Have you ever wanted to rent a whole beach house just for your family and friends? No strangers, no crowded resort, and no noisy tourists next door. If you are looking for this kind of peace and quiet, I have a great place to share with you. Let me introduce you to Amaya Waterfront.
Located in the quiet coastal area of Lanca, Mati City, this place is not your typical commercial resort. It is a private beachfront villa. When you book a stay here, you rent the entire property. You get the whole place to yourself.
On my recent trip to Davao Oriental, we wanted a place where our large group could bond, cook our own food, and enjoy the beach in private. Amaya Waterfront gave us exactly that.
In this travel guide, I will share everything you need to know about this hidden paradise. I will share my personal experience, the full list of rates, helpful travel tips, and a sample itinerary to help you plan your next group getaway.
Table of Contents
- Why Amaya Waterfront is a Unique?
- Where is it Located and How to Get There?
- Inside the Villa: Accommodations and Features
- Facilities and Fun Activities
- Rooms, Entrance, and Cottage Rates
- Estimated Travel Budget
- Sample Overnight Itinerary
- Honest Pros and Cons
- Helpful Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Nearby Attractions to Explore
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Verdict
- Discover More at GovGen Guide
Why Amaya Waterfront is a Unique Hidden Gem
There are many popular beaches in Mati City, like Dahican Beach. While Dahican is beautiful, it can get very crowded, especially during weekends and holidays.
What makes Amaya Waterfront so special is its exclusive privacy. When you enter the gate, the whole place is yours. You do not have to share the beach lounges or the dining area with people you do not know. This makes it the perfect spot for family reunions, team-building events, or private parties with friends.
Another thing I love about this place is the beach itself. The villa sits right in front of the Pacific Ocean. The shoreline is made of very fine, soft white sand. The water is clear and inviting.
But my favorite part of the stay was the morning view. Because the villa faces the Pacific Ocean, it offers a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever see. Waking up between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM to watch the sun slowly rise over the ocean horizon was a magical experience.
Where is it Located and How to Get There?
Amaya Waterfront is located in the peaceful neighborhood of Barangay Lanca, Mati City, Davao Oriental.
To get there, it is best to use a private vehicle or a hired van, especially since you will likely be traveling with a large group. From Davao City proper, you will drive towards the coastal roads leading to Lanca Via Governor Generoso route.
The drive is very scenic. You will pass by beautiful ocean views and quiet provincial towns. If you are using a GPS app like Google Maps, you can easily find the exact location by clicking this link: Amaya Waterfront Google Maps Pin.
If you are not sure where to go once you reach Lanca, you can easily roll down your window and ask the friendly locals. Just ask for the private beach house in the area, and they will point you in the right direction.
Inside the Villa: Accommodations and Features
When we arrived, I was very impressed by how spacious the property is. Amaya Waterfront is built to handle large groups comfortably. In fact, it can hold up to 60 people for daytime events!
The house has a very open and airy design. It features a large main air-conditioned room that is perfect for resting after a long day of swimming. If you have a very big group, they also have an attic space and additional rooms depending on the package you choose.
No one likes waiting in line to use the toilet, especially with a big family. Thankfully, the villa has 2 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms.
The living and dining areas are open-air. This means you can eat your meals while feeling the fresh sea breeze. There is also plenty of beachfront space outside. You can pitch tents, lay down extra mattresses, or hang a hammock (duyan) between the trees.
Facilities and Fun Activities
Because this is a private rental, it is a self-service setup. This means you are in charge of your own vacation. The villa provides all the basic things you need to make your stay comfortable.
Here are the facilities you can use during your stay:
- Fully Furnished Kitchen: You do not need to bring heavy cooking equipment. They have a refrigerator, a rice cooker, a stove, and complete cooking and eating utensils. They even provide a water dispenser with one free container of drinking water.
- Parking Space: The gated parking area can fit up to 6 cars safely.
- Piso Wi-Fi: There is Piso Wi-Fi available if you really need to connect to the internet.
- Standby Generator Set: Power interruptions can happen in the province. The resort has a generator ready so your vacation will not be ruined by a blackout.
