"Welcome to Our Dream of Island Living: The Story Behind Our New Villa Hotel in Batanes"

I am a proud Ivatan woman, born and nurtured in the island of Batanes, in my lovely hometown Mahatao. My heart found its missing piece, not in another corner of our archipelago, but across the oceans, in a man named Fernando. Yes, quite like the charming names we often hear in the spanish telenovelas hehe!. Together, we embarked on the beautiful journey of parenthood, blessed with two children—we named our daughter Tala, after the Filipino word for star, a guiding light in our lives, and to honor their dual heritage, we chose a spanish name for our son, Hugo, a name as melodious and enigmatic as life itself.

Years ago, my husband first set foot on the unspoiled beauty of our island. It was love at first sight, not just with the island's majestic landscapes, but also the warmth and charm of the Ivatan people, my people. This profound connection to Batanes has grown over the years, evolving into a desire to plant roots here, and now that we have children, we wish them to understand and cherish this part of their Ivatan heritage, to feel as connected to this land as they are to us. To instill in their hearts, that Batanes is not just an island. It holds the heart of our family, their heritage, our sanctuary. It is a place where our familial ties run deep. This is an island of resilient families, bound by shared history and experiences, each demonstrating the strength and endurance as part of our ivatan roots.

Thus, an idea began to sprout, a dream to create a haven that blends our lives' modern intricacies with the timeless allure of native Ivatan living. Our villa hotel embodies this dream. Built with attention to detail and designed with elegance and minimalism, our villa is a fusion of Ivatan craftsmanship and modern comfort. The villa was designed by an Ivatan, built by Ivatans, and all the furniture is made from locally sourced Vutalao wood, a tribute to the skill and artistry of Ivatan artists.

While the villa serves as our home during our annual visits, we decided to open its doors to guests for the most part of the year. We imagine it as a bridge that connects the world to the wonders of Batanes and the innate charm of the Ivatan people.

As we officially open the newest villa hotel in Batanes, we invite you to experience the serenity and enchantment this island has to offer. Explore the beauty of the island, enjoy the hospitality of the Ivatan community, and find peace in the villa's elegant, natural atmosphere.

Our villa holds a story, not just of an island and a building, but of a family finding their place in the world—a union of cultures, love, and shared dreams. We hope that each corner of it whispers that story to each guest that walks through its welcoming doorway.

Welcome to our villa hotel in Batanes, where time is lulled by the waves, and every sunset brings a promise of another beautiful day!

Yours with love, 

Norelyn, Fernando, Tala & Hugo