Great Hotel at a great location”

Our stay in Ocean Vida was flawless and a great experience. We are no divers so we plainly enjoyed the clean beach, the hotel and restaurant and Malapascua island itself. We had the sea view deluxe room which provides a big room with air conditioning, a fan and a fridge (mini bar) plus a fairly big bathroom with shower and toilet. The stuff was always friendly and did their best to make our stay a great experience. Likewise Søren, the manager who welcomed us on our arrival, gave us a briefing about the hotel and its amneties and confirmed when ever we met if everything was alright. Compared to Ocean Vida, the other hotels on the southern part of Malapascua seemed rather lifeless. Well it was September, so off-season, but still they didn't have the flair and the beach in front of them was hardly taken care off. When there is a chance, we definitely will come back in the near future. A few recommendations and information for future visitors: - The wifi reception in the rooms is very poor to unavailable. I would recommend getting a prepaid traveler sim card from globe since the mobile reception on the islannd is very good. - It is possible to rent single or double seated kayaks (not stated here or on the homepage) - Furthermore there are two paddle surfing boards available. So even if you are not interested in diving, Ocean Vida is the place to stay!

Lovely beach front property, fantastic atmosphere!”

Our stay at Ocean Vida was fabulous. Upon arriving it was obvious that this was the best hotel on Bounty Beach/ Malapascua island. OV boasts an incredible atmosphere during the day and at night. They make full use of the beach space at all hours: during the day, offering chaise loungers and nest chairs for sun worshipers and at night, setting up beanbag chairs and tables for those looking to have dinner of a few drinks. The restaurant was some of the best food we had in the Philippines. They advised us of this but we were skeptical and tried elsewhere first only to be disappointed = EAT AT OCEAN VIDA! Breakfast is also included and is fantastic with a huge selection and lots of tasty food, juices and coffee. Rooms were very spacious and quite and every room had its own patio, regardless of location. Finally, the staff were lovely. From the management to the bartenders and servers, it was clear that everyone enjoyed their job and felt they were a part of a family. Speaking with the owners, they are very committed to paying FAIR wages and running a top notch business while supporting the island's locals (something that is not common in the Philippines unfortunately). Literally only two complaints I can think of would be that the towels in the bathrooms weren't very nice and felt old (could be calcium in the water or something though, impacting how they feel after washing)and that there were a million families and their screaming children staying there at the same time as us. Having said that, I borderline hate kids and I'd still stay there again in a heartbeat so don't be deterred if you share my sentiments = it is well worth plugging into your iPod for a few minutes when they get noisy to take advantage of everything else this place offers. My prayers are with everyone following the Typhoon. I hope you're able to get your doors open soon...

Loved Ocean Vida”

Wonderful hotel. Typhoon Yolanda hit Malapascua hard and it's taking time for the island to recover. Ocean Vida however has immediately repaired and is fully operational (unlike a lot of neighbouring hotels). I took the Standard Fan (which actually had full aircon) just at the back of the beach front. Room was large, light and clean with comfy bed. In short Ocean Vida is central to everything going on in Malapascua. If you don't stay here it's pretty likely you will either dive from here or spend you evening on the beanbags on the beach front having drinks, wishing you had stayed here. For SGD$80 odd per night I think this place is very good value - probably the best place I stayed at in 12 nights around Cebu.

Couldn't have been better”

We came to Ocean Vida 2 months after Typhoon Yulanda destroyed the island. The efforts of the resort to reconstruct their facilities AND those of their staff are second to non. Whilst other resorts are still way behind in the reconstruction process, Ocean Vida appears 100% back in operation. 10 out of 10 for staff enthusiasm and friendliness. You feel like part of the family. Great happy hour, right on the beach with killer cocktails. Ended up doing a PADI openwater dive course. It wasn't planned but due to the extreme flexibility of the guys involved, it worked out well (thanks Toto!). It is a dive destination afterall. Rooms are fantastic, we had the Deluxe Seaview version. Breakfast offers great fresh cake (different one everyday) as well as all the other trimmings of a cooked breakfast. Lunch and dinner available from the menus with daily specials, local or European (if you need a change). But the main praise goes to the staff. You just don't want to leave. We booked our transfer to and from Cebu through the resort as well. They use a hire car service with driver for the road part. Whilst not cheap (would take the bus next time as I know now where to go), it was reliable. This also included the boat transfer. Be prepared for a change of plans and some improvised "transshipment" if the wind blows. Have a few pesos handy for the local ferrymen if that is the case.

