Megan's Paradisio Beach Resort

This was the least expensive place I found in the area, and you can book it through several different sites. The facilities are basic, but the beach is accessible, and boat trips to coves and islands are available when the weather permits. During my visit, much of the place seemed to be under maintenance.

The staff were kind and really accommodating. They were easy to ask for recommendations, activities, or help booking an island hopping tour. The spot is well placed for affordable boat tours to the three islands, and after the rain let up the beach looked perfect. Swimming wasn’t advisable while the weather and waves were rough, though. We came in the off-season and had a pretty good trip. The room was okay, with working AC, clean sheets, and a comfortable bed. The small town has a few stores for essentials and a good American-style barbecue place nearby. For restaurants, a 7/11, Jollibee, or a bus stop back to Manila, you’ll need a trike into San Antonio’s main town. It was around 80 pesos for two, so not too bad. A relaxing weekend getaway, and I’d go back someday.

The stay was nice overall, and the other staff were pleasant, but there were a couple of letdowns. The cook seemed bothered when we asked about food, and the vegetables in the dish she offered weren’t cooked properly. The resort is right by the beach, though it was dirty. Maybe people use the main beach in San Felipe or go island hopping instead, but I hope they keep this stretch cleaner. The location was also inconvenient, with no nearby convenience store or restaurants. We booked hoping for a quiet place.

The property works well for families and groups, with room for social activities, enough parking for guests, and the option to bring food and prepare it on site. Grocery stores and wet markets are reachable by car. Restaurants are around too, though most are expensive. Tourists are charged a 20-peso environmental fee by the barangay government, and the clean beaches make it worthwhile. The owner and staff are very friendly, so this could have been a five-star stay. The problem was RedDoorz: communication with the hotel owner has to go through its staff, and the process is slow and troublesome. I’d recommend the property leave that brand.