With opulent interior designs and luxurious accommodation set at the country's premier island destinations, these exclusive resorts top Philippine Tatler’s list of summer getaways.
Dedon Island Resort
Located at the southeastern tip of the reef-ringed surfing mecca of the Philippines, Dedon Island Resort at Siargao is nestled between ancient mangrove forests and the crystal clear sea. This palm-fringed paradise is home to beauty of both nature and architecture as Dedon is also known for beautiful natural landscapes, marine biodiversity, and Filipino craftsmanship.
Dedon Island Resort's Sea Pagoda
Through the initiative of ex-footballer Bobby Dekeyser, the island was turned into more than just a resort with its showcase of Dedon furniture. Locally-inspired and luxurious pieces accentuate the natural ambience of the resort. The nine villas dissolve distinctions between indoors and out with its generous verandas, large windows, and subtle integration of stones and wood. To get a unique experience of the sea, have a seat on the Swingrest hanging lounger at the Deluxe Villas, or on the Nestrest lounger hanging from a storm-bent coconut palm tree, or even kayak to the Sea Pagoda 500 metres from the shore for an indulgent specially-made breakfast meal at the centre of Dedon’s fish sanctuary. For the adventurous type, Dedon is not far from Cloud 9, Siargao’s frequented surfing spot.
Dedon Island Resort, Malinao, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. Contact +63917.701.7820 or email home@dedonisland.com
Kawayan Cove
This 68-hectare private seaside residential community lies in Nasugbu and features a breathtaking panorama of the Western Batangas coastline. Kawayan Cove is a 650-metre crescent of fine, white sand and houses over fifty varieties of flora and fauna.
Aerial view of the Bamboo Beach with the Meditation Point at the foreground
For people in search of a relaxing place to commune with nature get to the Meditation Point, which is a cliff side retreat where boulders and rocks are laid out under a canopy of trees forming a 57-metre rosary. Take pleasure in the simple things in life at the Bamboo Beach Club (exclusive only to Kawayan Cove residents) and enjoy a luxurious summer escapade in any of its elegant pavilions, a drink at the Bamboo Bar, sumptuous meals at the Clubhouse, or a dip at the Horizon pool.
Kawayan Cove, Bamboo Beach, Nasugbu, Batangas. Contact +632.845.1246 / +632.845.1266 or email info@kawayancove.com
Amanpulo
An epitome of a tropical paradise for the past two decades, this private island resort in the Sulu Sea is part of the Quiniluban Group of Cuyo Islands in Palawan and is accessible by private plane via Pamalican Island airstrip.
Amanpulo
Amanpulo’s 40 casitas or twin-roofed bungalows are situated in hillside and beachfront settings, modelled after the Bahay Kubo. With pebble-washed walls, Palawan rice and knife baskets, and intricately designed Filipino furnitures and interior details, the casitas reflect the island’s unique personality. The casitas as well as the villas (which are available for rent and for purchase) give guests a serene and private accommodation for being many a distance apart from one another, as well as access to the white sand beach and sand bars where one may enjoy a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere amid the crystal-clear waters.
Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Palawan. Contact +632.976.5200 or email amanpulo@amanresorts.com
Balesin Island Club
Located off the eastern coast of Luzon is a destination featuring unmatched natural beauty and 7.3 kilometres of pristine white-sand beaches. Balesin Island Club is approximately a 20-minute plane ride from Manila and perhaps the hottest members-only, leisure getaway today.
Mykonos Cove Deck view
Balesin is composed of different villages that take culinary and architectural inspirations from the world’s other best summer destinations like Bali, St. Tropez, Mykonos, and Toscana. Besides a relaxing treatment from the Balesin Spa, guests have a myriad of sports and recreational activities to enjoy at such as airsoft target shooting, horse riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain biking, and more.
Balesin Island Club, Polillo, Quezon. Contact +632.998.9521 or email reservations@balesin.com
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa
Less than 30 minutes of cruising along the white beach of Boracay Island will bring one to the place's premier luxury resort. Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa is a lush natural sanctuary located on a hillside overlooking the ocean at the northern tip of the island and comprised of 219 elegant and spacious guestrooms and villas.
Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa
Perched on a cliff are the two-bedroom Ocean Villas that provide a breathtaking view of the private Banyugan beach. Another coveted villa in the resort is the two-bedroom Beach Villa, also known as Villa 13, and gives guests a direct access to the said private Beach.
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, Boracay Island, Aklan. Contact +6336.288.4988 or email reservations.slbo@shangri-la.com
El Nido Resorts, Pangulasian Island
Along the Bacuit Bay in Palawan lies the Pangulasian Island resort, a luxury hideaway in the El Nido group of islands. Dubbed as the “Island of the Sun” for its scenic sunrise and sunset views, Pangulasian Island is an ideal place to rejuvenate and reconnect with nature. Guests may take an hour-long flight from Manila to Lio airport in El Nido and ride a boat to Pangulasian Island, which takes about 25 minutes of glorious scenery featuring the El Nido seascape.
Aerial view of the El Nido Resort Pangulasian Island
The resort comprises 42 deluxe contemporary Filipino-designed villas, surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, diverse flora and fauna, a marine sanctuary, and breathtaking views of the sea as well as of the other El Nido islands. Guest may prefer staying at the Kalaw Villas located in a secluded cove at the West end of Pangulasian. It is a cluster of four private villas sharing an 85-square metre lap pool and sala, which can be used for private dinners and intimate gatherings.
Pangulasian Island, Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan. Contact +632.902.5990 or email holiday@elnidoresorts.com
Photos courtesy of respective island resorts and membership clubs.
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