Hoyohoy Villas (Santa Fe): Cebu Hotel Guide
Overview of Hoyohoy Villas
Hoyohoy Villas is one of the most charming beachfront accommodations in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island. Known for its rustic luxury design, serene beachfront ambience, and Filipino-inspired architecture, the resort offers a relaxing environment for travelers who want peace, comfort, and direct access to the island’s stunning coastlines. Unlike large commercial resorts, Hoyohoy Villas focuses on spacious villas, handcrafted details, and a peaceful atmosphere that appeals to couples, families, and travelers seeking a tranquil escape.
Located just a few minutes from the Santa Fe port, the resort also provides excellent convenience for guests arriving by ferry from Cebu. It sits along one of the best stretches of beach in Santa Fe, offering soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and spectacular sunrise views. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a quiet beach vacation, Hoyohoy Villas offers a premium island experience with local charm.
Location and Accessibility
Hoyohoy Villas is situated along the scenic Santa Fe beachfront, one of the most visited and picturesque areas of Bantayan Island. The location is ideal for beach lovers who want privacy without being far from restaurants, cafés, markets, and popular attractions around Santa Fe town.
How to Get There
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From Cebu City: Take a bus or private van from the North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port (approximately 3–4 hours).
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From Hagnaya Port: Board the ferry to Santa Fe Port (1 hour).
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From Santa Fe Port: Hoyohoy Villas is only a 5–10 minute tricycle ride.
Because of its easy accessibility and proximity to essential areas in town, the resort is a preferred choice for first-time visitors and those with limited travel time.
Accommodation and Room Features
Hoyohoy Villas offers a boutique-style accommodation concept, with each villa uniquely designed to reflect traditional Filipino aesthetics combined with modern conveniences. The villas feature native materials such as bamboo, wood, and nipa, giving them an earthy and cozy ambiance.
Types of Villas
Although the resort has a limited number of units, each villa is spacious and designed to provide maximum comfort and privacy. Common features include:
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King-sized beds with premium linens
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Air-conditioning and ceiling fans
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Private balconies or terraces
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Elegant wooden furniture
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Spacious bathrooms with hot and cold shower
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Garden and/or ocean views
The layout and design focus on open spaces, natural ventilation, and a relaxing island vibe, making it ideal for travelers seeking quiet and intimate surroundings.
Facilities and Amenities
Hoyohoy Villas offers a set of well-curated amenities that enhance comfort while preserving the resort’s serene atmosphere.
Resort Facilities
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Beachfront area with loungers
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Beautiful landscaped garden
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On-site restaurant offering Filipino and international dishes
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Outdoor seating areas ideal for relaxation
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Massage services (upon request)
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Free Wi-Fi in common areas
The design emphasizes tranquility, making it a great choice for honeymooners, couples celebrating special occasions, and travelers wanting a slow-paced island experience.
Dining Experience
The on-site restaurant at Hoyohoy Villas serves a selection of local Filipino meals and well-loved international dishes. Guests enjoy dining with a view of the gardens or beach, especially during sunrise.
What to Expect
The resort’s dining options complement Bantayan Island’s culinary offerings, and guests can easily explore nearby restaurants and cafés in Santa Fe town.
Beachfront Experience
One of the biggest highlights of Hoyohoy Villas is its direct access to Santa Fe’s pristine coastline. The beach in front of the resort features:
Guests can relax on beach loungers, stroll along the coastline, or take photos of the picturesque beachfront. The area is peaceful compared to busier parts of Santa Fe, making it ideal for quiet beach vacations.
Activities and Things to Do
While Hoyohoy Villas encourages a restful stay, Bantayan Island offers numerous activities for those who want exploration and adventure.
Nearby Activities
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Island hopping to Virgin Island and Hilantagaan
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Beach biking along Santa Fe
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Kayaking and paddleboarding (available through local rentals)
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Visiting Ogtong Cave
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Exploring Bantayan Town Proper
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Watching sunrises along the coast
The resort staff can also help arrange tours, transportation, and other activities upon request.
Who Should Stay at Hoyohoy Villas?
Hoyohoy Villas caters to travelers looking for a peaceful and nature-inspired environment. It is ideal for:
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Couples and honeymooners seeking romance
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Solo travelers wanting peace and quiet
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Small families looking for a calm beachfront stay
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Travelers who prefer boutique resorts instead of large hotels
Its serene ambience and premium villas make it a perfect choice for those prioritizing relaxation.
Pros and Cons
Like any resort, Hoyohoy Villas has strengths as well as points to consider.
Pros
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Boutique, exclusive vibe
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Beautiful beachfront
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Spacious villas with Filipino-inspired design
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Quiet and romantic environment
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Close to Santa Fe port and restaurants
Cons
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Limited number of rooms (early booking required)
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Higher rates compared to basic accommodations
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Fewer activities directly inside the resort (but plenty nearby)
For travelers who value tranquility and aesthetics, the pros significantly outweigh the cons.
Tips for Staying at Hoyohoy Villas
Here are some practical tips for planning your stay:
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Book early, especially during peak seasons (Holy Week, Christmas, summer).
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Request a beachfront villa if you want the best views.
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Bring cash, as some establishments in Bantayan Island may not accept cards.
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Rent a bicycle or scooter for easier exploration of Santa Fe.
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Check ferry schedules in advance, especially during holidays or rainy season.
Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable holiday.
Final Thoughts
Hoyohoy Villas offers an exceptional boutique-resort experience on Bantayan Island. With its tranquil setting, beautifully designed villas, and direct beachfront access, it stands out as one of Santa Fe’s most charming stays. It perfectly combines local Filipino artistry with modern comfort, giving guests an unforgettable island vacation.
