The Homes of Zee

Montebello Villa Hotel: A Relaxing Escape from the Modern World

What is it that enthralls us to escapades? Is it the tug of adventure waiting at the end? Or is it the well-deserved rest we get coming from a long working week? It may come as a surprise to many that one can get both just right in the middle of Cebu’s commercial and residential zones giving guests the highest degree of satisfaction.

Nestled quietly in Banilad, Cebu City, a second home for Cebuanos for almost five decades, demonstrates how a little bit of history can go a long way. With its nostalgic charm and emphasis on heritage it’s nice to see a “home” that its history shows how the classics can really stand the test of time. Even its newest and freshest rooms feature the grandeur of its distinct Old-world charm that immediately envelopes you once you enter it. The clay tile floors, dark-washed wooden furniture grounding the space with Earth tones, and the details of the ceiling tend to incite nostalgia and immediate relaxation. One of the highlights of the rooms is it’s far more spacious than many of the hotel rooms you’ve gotten used to. Truly bringing together classic design elements and modern luxury for an experience that epitomizes what Montebello Villa Hotel has to offer. The new rooms feature modern amenities and international-standard facilities designed to meet the needs of the meticulous travelers in leisure and business. Some rooms feature a balcony with a view of Montebello’s sprawling lush tropical gardens perfect for complete relaxation.

Most of the rooms have been refurbished within the last five years, 25 of which have been refurbished, and will be made available this year. Tucked into the fourth wing of the Hotel, they’re called the Deluxe with Balcony rooms, and they have the best view of the colorful Bougainvillea garden and the lush green foliage that casts its warm glow in the afternoon as the sun sets which is why Montebello is figured often in guests’ Instagram posts.

Truly, time seemed suspended in Montebello Villa Hotel. In an institution that pays homage to its rich history. It is only natural to go back to the simple, slow-paced life away from the hustle of work days and the din of technology when the world gets too overwhelming. One can always take a trip through history with a little getaway not far from where you are.

Related Topics:Escapades Montebello Villa Hotel Staycation

Up Next

Say Hello to Summer with Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan’s Summer Daze

Don't Miss

Christofle x Karl Lagerfeld, A Product of Legacy and Luxury

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 12

Christmas House No. 12 – Heart-felt Holidays at the Hofers’

Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!

Nestled in Banilad, Cebu City, the George Hofer residence stands as testament to enduring elegance. Constructed in the late sixties to early seventies, the mansion exudes timeless charm with warm brown molave wood panels and pristine white marble floors.

Stepping into this grand abode during the Christmas season unveils a journey into a beautifully storied past. This season, Molave wooden entance, intricately carved with the Hofer couple’s monogram, are adorned with opulent yuletide garlands. White velvet poinsettias and persimmon peonies alongside mother of pearl camellias are interspersed with pearlescent berries. Archangel Michael showers the guests with blessings from above, while a macassar ebony wooden effigy of Saint George (slaying the dragon) pays homage to the house owner’s namesake.

Adjacent to a private elevator, a grandiose Christmas tree stands tall, welcoming guests into a sprawling waiting hall. Here, an angel in teal and gold lamé cloth grouped together with exotic blooms gracefully plays the lyre; seemingly entertaining those who await entry.

Further down the hall is an ecru grand piano, where the lady of the house, a skilled pianist, performs Monti’s Czardas, Schubert’s Ständchen, and other rhapsodies on special occasions. A commissioned portrait of George and Dulce hangs on a wall above a console table that separates the hall from the formal dining area.

The Hofer home exudes old-world elegance that is seldom found today, yet its true charm lies in the joyous laughter and warm greetings of the Hofers, who gather annually to share Christmas cheer and delightful yuletide stories in this vibrant space.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 11

Christmas House No. 11 – Christine Pelaez

Designed by the noted Cebu architect Teng Jacinto, this expansive residence stands as a testament to the artful curation of Jun Pelaez. Over the years, he has meticulously assembled a collection of artworks, transforming the home into a gallery that reflects his discerning taste and appreciation for the aesthetic.

As the holiday season graces the air, the residence undergoes a festive tone under the artful touch of Jun’s wife, Christine. Embracing tradition, she bathes the home in the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens, infusing each corner with warmth and seasonal charm. The interior becomes a canvas for the holiday spirit, adorned with wreaths, ornaments, and the timeless glow of twinkling lights.

However, the true heart of this home lies in its welcoming spirit. There are two dining rooms, with chairs adorned with red bows and festive centerpieces, where family and friends converge for an equally sumptuous meal.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 10

Christmas House No. 10 – The Hudsons’ Christmas Chronicles

The Hudson’s household buzzes with enthusiasm each time the holiday season unfolds. The heart of their Tokyo home, the Hudson Christmas tree, stands tall and proud, adorned with tinsel and cherished trimmings that span the years of their family’s growth. Each ornament tells a story, marking the arrival of a new family member with the annual addition of baubles bearing their names: Mary, George, Victoria and Charles.

Charles, the youngest Hudson at twelve, beams with joy as he proudly places the Christmas star atop the tree. No longer reliant on his father’s shoulders, Charles revels in his newfound height and the welcomed responsibility that comes with it.

In addition to the twinkling blue lights, the festive icons and the white-and-silvery ornaments, another cherished tradition had been completed at the beginning of the joyful season. The Hudson’s much-anticipated Christmas cards, an exciting accountof the family’s adventures, had been creatively crafted by Rose and Karl. The lively narrative chronicles the milestones and quests of each family member, with Karl’s animated storytelling and Rose’s artistic touch bringing the tales to life.

Rose shares, “by mid-November we print two hundred post cards of the Hudson family chronicles. The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, gathers around to sign each card. Envelopes are lovingly addressed, and the kids lend a hand in labeling.”

In a heartwarming shift of roles, the Hudson parents, Karl and Rose, prepare to pass the baton. The careful planning and distribution of the Christmas cards are soon to become the responsibility of the eager younger generation.

With laughter, love, and a touch of adventure, the Hudson family embraces the season, creating and sharing memories that they and their friends treasure for life.