Villa Serena Beach House – Cozy Beachfront Cottage in Albay

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Villa Serena Beach House – Cozy Beachfront Cottage in Albay

Nestled on a quiet, sandy/pebbly beach in Santo Domingo (Albay), Villa Serena is a rustic cottage with “sea views” right on the water. Guests wake to gentle waves and towering views of Mayon Volcano (“soothed by gentle waves… the view of Mayon Volcano is great”). The bungalow’s open-air design uses native bamboo and palm-wood décor, giving it a warm, family-friendly vibe . A sun deck and adjacent garden terrace overlook the shore, and free Starlink Wi-Fi means you can even work from this remote spot. In short, it’s a peaceful seaside retreat – a comfortable base for families or small groups (up to about 10 people, 8 adults and 2 kids) who want to relax by the Gulf of Albay.

The Cottage – Sleeping & Amenities

Villa Serena’s beach house is an annex of Mirisbiris Garden and Nature Center. It sleeps up to 10 guests (8 on the base rate, plus 2 on rollaway beds). There are two large bedrooms, each with a queen bed and a pull-out single (for a child or extra guest). In the common area are two bunk beds (four single beds), so three generations of family can bunk together comfortably. The cottage has two bathrooms: an indoor bathroom with a hot-water shower and bidet, plus a simple outdoor “bucket-flush” toilet/shower stall (no hot water).

A full eat-in kitchen (stovetop, sink, fridge, toaster, kettle and kitchenware) and barbecue grill let you prepare meals at the beach house. Daily housekeeping (until 10PM only) is included. Outdoor dining and sun decks face the sea, where gentle waves lap a mix of sand and cobblestones. Free parking is available at the top of the hill (you must carry luggage down ~125 steps to the cottage). The hosts have also installed powerful Starlink internet, so even far from town you can stay connected for work or do streaming.

  • Sleeps: Up to 10 (8 included, max 10).
  • Beds: 2 queens + 2 singles (in bedrooms), plus 4 single bunks in living area. Extra-bed charges apply beyond 8 guests.
  • Bathrooms: 1 indoor w/ hot shower & bidet; 1 basic outdoor shower/latrine (no hot water).
  • Kitchen: Fully equipped stovetop kitchen (no oven) plus BBQ grill.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi (Starlink), free private parking, mosquito nets and fans, daily maid service.
  • House rules: Non-smoking indoors (designated outdoor area). Pets allowed on request (may incur a fee).

Booking Tips & Guest Reminders

  • Rates & Guests: The published rate covers up to 8 people (usually about ₱5,000/night) with breakfast. Two additional guests (up to 10 total) can be accommodated on roll-away beds for a small extra charge. Children count partially in that extra fee. (The owners explain the cap is due to limited water supply and septic capacity.)
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM–9:00 PM; Check-out: by 12:00 NN. (Let the host know your ETA.)
  • Access: Villa Serena sits 125 stone steps DOWN from the parking lot. It’s excellent exercise, but not ideal for very elderly or unsteady guests. Luggage carts aren’t available, so pack light or bring help!
  • Swimming: The beach is gently sloping and safe for swimming (no lifeguard on duty), but always swim at your own risk. Coral outcrops are a bit sharp, so water shoes are recommended for snorkelers. Snorkeling is possible here, or you can walk up to Mirisbiris (700 meters away) for a cleaner reef.
  • Supplies: There’s a daily water refill pump and staff will pump fresh water for you in morning/afternoon. The kitchen has a full set of utensils but no oven – plan to grill or cook on the stovetop. A local restaurant at Mirisbiris (just up the road) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; nevertheless, a simple complimentary breakfast (like fruit and coffee/hot drinks) is provided each morning.
  • Safety & Environment: The area is mosquito-prone in evenings (nets are provided). You may see harmless geckos or small lizards – they keep bugs away. Electricity is reliable (no generator noise); fire extinguishers and basic first-aid are on site.
  • Book to us directly and get savings. We receive much of your payment by directly booking to us, using booking platforms entails commission and booking fees. We can provide small rewards or perks, it will also ensure that more funds will go to our community charity projects.
Villa Serena - Living Room

Beach & Outdoor Living

The house has its own private beachfront, so you can step from the porch right into the surf or lounge on the sun deck. The shoreline is a mix of sand and pebbles with tide pools to explore. Long morning walks along the black-volcanic sand and afternoon swims are the daily routine here. In the evenings the sky is exceptionally dark – star-gazing is superb – and the gentle sound of waves is wonderfully relaxing. A terrace with tables and hammock sits just above the beach, perfect for reading or dining al fresco.