If you’re looking for a quiet, aesthetically pleasing, and romantic place to stay in Santa Fe, Hoyohoy Villas is an excellent choice.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where is Hoyohoy Villas located in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island?
Hoyohoy Villas is located along the beachfront area of Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, off the northern coast of Cebu. It sits on a quiet stretch of white-sand beach but is still within a short tricycle ride of Santa Fe town proper, the port, and local restaurants and cafés. The location is ideal if you want easy access to the sea while staying close to basic conveniences such as small shops and rental services.
How do I get to Hoyohoy Villas from Cebu City?
From Cebu City, you typically travel by bus or private vehicle from the North Bus Terminal to Hagnaya Port, which takes around three to four hours depending on traffic. From Hagnaya, you board a ferry to Santa Fe Port on Bantayan Island, with a crossing time of about one hour. Upon arrival at Santa Fe Port, you can hire a tricycle and reach Hoyohoy Villas in roughly five to ten minutes. It is recommended to check the latest bus and ferry schedules in advance, especially during holidays or bad weather.
What type of rooms or villas are available at Hoyohoy Villas?
Hoyohoy Villas focuses on spacious, villa-style accommodations rather than standard hotel rooms. The villas usually feature large beds, native wooden interiors, open layouts, and either garden or partial sea views. Many units include private terraces or balconies where you can relax in a quiet setting. Because it is a boutique property with a limited number of villas, it is wise to book early if you are traveling during peak periods.
What in-room amenities can I expect?
Typical in-room amenities at Hoyohoy Villas include comfortable beds with quality linens, air-conditioning, a private bathroom with hot and cold shower, and basic toiletries. Some villas also have seating areas, wardrobes, and a veranda or patio where guests can sit outdoors. While the resort aims to provide comfort, it retains a rustic, nature-inspired atmosphere, so the feel is more “island boutique” rather than ultra-modern city hotel. For very specific needs, you should confirm details with the property before booking.
Does Hoyohoy Villas have a restaurant on-site?
Yes, Hoyohoy Villas typically has an on-site restaurant or dining area where guests can enjoy Filipino and international dishes. Breakfast options are often available, and many guests appreciate being able to dine without leaving the property, especially in the early morning or late evening. Since menus and operating hours can change, it is a good idea to confirm current offerings or request sample menus from the resort or your booking platform before arrival.
Is the beachfront suitable for swimming and relaxing?
The resort is situated along a white-sand beachfront with generally calm, shallow waters that are suitable for casual swimming and wading. Guests can usually enjoy beach walks, sunrise viewing, and sunbathing on loungers or beach chairs. As with any island destination, conditions such as tides, seaweed presence, and weather can vary by season, so it is always best to stay mindful of local advice and posted safety notices when entering the water.
What activities can I do while staying at Hoyohoy Villas?
While the atmosphere at Hoyohoy Villas is peaceful and geared toward relaxation, there are plenty of activities nearby. Guests often join island-hopping tours to places like Virgin Island, rent bicycles or scooters to explore Santa Fe, or visit local attractions such as Ogtong Cave and Bantayan Town proper. Simple activities like sunrise watching, reading by the beach, or enjoying a quiet massage are also popular. Many tours and activities can be arranged through local operators or with help from the resort staff.
Is Hoyohoy Villas suitable for couples and honeymooners?
Yes, Hoyohoy Villas is often recommended for couples and honeymooners because of its intimate, low-density layout and romantic beachfront setting. The villas are spaced to preserve privacy, and the overall vibe is quiet and laid-back rather than busy and crowded. Many couples choose the resort for special occasions such as anniversaries, proposals, or post-wedding getaways. If you are celebrating something special, you can ask the property in advance about simple arrangements like room decorations or private dinners, if available.
Can families with children stay at Hoyohoy Villas?
Families with children can also enjoy staying at Hoyohoy Villas, especially if they prefer a calm environment rather than a large, noisy resort. The beachfront is generally gentle and shallow, which can be good for supervised play in the sand and water. However, because the resort emphasizes peace and privacy, it may feel more relaxed than child-focused. Parents should always supervise kids closely near the beach, walkways, and any elevated areas, and may want to bring their own beach toys or entertainment.
Does the resort offer Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity?
Wi-Fi is usually available in common areas and sometimes in the villas, but speeds can be modest and may fluctuate depending on network conditions and the number of connected guests. Bantayan Island is still a provincial destination, so you should not expect the same connectivity quality as in major cities. Travelers who need to work online or stay constantly connected may want to prepare a local SIM card with mobile data as a backup and plan their online tasks accordingly.
What are the typical check-in and check-out times?
Many resorts in Bantayan Island, including boutique properties like Hoyohoy Villas, typically set check-in time in the afternoon and check-out time in the late morning. However, exact times can vary by property and by season. It is best to refer to the booking confirmation or contact the resort directly for the most accurate check-in and check-out schedule. If you are arriving early or leaving late, you can inquire about luggage storage or the possibility of early check-in or late check-out, which may be subject to availability and additional fees.
Is advance booking necessary, and when should I reserve?
Because Hoyohoy Villas operates more like a boutique resort with a limited number of villas, advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during peak seasons. Popular times include Holy Week, Christmas and New Year holidays, and the summer months when domestic tourism is high. Booking several weeks or even months in advance increases your chances of securing your preferred dates and villa type. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible in low season, but availability is never guaranteed.
What should I prepare before traveling to Hoyohoy Villas?
Before your trip, it is wise to confirm your ferry schedule, keep screenshots or printouts of your booking, and prepare enough cash, as smaller island businesses may have limited card facilities. Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as insect repellent for evenings. If you have specific dietary requirements or medical needs, contact the resort in advance so they can advise what is realistically available on-site or nearby. Finally, review recent guest feedback and any updated announcements from the property to make sure you have the latest information on services and policies.
