Coral Cay Resort and Dive Shop opened in 1997. It is managed by an American, David Gerdin and his wife, who hails from Siquijor. The resort is very pleasant and well-maintained as it is. But its owner, David, a former building specialist, never run out of ideas for improving it, (particularly the construction of a swimming pool). The resort was constructed with utmost care, keeping eye on details; bright red lights in the bedrooms, fans that actually work, a safety box in the air-conditioned cottage and a sliding panel separating the terraces of certain semi-detached cottages.

The garden is planted with coconut trees, orchids and hibiscus. The resort has a large beach frontage where the restaurant, a big building completely open to the outdoors, is located. A bar made of bamboo has high stools arrange to face the sea. Green plants in earthenware jars decorate the area. A big, stone barbecue grill nearby promises grilled fish and seafood caught the day itself.

The bamboo cottages on the beach are the most pleasant. On the whole, the cottages are spacious with the exception of the standard ones which are a little smaller. Each differs slightly in style and decor. The floors are made of beautiful wood, the walls blending plaited bamboo and white pebbled-washed walls. The beds, covered in gaily colored blankets, are made of intertwined bamboo poles. The bathrooms have white floors with gray or beige marble walls. There are also the superb and huge Beach Aircon Deluxe room with its subtle decor and furnishings.

The economy rooms are in a low building at the back of the garden. Although they are small and a bit dark, they are also immaculately clean and functional.

The 4-kilometer long gold sand beach in front of the resort is particularly pretty, the hammocks suspended between the palm trees inviting relaxation. The warmth and enthusiasm of the owner is indeed a plus for this resort.

How to get there

From Manila by air, land and sea, 75-minute flights on Air Philippines or Cebu Pacific from Manila to Dumaguete, 10 minutes by car from Dumaguete airport to Dumaguete harbor, 45 minutes by ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor Island. There are two ferries: Delta I arriving in Larena and Delta Car Ferry arriving in Siquijor town.

More photos here