There are so many things you can do here. During the day, our group enjoyed swimming in the crystal-clear water. The fine white sand is perfect for beach volleyball or just walking barefoot.
In the late afternoon, it is a great place for team-building games on the wide beachfront space. When night falls, the real fun begins. You can rent their videoke machine and sing all night with your family. Since it is a private place, you can comfortably enjoy group cookouts, outdoor dining, and even beach camping under the stars.
Rooms, Entrance, and Cottage Rates
Renting Amaya Waterfront means you get the whole place exclusively. It is perfect for large groups, but they also have great deals for couples. Here is the clean list of their rates.
Basic Non-Aircon Rates
| Number of Guests | Weekday (Monday – Thursday) | Weekend & Holidays (Friday – Sunday) |
| Up to 10 pax | ₱12,000 | ₱13,000 |
| Up to 20 pax | ₱19,000 | ₱20,000 |
| Up to 30 pax | ₱26,000 | ₱27,000 |
Premium Aircon Rates
| Number of Guests | Rooms Included | Weekday (Monday – Thursday) | Weekend & Holidays (Friday – Sunday) |
| Up to 10 pax | 1 Room | ₱15,000 | ₱16,000 |
| Up to 24 pax | 2 Rooms | ₱26,000 | ₱27,000 |
(Note: If you have 30 pax, you will get 2 rooms plus the attic).
Couples / Small Group Promo
| Room Type | Details | Rate |
| AC Deluxe Room | Good for 2 pax. Available on weekdays only. You still get the whole property exclusively to yourself! | ₱5,000 |
Add-ons and Extras
| Item | Rate |
| Excess Person (with bed) | ₱600 per head |
| Deluxe AC Room (extra 2 pax) | ₱3,500 |
| PVC Kiddie Pool Rental | ₱600 |
| Videoke Rental | ₱1,000 |
Check-in and General Policies
- Check-in Time: 2:00 PM onwards. There is no strict check-in time! Because the caretakers are in-house, guests may arrive whenever they wish after 2:00 PM.
- Check-out Time: Before 12:00 PM (noon).
- Food: Breakfast is not included. This is a self-service rental, so you need to bring and cook your own food.
Estimated Travel Budget
How much should you prepare for this trip? Here is a sample estimated budget for a group of 10 people staying overnight on a weekend, using the Premium Aircon Rate (1 Room).
Sample Budget for 10 Pax (Weekend Stay)
| Expense Item | Total Cost for the Group | Cost Per Person |
| Villa Rental (Premium AC – Weekend) | ₱16,000 | ₱1,600 |
| Food and Drinks (Self-cooked) | ₱5,000 | ₱500 |
| Gas / Transportation (from Davao) | ₱3,000 | ₱300 |
| Videoke Rental (Optional) | ₱1,000 | ₱100 |
| Estimated Total | ₱25,000 | ₱2,500 per person |
Note: This is just an estimate. Your budget will be much cheaper if you choose the Non-Aircon rates or if you have a larger group (like 20 or 30 people) to share the cost.
Sample Overnight Itinerary
If you want to make the most out of your stay, here is a simple and relaxed itinerary you can follow.
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Fun
- 12:00 PM: Buy fresh seafood and groceries at the local public market on your way to Lanca.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at Amaya Waterfront. Check-in, unload your bags, and put the drinks in the refrigerator.
- 3:30 PM: Change into your swimwear and enjoy the clear waters and fine white sand.
- 5:00 PM: Prepare dinner in the fully furnished kitchen.
- 6:30 PM: Enjoy a boodle-fight style dinner at the open-air dining space.
- 8:00 PM: Start the Videoke night! Sing your favorite songs, drink cold beverages, and bond with your family.
- 11:00 PM: Stargazing by the beach, then sleep.
Day 2: Pacific Sunrise and Departure
- 5:00 AM: Wake up early. Grab a hot cup of coffee and sit by the beach to wait for the beautiful Pacific sunrise.
- 6:30 AM: Morning walk along the shore.
- 7:30 AM: Cook and eat breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Last morning swim in the ocean.
