Your serene escape now comes with childcare

Tucked away in the coastal city of Sipalay, Manami is one of Negros Occidental’s best-kept secrets. It’s also one of only two Filipino properties accredited by the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

While this writer didn’t make the trip with the whole family—husband, a teenager, and two grade schoolers—I later found out that Manami offers trained babysitters (P500 per hour, per child), giving parents a chance to enjoy some well-earned grown-up time. It’s one of the few resorts in the country that offers high-end hospitality with a family-centered approach.

Though there’s no daycare facility just yet, it wouldn’t be surprising if one opens soon, given the direction Manami is headed. I even saw a travel video about Manami showing two staff members setting up a complimentary crib for a couple with an infant.

One kid-friendly activity already in place is snorkeling, guided by the resort’s resident marine biologist. While there’s no strict age requirement, children should be confident swimmers before diving in.

From Manila, guests can fly to either Dumaguete City (followed by a 2.5-hour van ride) or Bacolod City (a three- to four-hour drive). It’s not the quickest journey, but the resort’s private airport transfer service—a spacious van available for an additional fee—helps make it more comfortable. Just don’t forget to pack road trip games to keep the kids preoccupied.

Manami has 18 villas and suites, two of which were newly opened during our visit. We toured the two-bedroom ocean view villas (from P42,000), which can accommodate up to 12 guests when booked together. They share a private pool and boast some of the best sunset views on the 6-ha estate.

Each room spans at least 50 sqm. We stayed in an ocean view suite (from P18,000), but other options include the poolside suite (from P20,500), the deluxe villa (from P24,000), and the two-bedroom villa (from P36,000).

For couples hoping to make the most of their kid-free hours, Manami has more than a few romantic options. One is exploring the nearby islets by kayak—just the two of you, paddling into the sunset.

Just make sure to check in with the team at the Balas Experience Center before heading out. They also offer snorkeling, paddle boarding, jet-skiing, and the highly recommended boat ride to Campomanes Bay—more on this in a bit.

Another couples’ favorite is unwinding with sugarcane cocktails at the Hunas Sunset Deck and Bar. Hunas means “low tide” in Hiligaynon. Order a Manami mojito or tubo rum tiki and pair it with Spanish pintxos or tapas. We highly suggest you get a platter of berenjenas con miel—eggplant chips with honey pepper sauce.

Then there’s Linong Spa, which quickly became a personal favorite. Linong means “calm and peaceful,” and the experience lives up to the name. Book the couple’s room and choose from a range of massage options, including Linong Signature Touch, Traditional Filipino Touch, and even a Pregnancy Massage. Rates range from P2,200 to P4,200 for 60 minutes. You even get to choose from five signature oil blends.

Older kids can join you on a guided spelunking tour of Manami’s Bat Cave, just a short trek from the main villa. You can either complete the full cave circuit or stay near the entrance for photos. Either way, helmets are mandatory.

A personal highlight of the trip was the boat ride that took our group—this writer and fellow media delegates—on a scenic tour around Tinagong Dagat and Campomanes Bay. Manami’s crew came prepared, bringing along a speaker so we could set the mood with our own curated playlist. Picture this: cold sangria in hand, a spread of the freshest crabs, grilled bangus, pork belly, and garlic butter shrimp laid out before us. It was an unforgettable lunch on the water.

Part of the boat tour included a quick snorkeling session. Our marine biologist guide, who traded city life in Manila for Sipalay, told us it was the best decision she ever made. The ocean, she said, is now her office.

As we swam, she pointed out marine life, like the clownfish that looked straight out of “Finding Nemo,” or an unusually hued starfish. She also made sure to collect any stray plastic or fishing line along the way. It was a beautiful swim, made even better by its quiet sense of purpose.

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Back at the resort, the rest of the afternoon unfolded at our own pace. Some guests did yoga in their rooms; others explored the property on foot. I found myself drawn to the interiors—the warm tones, clean lines, and natural textures of the lounge, spa, and villas. I even took mental notes for my own home, which shares a similar palette.

Sipalay is known for its beaches and tight-knit diving community. Construction of Manami Resort began in 2018, under the vision of renowned architect Tonyboy Legaspi. The resort was set to open in 2020, but the pandemic pushed back the timeline. It finally welcomed guests in 2023.

Manami is a Hiligaynon word for “beautiful,” and in this context, it reflects the resort’s philosophy of living a beautiful life. Roaming the grounds are two peacocks that, as Giro Solatorio, Manami’s sales and marketing manager, joked, are “not wild, but semi-domesticated.” You’ll also spot a few hens, adding to the resort’s laid-back charm.

The main lounge is adorned with pieces by Selina Selma-Romualdez’s Obra Cebuana, while the villas and Lingaw—Manami’s all-day dining restaurant and café—feature statement fixtures from internationally acclaimed designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

In Hiligaynon, lingaw means “to entertain,” and the restaurant does just that with a menu that Solatorio said offers “Negrense dishes with a Spanish twist.” During our three-day stay, we sampled specialties like lechonito with mango chutney, seafood paella, kansi, binakol, kinilaw de Negros, and the seasonal pako pako salad.

I consider myself lucky to have experienced Manami with this particular group of journalists. Over shared meals and drinks, we touched on everything from wellness and spiritual healing to fashion journalism and generational quirks. It was one of those rare press trips that felt both enriching and grounding.

That’s why, to me, Manami Resort isn’t just a place to escape—but a place to recharge. Whether you’re with kids, a partner, or going solo, it offers more than just breathtaking sunsets and sea views. It’s the warmth, thoughtfulness, and sense of home that stay with you. I’m already dreaming of coming back—next time, with the whole family in tow.