Guest User
March 8, 2025
Salaya is lovely in most regards, and we would definitely return to Dauin. Pros: Gorgeous grounds, range of types of accommodation, friendly staff at dive shop and in both the restaurant and pool/bar areas, very nice pool and rooms with views, small/boutique-hotel feeling, and amazing, full, fresh breakfasts made to order (try the chia pudding with mango!). In addition, the 2-for-1 happy hour brings the total cost of 2 drinks down to about the level you would expect to pay at other bars or hotels in Dauin. Cons: 1. Prices for food, drinks, and diving are all significantly higher than at other nearby/Dauin resorts, and the dive pricing was not posted on Salaya's website, so was unknown to us until after arrival and discussion with front desk staff. 2. The dive trip to Apo had a further, substantial add-on charge for use of the boat that seemed excessive relative to other Apo trip charges at nearby dive shops. 3. On checking in to our Ocean View Suite (which we had chosen partly because it has a full kitchen), we were told there is an extra fee of $100 USD per day for actual use of the kitchen stove or range. This is written on their information sheet in the room, but we had not seen anything about this during our booking process or pre-arrival communications with Salaya, so we were disappointed. The kitchen also was stocked with exactly two glasses, two mugs, two plates, and silverware for two, but lacked any pots, pans, spices, oil, blender, cutting board, knives, or basic utensils that would be needed for cooking or even cold lunch food prep. Perhaps those are provided if you request to pay the $100 per day to use the oven or range? Dials/controls on the range controls have also been removed to prevent any use without prior arrangement. This all felt a bit off-putting, when most of the area has such an inviting, easy-going, and trusting approach. Though we liked our interactions with the dive shop crew and enjoyed the food we had at Salaya, the pricing for dives, meals, and spa services were such that we ended up walking a bit down the beach or into town to take advantage of other options in the area, and that felt like the best of both worlds.