Sun Xi Mountain Retreat is located in the southwestern town of Alegria which is nearer to Badian of Kawasan Falls fame. After an almost 20 minute drive up the mountains which give you stunning views of this part of Cebu as well as of southeastern Negros, one has to negotiate a short flight of steps carved from the hill and enters a gate to register.
Walk a few more meters and you’ll reach a structure which serves as the main dining and entertainment area. Beyond are the retreat’s villas in different configurations like duplex, detached, good for two or family. All this and stunning countryside views. The air is cool, and you just would want to linger.
The room offered to us, the Azalea (villas are named after flowers), probably the biggest among the villas was quite spacious for the two us. Two large queen sized bed, a flat screen TV, a cabinet, furniture. But we didn’t mind as at the veranda overlooks stunning view of the countryside.
I swear. I can just sit at that hanging pod/chair and stare outside all day. Early mornings are especially beautiful as the land is covered in mist and this slowly rises as the sun goes up. Late afternoons, you can hear various species of birds calling out. We were even surprised to greet a morning visitor, two mating silk moths!
The food is available for order but the options are quite few and these are usually the fried kind good as beer munch. But they also have soups but it all depends on the availability. We first ordered crispy pata but it wasn’t available that we had to settle for lechon kawali, the only thing in the ref. But I’m sure if you have specific requests, the owner will attend to it. Seafood? There’s a thriving market at the town center and the car can deliver.
Internet is quite spotty. Although they can activate the prepaid internet here, its still not reliable. But what the heck? You go on a mountain retreat and still look for internet? Or cellular signal?
Sun Xi Mountain Retreat has also interesting gardens. Depending on the season, flowers may be in bloom. Lots of flying insects abound! At night, being a beetle enthusiast, I was going over the lamposts and found several longhorned beetles plus a multitude of beautiful moths!
The mountain retreat is not for everyone. If you’re the type of person who needs to be connected online or need to be contacted, this is not for you. But if you prefer cool environment to spend solely with yourself or with a loved one, admire nature at its best or just want a time off, this is the perfect place.
To reach Sun Xi Mountain Retreat, you need to coordinate first by contacting the owner or the caretaker at their beach resort at the town of Alegria so that they can prepare.
From Cebu City, ride a bus bound for southern Cebu specifically with the signage “via Barili” at the Cebu South Bus Terminal or ask at the terminal. You need to get down at the Alegria Catholic Church. Guests are usually advised to head to the Sun Xi Bar infront of the church and wait for the car. They will drive you to the mountain retreat. If you need to get down to the town, just leave a message or tell the front desk at the retreat so that the car can pick you up.
Sun Xi Mountain Retreat is also listed in Airbnb. Check it out.
Sun Xi Mountain Retreat
Lepanto, Alegria, Cebu
+63 32 5117726
https://www.facebook.com/SunXiMountainRetreat