hotel
Pool Montebello Villa Cebu

Monetbello Villa Hotel

A heritage retreat in the heart of Cebu
CebuThe Philippines· 150 Rooms · ££
Timeless charm meets tropical serenity in the Queen City

Set on a sprawling three-hectare hacienda in the heart of Cebu, Montebello Villa Hotel blends the grace of the city’s Hispanic heritage with warm Cebuano hospitality.

Location: Montebello sits in central Cebu, the Philippines’ “Queen City of the South”, within easy reach of the city’s historic landmarks, lively dining scene, and shopping hubs. Despite its urban setting, the resort feels like an escape, with lush gardens, koi ponds, and shaded courtyards offering calm and space to breathe. A long-standing favourite for both locals and travellers, it remains a tranquil garden sanctuary where tradition and modern comfort coexist beautifully.

Rooms: The 150 rooms and suites are designed for relaxation, with garden or pool views and an inviting mix of classic décor and modern amenities. Options range from simple, airy Standard Rooms to elegant Executive Suites with separate living areas and private balconies. Each includes thoughtful touches such as coffee and tea facilities, plush bedding, and reliable Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable stay that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Amenities: Montebello’s charm lies in its thoughtful details and warm atmosphere. Guests can unwind beside three outdoor pools surrounded by tropical greenery or dine at La Terraza, where Filipino favourites and international dishes are served with poolside views. Café Bougainvillea offers light bites and pastries in a relaxed garden setting, while the Pool Bar mixes tropical cocktails and fine wines until late. A small fitness centre, landscaped gardens, and peaceful walking paths round out the resort’s easy-going appeal.

Activities: Days at Montebello can be as active or as unhurried as you wish. Swim, wander through the gardens, or join local tours to explore Cebu’s rich history at Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, and the Basilica del Santo Niño. For a change of pace, take a day trip to the island’s scenic coastlines and waterfalls. Families will find plenty of space to play, while couples can enjoy quiet moments by the pool or garden dinners under the stars.

Sustainability: Montebello takes a heritage-led approach to sustainability, preserving its original architecture and maintaining extensive green spaces within the city. Local sourcing and traditional design methods help reduce its footprint, while a commitment to community engagement supports local artisans and producers.

When to visit The Philippines

Find out the best time to visit The Philippines with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is a great time to visit the Philippines. It offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures, making it ideal for exploring cities like Manila and experiencing the Sinulog Festival in Cebu. Waters are clear for diving and snorkelling.

February

February continues the favourable weather, suitable for beach activities and island-hopping in Palawan. It's an excellent time for cultural events and exploring the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

March

March is still a good time to visit, with comfortable temperatures. Enjoy the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio and explore the beaches of Boracay. Waters are perfect for water sports.

April

April is ideal for island adventures and water sports. Explore the beaches of El Nido and enjoy the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban. It's warm but pleasant for outdoor activities.

May

May is generally good, but it marks the beginning of the wet season in some regions. Enjoy the colorful Flores de Mayo celebrations and dive in Apo Reef.

June

May is generally good, but it marks the beginning of the wet season in some regions. Enjoy the colorful Flores de Mayo celebrations and dive in Apo Reef.

July

July continues the rainy season. Explore the lush rainforests of Mindanao and enjoy cultural experiences. Coastal activities are not advisable.

August

August still sees rainfall, so focus on cultural experiences. Explore historical sites in Cebu and enjoy local festivals. Beach activities are limited.

September

September provides pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Explore the cultural gems of Luzon, hike Mount Pulag, or immerse yourself in the rich history of Corregidor Island.

October

October has some rainfall but is still good for travel. Attend cultural events in Manila, explore the culinary scene, and visit historical sites like Intramuros.

November

November marks the start of the dry season in a few regions. Enjoy the beauty of Banaue Rice Terraces, dive in Apo Island, and explore the beaches of Bohol.

December

December is a popular time to visit, with pleasant weather and festive celebrations. Experience Christmas traditions in the Philippines and enjoy the holiday spirit in cities like Manila and Cebu. Beach activities are great.

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. It was good value for the level of luxury we had.

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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