The best on Malapascua”

We decided to stay at Ocean Vida despite we were diving with Evolution. I must say it's one of the most beautiful resort on the island and I guess it's so far the only one which provided bean bags, chairs and other cosy stuff to make you stay laid back on the beach. We requested the transfer from the airport to Malapascua and the experience was pleasant. We noticed a lot of tips-request from random people who seemed to help you with your luggage or all sorts of other things in the city but we weren't bothered throughout the whole transfer. I would suggest you arrange the transfer with them instead of finding your own. The travel time is around 4 hours and it's quite important for us to travel comfortably after a long flight. It definitely worth the pennies and I bet there isn't a big price difference, unless you're traveling on public transport. The room was clean and there was stable supply of hot water (or warm to be more accurate) all day long. What we loved the most was the balcony! You could just sit there all day long and not get bored of the sea view and breeze. Another recommendation of this resort is actually the steak! I know it sounds a bit weird but it's a perfectly cooked beef with around US10! It's hard to get it at this price range around the world.

The best little dive resort, right on the beach”

It took us a while to get to the island from Cebu airport. We opted for hotel provided transfer via van to Maya on north of Cebu and from there on a private hired boat to the beach right in front of the hotel. It cost more but we didn't have to worry about missing a transfer and dealing with taxi or bus. It was very convenient but took about four hours or more. Once at Ocean Vida we were greeted personally by A pleasant young lady, Jules, who is the hotel manager and everything was very easy. The staff at hotel as well as at the dive shop (Sea Explorers) was fantastic. It is such a small and informal resort that theyade us feel right at home. We were also pleased with the quality of rental gear at the dive shop, as well as the arrangements for the dive trips. There are many incredible dive sites very close to the hotel as well as a few that are great for seeing sharks a bit further ( Monad Shoal: to see Thresher Sharks and Gato Island: to see White Tip Sharks) I totally recommend Ocean Vida!!

Great staff, terrible wifi”

Malapascua is pretty quiet in September, but Ocean Vida stays full because they have a lot of divers staying there. Soren the manager and most of his staff are terriffic. Bebe, Caren and Fey from the restaurant are the best. The wifi is exceptionally bad. It does work, but is terribly slow unless you are the only guest connected at the time - and then it is still slow. They really need to invest in satellite internet as it is the only viable fast internet option on the island. Ocean Vida is one of, if not the best resorts on the island. It isn't cheap, but it is a safe pick.

Paradise”

We loved this Island and the Ocean Vida. The staff was fantastic, friendly snd helping. The food was great and the prices good. The hotel room was very nice and the balcony facing the ocean with a ocean view just breathtaking. Even if the Island had been experienced the typhoon Hayian all the people helped eachother and smiled to us. They made us feel so welcomed and we really recommend people to buy sarongs, massage, jewelry from the locals to help out. There are wonderful massages you can have in the room or on the beach. We had massage all 3 days, really good! We had a little storm the first night so the ocean was not so green but we heard its amazing in April/May for diving/snorkling. Thank you Ocean Vida for taking so good care of us! We miss you all and the cute dogs & cats that was just adorable! See you another time!

Exceptional”

I had mixed feelings about staying at Ocean Vida. The resort is beautiful, the rooms are spotless, the menu is delicious and the scuba diving shop is fantastic. My fiance and I went to Ocean Vida specifically to scuba dive. We were thrilled with organization and efficiency of the dive shop. The main thing we did not care for about Ocean Vida was the amount of tourists. We previously stayed on a more remote island before coming here and were a little disappointed at the lack of local nightlife, interactions, restaurants, etc. We thrive off of interacting with the local culture and staying at Ocean Vida you get zero of that. However, like I said, everything else about this place is phenomenal.

awesome hotel”

Well first off all it's not right in Cebu. It's about a 4 hour drive to catch a boat in Maya. 80 pesos per person and about a 45 minute ride to the island. But WOW! When you get there it's paradise. We got there and we were greeted with a smile by the staff in fact the the wife of the owner Sven greeted us.The rooms are nice and cool. We were also welcomed with a nice fresh fruit drink. They also have a great happy hour. The staff was very attentive and was always smiling. Eating breakfast in restaurant over looking the ocean was great. We walked all around the island and I believe Ocean Vida was the best resort there. I would for sure go back. What a wonderful stay.

perfect place to relax”

We spent 4 days in the Ocean Vida Resort without diving. We had a reservation for 2 days for the garden view rooms and 2 days for the sea view rooms. We enjoyed the garden view so much that we changed our mind and stayed at least 5 nights in the resort. It was no problem to change our booking. the rooms are equipped tastefully in asian style and they are very clean. They were situated in a tropical garden with small private sitting areas in front of the room. We really enjoyed to sit there in the evening. The breakfast buffet was ok, the staff friendly and helpfull. the food in restaurant with seaview was ok - nothing special. The beachfront offered shadow under the palm trees with a phantastic view. The small bar area close to the beach was a perfect place to appreciate a fresh fruit juice or coffee in the afternoon and to chitchat with the barmaid/barman. The Ocean Vida is an expenisve option, but probably it's one of the best places in malapacua. We highly recommand this place!

perfect place to relax”