Nearby on the beach one finds a scatter of basalt pillows (ancient submarine lava flows) – a fun find for geology enthusiasts. You can also launch small trips to nearby coves or do yoga stretches at dawn on the sand. In short, outdoor life here is laid-back and healthy: fresh ocean air, open sky, and room to roam.

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Villa Serena is just steps from Mirisbiris Garden & Nature Center, a 10-hectare eco-park with organic gardens, forest trails, hanging bridges and a coral beach. As an overnight guest you get free entry to Mirisbiris – enjoy birdwatching, farm tours and farm-to-table meals (their restaurant serves great local halo-halo and fresh dishes.

Other day-trip ideas from Villa Serena include:

  • Hike or ATV at Mt. Mayon: The perfect cone of Mayon Volcano looms about 5 km away. Arrange a 4×4 or guided hike into Mayon Volcano Natural Park (summit climbs are prohibited, but slopes and ATV tours are available). The cottage itself offers one of the best uninterrupted views of Mayon in any direction. You may ask assistance at the front desk.
  • Cagsawa Ruins (Legazpi): A classic stop (~14 mi northwest) is the town ruins of Cagsawa, with Mayon in the background. Legazpi City is about 30–40 min drive.
  • Misibis Bay Resort: Just 20–30 minutes south along the coast, you can day-trip to this luxury beach resort for spa treatments, water sports or dining.
  • Donsol Whale Sharks: Roughly 2 hours southwest (near Sorsogon), see gentle whale sharks up close (seasonal Nov–Jun).
  • Local village tours: The village of Salvacion is very traditional. The hosts can arrange homestays or farm visits to experience true rural Bicol life.

Within walking distance (a few minutes uphill) are local eateries and sari-sari stores. The Ibalong sports center and city of Legazpi (with mall and port) lie about 15–20 km away.

Sustainability & Healthy Living

Villa Serena is run as a not-for-profit community project. The owners (Glenda and Chris Newhall) are a retired American-Filipino couple committed to education and conservation. 100% of proceeds from your stay fund local scholarships, organic farming programs and habitat preservation. Mirisbiris Garden itself is a showcase of sustainable agriculture (orchards of tropical fruits, herb and vegetable gardens, rainwater harvesting, etc.), so your visit supports eco-education.

Healthwise, the stay is all about nature: you’re in a re-wilded rainforest-and-reef zone, so expect to wake up to birdsong, butterflies and lush plant life. No crowds or traffic – just pure Bicolano air and sunshine. Stay active by hiking on the trails, doing beach yoga at sunrise, or just walking the 125 steps for cardio! The food options favor local, fresh ingredients (think eggs, coconut, fish and tropical fruits) either self-cooked or at the Mirisbiris kitchen.

Guest Impressions

Hosts and reviewers alike emphasize that Villa Serena is family-friendly, peaceful, and great value. On Booking.com it scores 9.2/10. Guests often highlight the hospitality: “Clean and courteous staff, especially with complimentary breakfast,” notes one recent visitor. Another family said, “the place was perfect for both of us. With the ocean right there and the challenge of climbing those steps, it felt much better than going to the gym… very peaceful and safe location, with kind staff and owners”. The rustic charm gets love too – one reviewer called it “the best rustic house on the ocean side you could ever want,” noting the delicious breakfast spread. In short, guests rave about the amazing ocean views, quiet nature setting and friendly hosts.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Villa Serena Beach House is a cozy, laid-back coastal retreat ideal for families or small groups (including remote workers) who crave nature and simplicity. You’ll trade a fancy hotel for a warm, homey cottage right on the beach, with all profits going to a good cause. If you want sunrise swims, organic garden walks, and top-notch Mayon views – plus the option to check email via Starlink at night – this place delivers. Just remember the 125 steps, pack accordingly, and get ready for Bicol’s gentle waves, starlight and warm hospitality.

Sources: Verified descriptions and guest reviews of Villa Serena Beach House booking.com,hotel.com.au,hotel.com.au,hotel.com.au (Booking.com / hotel databases).

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