Viento de Mar Beach Resort, Bacacay, Albay

Helen Thompson once said that “In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.” That’s exactly what I initially wanted when I visited and stayed for a night at Viento de Mar Beach Resort.

Unfortunately, the hostler wasn’t around that time. So I was left with no choice but just watch and admire the gentle and tamed animals. It was my first time to visit a ranch-like resort where horses could freely roam around the area without any bantay. They could practically go anywhere, even swim at the beach.  This is just one of the many unique attractions of Viento de Mar (Spanish for “sea breeze”), a horse-friendly beach resort in the bucolic coastal town of Bacacay in Albay, just 30 minutes away by bus or van from Legazpi City. 

The sprawling two-hectare property is owned by the family of Martin “Marti” Calleja, founder of the pioneering Mayon Adventure ATV. It is blessed with a beautiful backdrop of Mt. Mayon (which guests could marvel at during clear and sunny days), being located in the eastern slope of the world's most perfect cone volcano.

They have several accommodation types that include a beach house, cabanas and tepee huts, interspersed in a well-manicured and verdant grounds. What’s amazing is the sight of horses grazing on the grasses all-day long. I had a fun time observing them from the hammock or the swing under the shade of trees.

I stayed in a fan-room cabana with anahaw roofing, offering very basic amenities. Downstairs is a small living room, dining area and bathroom. The rustic sleeping quarters is located upstairs.

The resort offers all-day breakfast meals, mostly silogs.

There are huts for day tour excursionists at the beach front area. Horses also mingle with humans even on the beach. And they just make the seascape look beautiful. Though the beach sand is not sparkling white, it is uniquely jet-black and volcanic in nature.

Not to be missed offering of the resort is the island hopping tour to nearby islands and sandbar. I availed a half-day island tour to Vanishing Island of Malilipot, Monkey Island, and Crab Island.

Among the three islands, I enjoyed my stay the most in Vanishing Island. It has crystal clear-water with a sandbar that spans half a kilometer long during low tide (morning time) and vanishes during high tide (noon and onwards). It’s possible to stay overnight as there are floating cottages that could be rented.  The Crab Island (named after tiny crabs that inhabit its marble rocks) and Monkey Island (used to be home of several monkeys), on the other have beautiful rock formations.

Viento de Mar is a laidback and wonderful place to unwind, bask in the sun, and enjoy a quieter side of Albay.

I love silence. But sometimes it separates people, more so than distance.

From Manila, take a bus (or plane) to Legazpi City. In Legazpi, ride a bus or van going to Tabaco or Bacacay. Tell the driver to drop you off in San Jose, Malilipot. Then take a tricycle going to the resort.

Viento de Mar Beach Resort

#1 Beach Rd., Brgy. Sogod

Bacacay, Albay 

Tel. No.: (052) 820-1483, 0917-7261525