A Northbound Escape: Discovering Matahom Paradise Villas

For many of those who already claimed 2026, this year must have had a joyous start in their lives, as manifestations and goals start to become reality. I really didn’t think of something last year, but I honestly ate a dozen of grapes under our dinner table during New Year’s Eve, hoping for some love to come my way as I walk down the road of life. I mean, as a hopeless romantic, I was hoping to share my life with someone who would be the standard and ideal for me, and lucky that I found him already. But it is not only love that appeared this month; also my long-forgotten goal to have a stay in Matahom Paradise, a beach resort in the municipality of Medellin, that has these exclusive villas and grand culinary offered to tourists. It is honestly expensive, but the prices justify the quality of the resort and the experience. And I was happy to be able to get there, finally.

It was 2:00 P.M. at our check-in in Matahom Paradise Villas. We used Maps to navigate the location of the villas, and we found ourselves standing in front of this cozy facade. They offer island tours, billiards and KTV, jet skiing and wakeboarding, private pools, exclusive villas, and a bar and restaurant.

This is their inquiry and payment area, filled with couches and beach clothes for sale. We immediately headed here to inquire about the villa prices and some amenities we could utilize. We paid 4,000 for the villa we had, with free breakfast and free 30 minutes of kayaking. The staff were so approachable and welcoming, which added to the overall vibe of the Paradise Villas.

Welcome to our villa. This is how it looks. It was the only Garden Villa available that day, so we pushed through with it since it already looked perfect for us. We just needed a comfortable stay, and this villa looked promising. The room amenities include hot and cold showers, a mini ref, safety deposit box, free breakfast, and free kayaking at our desired time, just not during low tide. As for the rules, cooking is prohibited, and corkage fees are applied to those who bring outside food and beverages. In normal season, the villa is priced at 6,500 on weekdays and 7,500 on weekends, and it is good for 2 pax.

The pool is exclusive, as well as the overall place inside this safe villa. It looks elegant and comfortable, and the neatness of the area made me feel excited to experience it until the next day. They have a gazebo where we ate dinner and breakfast, and there is also a dining counter for drinking and a bit of talks. The pool was so relaxing, although it was so cold that night when we used it. Still, it was great to have some drinks and a mini party in the pool with this favorite guy I was with.

This is the restaurant of the Paradise Villas. They offer food focused on featuring Filipino dishes that best complement resort experiences. When we read the resort’s reviews, we learned how tourists loved the boodle fight and seafood dishes, so we ordered those as well and paid 1,500 for our dinner, with a pitcher of iced tea charged at another price. Garlic shrimp, buttered scallops, tuna, fruits, grilled pork, and tortang talong (fried eggplant) were served in our villa by the friendly staff and intern students who were having their OJT in Matahom.

For context, Matahom Paradise Villas is a Bali-inspired beach resort specifically located in Barangay Kawit, Medellin, Cebu. Matahom means “beautiful” in Cebuano, and the resort truly looks like one of that adjective, which the owner did a great job of putting into physical form. It is popular for family getaway experiences, friendship celebrations, personal relaxation, and private experiences alongside seaside activities.

Different types of accommodations are offered in Matahom, like garden view villas and ocean view villas, charged at reasonable prices. You would be in awe once you get inside this paradise. Perfect is how I describe the place and the whole experience. It just looks like a big garden with different rooms, and a modern type of resort experience mixed with elegance and grace.

Guests can also enjoy water activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, and banana boat rides, often requested at the inquiry room. Since Medellin is long known for its scenic and picturesque beaches, Matahom provided this paradise so tourists can enjoy Medellin’s landscape and beaches, as well as marine features, with a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Matahom Paradise Villas is about three to four hours away from Cebu City. From the Cebu North Bus Terminal, find a bus labeled “Daanbantayan via Kawit” and ask to be dropped off near Villa Edar Beach Resort, as Matahom Paradise Villas is located nearby along the coastal road. You can use Maps just like we did to navigate the resort, and it becomes easier to spot when you are nearing the area. I suggest you book a villa in advance since there are seasons and events that make the resort fully occupied.

Matahom, by its name and quality, really is a recommended resort when you consider Medellin as part of your trips in the island of Cebu. Let the experience do the talking, but I invite you to try this wonderful villa that can create good memories and keep them forever in the corners of your own exclusive stay.

In the end of our stay, Matahom Paradise Villas became more than just a destination for me. It felt like a reward, a quiet celebration of love, patience, and dreams slowly unfolding, all wrapped in the calm of the sea and the warmth of a place that truly lives up to its name. Matahom didn't break my expectations, instead, it raised the standard of my future resort experiences.