Romblon may be best known for its world-class marble, but after a weekend stay at Horizon Hotel, it’s easy to argue that comfort, warm service, and laid-back luxury are equally part of its charm.
Perched on a cliffside in Barangay Lonos, just a few minutes from the port, Horizon Hotel is one of the island’s newest and most complete accommodations. With 21 rooms—including suites, family rooms, and deluxe units—it offers travelers a boutique experience with full-service amenities like a pool, a function hall, and even dive and tour packages.
“We opened in December 2020, and it’s been a journey since then,” said Rosalyn Canolo, sister of owner Rosanna “Onang” Montaña and also works on the hotel’s accounting needs. “But we’ve always been hands-on. The hotel was designed and built by Manang Onang herself, who has a background in both architecture and engineering.”
That personal touch is evident everywhere—from the clever split-level design that makes hauling luggage easier (guests enter at street level and descend to their rooms), to the pre-pandemic stockpiling of materials that helped keep construction costs in check.
Horizon Hotel is managed by Approche, a hotel management group that handles several properties around the country. But here in Romblon, Horizon stands out for being not just professionally run—but deeply personal, down to the events they organize for guests and locals.
During our visit, they held a Father’s Day dinner celebration complete with Bingo night, just one of the regular happenings that keep guests engaged and returning.
Worth every minute
Getting to Romblon is an adventure in itself. It takes a bit of commitment—but one that’s worth every minute.
From Manila, we took a two-hour drive to Batangas Port, followed by a ten-hour overnight ferry to Romblon Island. That may sound daunting, but the reward was waking up to views of a sleepy coastal town flanked by hills, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a journey that makes the arrival feel even more special.
During our four-day stay at the hotel, we visited the famed Bon Bon Beach, known for its stunning white sandbar that stretches into the sea and connects to Bang-og Island during low tide. We also explored several other islands, including Tambian Beach, where we enjoyed a hearty lunch by the water. It’s a quieter, but equally pristine spot—perfect for wading, floating, or simply sitting still and soaking it all in.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip was diving off a 10-foot cliff at Takot Reef—a spontaneous thrill that quickly became a highlight. The adrenaline rush of the jump, followed by the cool embrace of the clear blue water, made it an experience that was equal parts exhilarating and refreshing. Takot Reef, despite its name, is nothing to fear—only a place to conquer your hesitation and dive right in.
Home-style dishes
Food is a big part of the experience too. Horizon’s kitchen served us home-style dishes and local specialties that stayed with us long after we left. Chicken binakol, cooked in coconut water and lemongrass, was the perfect rainy-day comfort food. We also tried utan na langka, sarsa (fish wrapped and steamed in banana leaves), and pinais, a sticky rice dessert.
In town, we passed by the historic Cathedral of San Jose, which dates back to the Spanish period and stands as one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the province. Though quiet during our visit, we were told the church—and the whole town—comes alive during the Biniray Festival every January, when fluvial parades and street dancing celebrate the devotion to the Santo Niño. It’s definitely something to come back for.
Romblon’s marble industry is another major draw. We dropped by several workshops where craftsmen shape raw marble into everyday items like coasters, mugs, and mortars and pestles, as well as into beautiful art pieces that can be centerpieces in homes or business establishments. Many of us ended up with more pasalubong than expected—not just because of the quality, but also the pride and skill evident in each piece.
Back at Horizon, we learned the hotel often hosts government meetings, family reunions, and even musical nights by the pool. Its function room holds up to 100 people, but with the pool deck, it can accommodate as many as 150.
The staff here are not just well-trained—they’re genuinely warm. “Even when tired, our staff always make sure to greet guests with a smile,” said Rhoda Montaña Bernardo, also a sister to the owner.
That attitude, along with consistent service and new promos, helps bring guests back. Many return not just for the beaches or the marble, but for the people.
From its humble beginnings as a cliffside vision to its current place as one of Romblon’s most complete accommodations, Horizon Hotel offers more than a comfortable stay—it gives travelers a reason to linger.
Romblon may not be as instantly accessible as other island destinations, but maybe that’s what makes it special. The journey here takes time—but once you arrive, there’s a strong chance you won’t want to leave.
