Posh resort gains ground with luxury tourists
The seven-hectare Kandaya Resort is gaining popularity among luxury travelers, both domestic and foreign, after barely two years in operation.
Located in Barangay Agujo, Daanbantayan, Kandaya is the first posh boutique resort to be built in the northern outskirt of Cebu, which offers exclusive 18 luxury accommodation and 40 villas.
The resort noted strong booking performance from sophisticated Japanese tourists, long-staying divers from Europe, as well as affluent honeymooners from different countries, said the resort's general manager Fritz Sommerau.
Developed by MSY Holdings Inc., Kandaya Resort is now becoming one of Cebu's front-liners in attracting the luxury travel segment, specifically in showing off the tourism sparks of the province's countryside.
Its rural-feel combined with modern and luxurious facilities and unique positioning as "wellness" getaway, draw the interest of the discriminating markets, despite its subdued promotional efforts, said Sommerau.
Local guests from Cebu and from Manila are also continuously growing. Sommerau also sees big potential to appeal to corporate group bookings, incentive trips and specialty MICE bookings.
Cebu's natural tourism charm, according to the Swiss general manager is already a strong proposition to lure the high-spending travelers, only if there are right facilities to meet and accommodate their sophisticated needs.
Although Kandaya is also frequently visited by other nationalities like Americans, Europeans, the increase of Japanese and diver travelers is highly noticeable.
The resort, which is also positioned as health and fitness luxury resort to suit the demands of growing active and health-buff people, it is also at the same time highlights luxury as part of Cebu’s culture.
Kandaya Resort is also only 45 minutes away from the world's famous diving destination, the Malapscua Island. The resort is offering its private beach property for its guests to spend a day for different water sports activities, like snorkeling, among others.
In an interview earlier with MSY Holdings president and chief executive officer (CEO) Martin Philip S. Yeung, he said that another resort project will be launched this year in Malapascua.
According to Yeung, Malapascua as the haven of divers, backpackers, beach and nature lovers, MSY will spend to build a facility that would provide affordable accommodation service for this type of transients.
Initially, the company planned to build a super-high-end or six-star resort in the family's idle property in Malapascua. However, Yeung said the plan has changed, and some business models have to be altered to suit the actual need of the market.
The family owns huge hectarage of property on the island. The resort plan will be built on the beachfront property, Yeung said.
The success of Kandaya Resort and the promising tourism outlook for Cebu and the Philippines, pushed the company to expand its investment portfolio to build more tourism developments for Cebu, Yeung said.