Camaya Coast

The 35-room Camaya Coast hotel is a fairly small and intimate property that belongs to a larger residential development that’s home to another sister hotel, the Aqua Fun. Blocky modern white architecture sits on pretty beachfront grounds with green lawns peppered by palm trees. The hotel has a lovely stretch of palm-dotted beach, complete with inflatable islands in the water featuring waterslides.

Interiors are outfitted in contemporary decor with a beachy flair. Rattan furnishings in the lobby are topped with bright orange cushions, while sleek tile floors are paired with wooden plantation-style shutters framing the large doors that let in lots of light into the small but inviting space. Situated in a thatched-roof pavilion by the beach, the main restaurant is nothing more than wicker tables and chairs, but it has lovely views of the beach. Decor throughout is pleasant, if a bit average and predictable, but nevertheless, common spaces are attractive.

Some travelers come here just for a daytrip, so expect non-hotel guests on the beach and in other common areas. It’s a bit of a commute from Manila, and once here, can feel secluded – but direct ferry connections make it a nice escape for those who don’t mind the travel time.

Camaya Coast is located in the Bataan province, in the municipality of Mariveles. It’s a bit secluded, with not too much within walking distance beyond the sister hotel, Aqua Fun. Because of this, it can be a bit inconvenient for some, being about a 40-minute drive from the nearest town (Mariveles) or around a four-hour drive from Manila. Alternatively, the hotel operates a ferry from Pasay City that takes about two hours, arriving at the property’s ferry terminal right by the hotel.

Rooms, like the rest of the hotel, are clean and contemporary, with pleasant if a bit average decor. Beige floors and walls are pepped up with colorful details like patterned curtains or striped bed throws. Sleek wooden furnishings include desks and small wardrobes. All rooms open onto private balconies or patios – but they’re not furnished.

Rooms are average in size, ranging from 377 square feet (35 square meters) to 732 square feet (68 square meters). Some suites have separate living rooms, plus there are duplex lofted rooms that have two bedrooms.

A decent set of standard amenities include wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Note that the hotel does not have elevators. Bathrooms are small, but clean and contemporary, and they’re equipped with walk-in rainfall showers and free toiletries.

A handful of dining options are available here, but guests should note that food is pricey for the area and gets mixed reviews from guests. The hotel also has a strict “no outside food” policy, so guests have no choice but to eat at the property unless they venture out.

Besides a main restaurant that sits in an open-air pavilion by the beach, most of the other offerings are of the fast food variety. There’s Pancake House, specializing in pancakes and the like; Potato Corner doling out fries; a burger and burrito spot; and a pizza place with pies and pasta. Other options include a grill specializing in barbecued meats and seafood. The hotel also has a café and a juice spot, while the beach bar serves drinks right on the sand.

Camaya Coast sits on a beautiful stretch of coast with a pretty sandy beach that’s dotted by palm trees. Loungers are available and cabanas can be rented, plus there’s a beach volleyball court. An inflatable island with waterslides floats out in the sea, and water sports such as kayaks are available for rent.

There are two outdoor pools here, both attractive and well-maintained. The lovely infinity-edge pool is flanked by palms and features two levels. Pool decks are lined with a handful of sleek loungers.

A small fitness center offers a good variety of equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, strength-training machines, and free weights. For some outdoor activity, the hotel has a basketball court, plus bikes are available for rent. Other features include the Bali-themed Mandara Spa, which offers a range of wellness and massage treatments, and meeting rooms that are available for a variety of functions. A free shuttle service takes guests around the area, including to the nearby Aqua Fun water park at the hotel’s sister property.