- 10:30 AM: Wash up, pack your bags, and start cleaning the kitchen (Clean As You Go).
- 11:30 AM: Take group photos by the beach.
- 12:00 PM: Check-out and start your drive back home.
Honest Pros and Cons
To help you decide if this is the right place for you, here are the honest pros and cons based on my experience.
The Pros:
- Complete Privacy: You do not have to share the resort with strangers. It is just you and your group.
- Beautiful Beach: The fine white sand and clear water are very clean and relaxing.
- Great for Large Groups: The open spaces and large rooms make it very easy to host family reunions or company events.
- Fully Equipped Kitchen: Being able to cook your own meals saves you a lot of money.
The Cons:
- Limited Cellular Signal: The location is quite remote. Only Smart and TNT networks have a reliable signal here. Globe users might have a hard time connecting. (But remember, there is Piso Wi-Fi available).
- Self-Service Only: There is no room service or restaurant inside. You have to bring all your own food and do your own cooking and cleaning.
Helpful Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
If it is your first time visiting, keep these simple tips in mind to have a smooth vacation:
- Bring All Your Food: Since this is a private rental, there is no restaurant. Make sure to buy all your meat, snacks, drinks, and ingredients before you arrive.
- Buy Local Seafood: Here is a great local tip! The villa is located in a coastal neighborhood. You can actually buy fresh fish and seafood directly from the local fishermen in the morning. It is cheaper and very fresh.
- Prepare for the Signal Loss: If you need to work or contact someone urgently, remember that only Smart and TNT work well here. It is best to tell your boss or friends that you will be on a “digital detox” for the weekend.
- Practice CLAYGO: The caretaker will assist you, but it is basic respect to practice “Clean As You Go.” Wash your own dishes and throw your trash in the proper bins before you check out.
- Best Time to Visit: The seas are calmest and the weather is usually very clear during the months of June and July. This is the perfect time to enjoy the beach.
Nearby Attractions to Explore
If you want to go on a short road trip during your stay, there are some great spots nearby that you can visit:
- Basarte Mangrove Park: Just about 10 minutes away. It is a beautiful and quiet place to take photos and see nature.
- Cape San Agustin (Parola): About 15 minutes away. This is a very famous tourist spot. You can see the historic lighthouses and the amazing view where the Celebes Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
- Mt. Hamaguitan Resort: About 1.5 hours away. If you have more time after checking out, you can drop by this area to explore more of Davao Oriental’s natural beauty.
Also worth to visit: Eli’s Beach Haven, Kojō Resorts Lanca, and Lianna David’s Campsite Lanca.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is breakfast included in the room rates?
A: No. Amaya Waterfront is a private beach house rental. You must bring your own food and cook your own meals using their fully furnished kitchen.
Q: Is there a corkage fee for bringing our own food and drinks?
A: No corkage fees! You are highly encouraged to bring all the food and drinks you want since it is a self-service setup.
Q: What time is check-in and check-out?
A: You can check in between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Check-out time is strictly before 12:00 PM the next day.
Q: What networks have a good signal at the villa?
A: Only Smart and TNT have a reliable cellular signal in this specific zone.
Q: Can we set up tents outside?
A: Yes! The property has plenty of beachfront space. You can pitch your tents, lay down extra mattresses, or hang a hammock.
Final Verdict
So, is Amaya Waterfront worth the visit? My answer is a big YES.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking for full hotel services and room service, this might not be the place for you. But, if you are a large family, a group of friends, or a company looking for an isolated, private getaway, this place is perfect.
Having the freedom to control your own schedule, cook your own meals, and enjoy a beautiful white sand beach without any crowds is a priceless experience. The Pacific sunrise alone is worth the trip. It is the perfect place to disconnect from the busy city life and reconnect with the people you love.
Discover More at GovGen Guide
Did you find this travel guide helpful? There are so many more hidden gems waiting for you in the southern part of Mindanao!
For more honest reviews, travel tips, and beautiful destinations, make sure to explore more articles here at GovGen Guide. Whether you are looking for the best resorts, local food spots, or budget-friendly travel itineraries, we have you covered. Share this article with your family and friends, and start planning your next big adventure today!