We spent 4 days in the Ocean Vida Resort without diving. We had a reservation for 2 days for the garden view rooms and 2 days for the sea view rooms. We enjoyed the garden view so much that we changed our mind and stayed at least 5 nights in the resort. It was no problem to change our booking. the rooms are equipped tastefully in asian style and they are very clean. They were situated in a tropical garden with small private sitting areas in front of the room. We really enjoyed to sit there in the evening. The breakfast buffet was ok, the staff friendly and helpfull. the food in restaurant with seaview was ok - nothing special. The beachfront offered shadow under the palm trees with a phantastic view. The small bar area close to the beach was a perfect place to appreciate a fresh fruit juice or coffee in the afternoon and to chitchat with the barmaid/barman. The Ocean Vida is an expenisve option, but probably it's one of the best places in malapacua. We highly recommand this place!

A perfect stay as always”

We have been at Ocean Vida Resort already a few times and the stay there is always enjoyable and rewarding. Especially after they are now as well connected with Buena Vida Resort where we enjoyed not only Yoga and the fitness center but a great massage. The resort has has a great location directly on the sandy beach and this time we stayed at the Garden Court where it is very quite and tranquil. The food they serve for lunch and dinner is very good and the drink from the Bar, especially during Happy Hour are value for money. The management consists of capable people from overseas. All the staff is very friendly and helpful We certainly will be back again.

The Perfect Place to Relax in Malapascua!”

As always getting to your destination in Philippines is challenging & an adventure... but once your there it's worth it! We stayed at Ocean Vida 2 nights & wish we were there the whole trip, perfect spot to relax on the beach, comfortable lounge chairs & not hassled by the selling vendors! Breakfast is worth just relaxing overlooking the beach & drinking their variety of juices! Only downfall was the overly loud Russians who kept us awake late into the night! We lucked out with the weather as there were no boat trips to the outer islands but seeing 10+ Thresher Sharks was awesome on the Monad Shoal dives! Enjoy Malapascua!!

Best Hotel in Malapascua!”

It takes quite a while (about 4 hours) to travel from Cebu airport all of the way to Malapascua island, but once arriving it's completely worth it! We were greeted by name by the hotel owners on the beach, and given a welcome drink straight away. The staff were extremely friendly, conscientious and accommodating. They learn your names quickly and have a genuine interest in who you are and your enjoyment. The dive school which is located on site, offers the same personal interest and high quality service. They happily tailored their schedule to accommodate my husband and my PADI course requirements. The rooms are excellent. There are two types: garden view and sea view. Both are comfortable, though the sea view rooms are of a higher quality. We stayed in both. They're spacious with a clean en suite bathroom, and a large, comfortable bed. The sea view rooms offer a balcony/ terrace overlooking the beach. Another key selling point of this hotel is the restaurant/ bar on the beach. The entire hotel is located on the beachfront, and so you can sit down to eat your dinner directly on the beach, on bean bags. It's a really romantic and sociable environment. We can't recommend this hotel more highly! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can't wait to go back.

Not luxurious but got what you need”

My friends and I went to Malapascua to dive and I'd say, if you're not looking for luxury, Ocean Vida is more than sufficient. It's beside a dive centre and has rooms by the beach. The food is way better than any of the food I've tried on main Cebu island. They have a sister resort called Buena Vida (I think that's how it's spelt), which is located more inland. The staff were all very friendly and quick to answer any of our questions. We did a free yoga session at Buena Vida, that's offered to guests at Ocean Vida.

Fantastic Hotel.”

The Ocean Vida is a realy great hotel to stay at in Malapascua. It was very modern but with enough local influences to make it characteristic. The service was superb, the staff very friendly and helpful and the view.............well, quite simply stunning. It is literally 5 meters from the shoreline. There is nothing I can fault about our stay at Ocean Vida, I'd definitely stay there again

Very nice and comfortable hotel in Malapascua!”

We had a nice and comfortable stay in Ocean Vida resort in Malapascua. The hotel's restaurant also provides good food. We tried other restaurants, but this one was the best. The Sea Explorer dive center affiliated to the hotel was also very professional. Will come back again!

Best Location ”

After nearly booking other hotels nearby, I was convinced by my wife to book Ocean Vida and truly it did not disappoint. We find it's the most lively and cool place to stay at Malapascua. The beach is just a few steps away from your room and the restaurant has a nice cozy set-up that there's always people around. People draw more people that makes the place happening compare to empty places .Breakfast spread is not bad but would be better to have more variety though.

Hidden gem, home away from home”

Our stay at the resort was just great. Staff were all very polite and friendly with great English skills, foods were delicious despite some of the reviews we have seen here beforehands, alcohol were also very good especially during the happy hours (4-6pm) they offer 1 for 1 deal, which makes them incredibly cheaper than what we get in Singapore. Rooms were clean, as well as other places in the resort. Even the front beach is cleaned nicely by the staff. The place made our stay really worth the time (4+ hours each way between Cebu City and Malapascua)!