Anika Island Resort

Manager Ms. Love went out of her way to help us contact the Sta. Fe Tourism Office about our island hopping booking, which was cancelled because of bad weather even though we’d already paid a down payment. We really appreciated her kindness. She lives up to her name. We found Anika Beach and Resort in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island peaceful and cozy, with a well-kept pool, beachfront seating with lovely views, and a refined, relaxing feel. From arrival onward, the team was caring and well organized. Communication was clear and respectful, and whenever we had a request, they were easy to reach and quick to help. The staff were approachable and friendly, and the service was excellent. Daghang salamat sa inyong tanan for making us feel so welcome. We highly recommend the resort and hope to stay again.

The room was cozy and a nice place to relax after exploring, and we really enjoyed the food and its range of choices. Everyone was kind and friendly, always ready to help. The facilities were well kept, too, and the price felt very reasonable for the service and amenities. I had a lovely time at Anika Island Resort and would recommend it for an affordable, relaxing getaway.

A few things made our three-night visit enjoyable: the resort is attractive, with lovely maintained gardens and a long, well-kept pool. It’s built cleverly from shipping containers, and there’s a free van ride to and from the port. It’s near Hagnaya Port and town, where a Tuk Tuk cost 30 pesos per person as of Jan. ‘26. The breakfast restaurant was nice, and most of the food we tried was very good. See my review of Chloe Cafe. The units are practical and have a balcony with a table and chairs. My wife, her sister, her husband, and I stayed together. The staff after check-in were respectful and friendly, but the initial welcome wasn’t as warm as we’re used to in The Philippines. The focus was on rules and surcharges for bringing outside food and drinks. It didn’t upset me much, but knowing their own food and drinks cost more made me less inclined to eat or drink there. There’s no way to make tea or coffee in the units. Tea at the cafe is 75 p, while a cappuccino is $135 p if the machine works, and it didn’t. My brother in law couldn’t swap the brewed coffee included with his set breakfast for tea. Everything seems to go strictly by the rules. We also had to report our room number whenever we came back, which gave me an odd feeling of being tracked in a controlled facility. There was only a sheet on the bed. When we asked for a blanket, we got another sheet. Only one room key was provided, so the aircon can’t be left on. Tiny ants also get into snacks in the room. We enjoyed staying at Anika on Bantayan Island, but it’d be more enjoyable with a little more flexibility and less control.

Here now, March 4, 2026. The pool and staff are the only good parts, though I have a nicer pool at home and great staff too. The beach is crap and the room is just meh. Blinds. They don’t tell you breakfast isn’t included, they just ask you to sign a form, and after a seven-hour plane trip and the ferry, you’re too tired to read it. Sorana next door has infinitely better accommodation, and Virgin Island has the beach this place shows in its photos. They wouldn’t let us cancel our last night, or we’d have moved. A nope from me :(