A Nostalgic Visit to Sta. Fe, Bacolod’s Iconic Resort

It has been years, maybe a decade or more, since I last visited Sta. Fe resort. As I entered the now more modern look of the resort’s gate, my thoughts were flooded with childhood memories when we would head to their pools to cool off the summer heat. It is also where we bring family friends and relatives who visit us on certain occasions.

My sister, cousins and I at Sta. Fe Resort when we were still toddlers.
My sister, cousins and I at Sta. Fe Resort when we were still toddlers.

Early beginnings of Sta. Fe Resort

Sta. Fe Resort was established in the 1950’s and used to be a part of the hacienda of Don Generoso Villanueva, Sr. He established the resort initially as a hobby and his way to provide leisure to his laborers in the hacienda. Eventually, families started to come and Sta. Fe became the first privately owned resort in the city.

A sketch of Villanueva's art deco house is displayed in the Cactus Hall.
A sketch of Villanueva’s art deco house is displayed in the Cactus Hall.
A description of the sketch.
A description of the sketch.

Getting to Sta. Fe

Located seven kilometers east of Bacolod City’s downtown area, Sta. Fe already provides a quiet atmosphere that will make you feel you isolated from the city’s building traffic. But it’s just very near our home so we favor this resort over the beaches in Punta Taytay. In fact, there are several jeepneys plying the Sta. Fe route from Bacolod’s Central Market or Burgos Market.

This statue of a lady has been here for years. Nice to still see it standing.
This statue of a lady has been here for years. Nice to still see it standing.

Revisiting Bacolod’s Iconic Resort

Recently, I was invited on a Saturday morning to a corporate summer outing to judge in one of their contests. Though I had no plans of dipping in the pools as I had other things to attend right after the program, I took time to take a few snapshots of the pool area.

Cactus Hall.
Cactus Hall.
Crocodiles Haven also has a function hall.
Crocodiles Haven also has a function hall.

Amenities inside Sta. Fe Resort

Sta. Fe has improved most of its amenities to cater to the growing needs of the locals and tourists. For one, they already have this Cactus Hall that can accommodate up to 300 persons and can be used for conventions. I remembered it as a bowling alley and billiards hall before. They also have smaller halls for other functions. It is not a surprise that Sta. Fe now officially bears the name Sta. Fe Resort and Convention Center. Hmmm… a good venue for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibition) events and gatherings.

The kiddie pool.
The kiddie pool.
Another childhood photo that was taken at the kiddie pool.

If you wish to stay for a night or a weekend, there are also casitas, villas and cabanas that are ideal for groups or families who want to enjoy the pools and other facilities for more than a day. They still have a billiards place and even a shooting range. The mini-zoo still exists where crocodiles, birds and other animals are kept. Sta. Fe has retained its chapel, the Nuestra Senora de la Paz.

The safari pool.
The safari pool.

The main attraction of Sta. Fe is its pools — the kiddie pool, the safari pool and the Olympic-size pool. Now, they have added slides to make diving into their pools even more exciting and fun. The sheds surrounding the pools were also improved, providing spaces for those who want to spend only a day at the resort or for a picnic and informal gatherings.

Wouldn't you like to take a dip and cool off the summer heat?
Wouldn’t you like to take a dip and cool off the summer heat?

Note: Sta. Fe Resort is converted into a residential community, which is now SMDC Parkville

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