Have you ever arrived at a beach destination and instantly felt your shoulders drop—like your body finally remembered how to relax?
That’s exactly how our stay at Sorana Island Villas in Bantayan Island began.
If you’re searching for a peaceful beachfront resort in Bantayan Island—one that’s quiet, uncrowded, family-friendly, and designed for slow living—this review will give you a real, honest glimpse of what it’s like to stay at Sorana Island Villas, straight from our own family experience.
The Story Behind Sorana Island Villas
Sorana Island Villas isn’t just another beach resort—it’s a place built with heart.
The name Sorana means “one as beautiful as dawn or a summer sky,” and it couldn’t be more fitting. Located on the sunrise side of Bantayan Island, this tropical-modern beachfront villa treats guests to soft pastel skies every morning—one of those quiet moments that feels almost sacred.
The resort is an 8-bedroom luxury vacation rental, thoughtfully designed to welcome families and large groups who want to experience island life without the noise or crowds. The owners share deep roots with Bantayan Island, and Sorana feels like a symbol of new beginnings—calm, warm, and intentionally slow.
It’s the kind of place where mornings start barefoot on the sand, and days unfold without rushing.
Our Stay: Four Nights of Beachfront Bliss
We stayed four nights at Villa Pandanus, booking one of the Deluxe Suites in Villa Pandanus and one of the Standard Rooms at Villa Palo Maria, and honestly—it was hard to leave.
Our room was just a few steps from the beach, which meant waking up to ocean views and falling asleep to the sound of gentle waves. The room was spacious, spotless, and private, perfect for families who want comfort without feeling cramped.
Room features included:
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Desk area
- Patio with garden views
Everything felt thoughtfully arranged—simple, clean, and designed to make you feel at home rather than like you’re in a hotel.
Resort Amenities: Simple, Thoughtful, and Relaxing
Sorana Island Villas focuses on comfort and shared experiences rather than flashy extras—and we loved that.
Property highlights include:
- Lush tropical gardens
- Cozy lounge and outdoor seating areas
- A self-service bar
- A fully equipped shared kitchen (great for families!)
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Free parking
It felt more like staying in a beautifully designed beach home than a commercial resort.
Food & Dining: Personal and Homey
While Sorana Island Villas doesn’t have a full restaurant, breakfast is served daily—either à la carte or Asian-style.
Our booking included breakfast, and we were genuinely impressed by how attentive and caring the staff were. Meals felt personal, not rushed.
You can also:
- Ask staff to cook meals for you
- Buy your own groceries and use the kitchen
- Enjoy barbecue facilities for relaxed family dinners
Tip: If you’re traveling with kids or a big group, this setup is incredibly convenient.
Beachfront Access & Sunrise Views
One of Sorana’s biggest strengths is its direct beachfront location.
The resort sits along a long stretch of white sand beach, shared with well-known resorts like Santa Fe Beach Club and Anika Beach Resort—but Sorana remains noticeably quieter and more private.
And the sunrise? Absolutely magical.
If you’re an early riser—or someone learning to be one—this is the place.
Getting There & Location
Our booking included roundtrip van transfers from Santa Fe Port, which made arrival and departure completely stress-free—especially with kids.
Nearby attractions include:
- Santa Fe Port – main entry point to Bantayan Island
- Sugar Beach – about 2 km away
- Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Garden – a must-visit during a Bantayan land tour
Nearby Restaurants You’ll Love
If you feel like dining out, Sorana Island Villas is close to some of Santa Fe’s most popular restaurants, including:
- Bantayan Burrito Company – casual and crowd-favorite
- Anika Island Resort Restaurant – known for fresh seafood and Filipino dishes
- MJ Square – a food hub with multiple dining options
Everything is just a short ride away.
Is Sorana Island Villas Worth It?
Absolutely. We stayed with my husband and our two daughters, and our overall experience was excellent.
Our Rating
The only thing my kids wished for? A swimming pool—and the good news is, the staff mentioned that one is planned for the future, which would make this place even more perfect for families.
Sorana Island Villas isn’t about luxury in the flashy sense—it’s about peace, connection, and slowing down. If you’re craving a quiet beachfront stay in Bantayan Island where mornings are gentle and family moments feel unhurried, this place truly delivers.
Sometimes, the best vacations aren’t packed with activities—they’re the ones that let you breathe. And Sorana is exactly that kind of place.
Website: www.soranaislandvillas.com
Booking: We booked directly via email
Travels by Cheryl Anne 