cebu living

A company is studying the possibility of opening a high-end resort in Malapascua Island, a white-sand beach destination in northern Cebu.

Martin Yeung, MSY Holdings Corp. (MSYHC) chief operating officer, said their company is considering opening a resort with villas built on the seas, “just like in the Maldives,” Sun.Star Cebu reported.

Yeung told reporters they are planning to build bungalow villas at a seaside property in Malapascua Island.

He said the bungalows’ floors will be made of glass so that occupants will be able to view the sea from inside the villas. He said that for the project, the company wants to “focus on relaxation” and incorporate scuba diving in the experience.

Yeung said they are planning to build about 30 villas in the property. He said he hopes to start the first phase of the project by the second quarter of this year.

Yeung, however, said this plan is only second priority for the company. It is busy finishing Kandaya, MSYHC’s first resort project, also in northern Cebu. It is being built on a 12-hectare property owned by the Yeungs. The boutique hotel, Yeung said, will have five- or even six-star amenities.

Kandaya began construction more than a year ago and is estimated to cost P500 million. It is now 70 percent to 80 percent complete, Yeung told reporters.

Yeung said they are talking with local government officials on the possibility of building an air strip near the place to fly in tourists.

Yeung said the booming tourism industry in Cebu spurred his family into entering the resort business. He said there is huge growth potential in tourism in northern Cebu.