In 1983, a German national, Hannah who was a passionate diver, settled on Panagsama Beach and opened a restaurant named Hanna’s Place near the Seaquest Dive Center where she taught diving. The restaurant became a great success — inspiring her to build her own house near the restaurant. In 1997, she decided to convert her house that it is today.

The resort’s location at the extreme north of the beach — at he end of the track used by all the establishments in the area — gives it the dual advantage of peace and quiet. It was Eddie, the owner of Ravelana Beach Bungalows, who designed the house that immediately strikes you with its white, metal sheet roof. The climbing plants and flowers that color the facade make a break in the structure’s neat lines. Inside, a gleaming red-tiled corridor leads to the three standard rooms with Japanese-styled sliding doors. The corridor also leads to a large and pretty covered terrace, which leads to the two family rooms that open onto it. There is a little rattan chairs, where complimentary coffee or tea is served. From here, you can have a view of the sea down below and in the foreground, a beautiful red and brown tree.

The terrace is literally invaded with plants and climbing flowers — hibiscus, bougainvilleas and orchids. A huge tree with a twisted, tortured trunk goes right through the ceiling. The rooms are bright, comfortable and tastefully decorated, with white walls and marble floors contrasting with the warmth of the wood ceiling and furniture. Indonesian batik bedcovers give a touch of color and cheer. Each bedroom also has its own marble bathroom.

A staircase descends from the terrace to the beach below. This pleasant second terrace is furnished with deck chairs where you can sit and catch a bit of sun. Since the typhoon in 1984, the beach has unfortunately been reduced to a small strip of sand. But in just a few strokes, you can reach a deep ridge where snorkeling is possible. Furthermore, the nearby Seaquest Dive Center offers scuba diving courses. It also organizes excursions to the attraction of Moalboal.

Only breakfast is served in the guesthouse, but for the other meals, you can walk to Hanna’s Restaurant just a stone’s throw away. The mouth-watering aroma of the garlic-flavored cuisine and the essence of the cocktails continue to attract an enthusiastic clientele. The nice view of the Straits of Tanon also makes the restaurant an extremely pleasant place to relax in.

How to get there

By air and land, 75-minute daily flights on Air Philippines Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit or PAL from Manila to Cebu. 3 hours by car from Cebu Mactan Airport to the resort. Two possible routes: (1) through Carcar and Barili, and (2) through the Transcentral Highway which starts at Nivel Hills (the road going to Cebu Plaza Hotel) going to Busay Hills then to the mountain roads of Taptap, Sibugay and Catimpla.

Rates:

• DeLuxe room    $50 per night
• Standard room   $40 per night
• incl. breakfast

full board             $25 per person

• Car good for 2 persons / per car $110

Van good for 3-6 persons / per van $190

• Coaster good for 14 persons / per coaster $375

Amenities & Services:

• Restaurants
• Seaquest Dive Center
• PADI dive-courses
• 20-minute boat trip
• Orchid Farm