooth and enjoyable.
