Cover Community, nature and culture intersect at Lio Estate by Ayala Land in El Nido (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
Community, nature and culture intersect at Lio Estate by Ayala Land in El Nido (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
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Ayala Land
A permanent address for El Nido’s creative spirit, Lio Estate by Ayala Land is a paradise to call your own
Everyone recognises El Nido for its stunning beaches and lagoons—turquoise waters framed by limestone cliffs that seem almost unbelievable in person. What’s less often mentioned is the journey to get there: arriving at Lio Airport, then driving through a quiet, green area before reaching either the town proper or the port, where boats await to take visitors to the smaller islands. This stretch used to be merely a prelude before the main attraction. However, Ayala Land has been gradually transforming it for nearly a decade, working to make this area a destination worth exploring rather than just a passageway, turning it into an appealing spot in its own right.
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Above Kalye Artisano is a gathering hub of discovery and community (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
Kalye Artisano is a gathering hub of discovery and community (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
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Lio Estate is a 322-hectare masterplan that gazes across El Nido Bay and Ayala Land’s same-named private airstrip. More than a tourist destination, it’s a community shaped by stewardship: 4.2 kilometres of shoreline are preserved, more than half the estate is given over to nature parks and open space, and every building is kept at a respectful distance from the high-tide line.
But beyond the ecological commitment lies a deliberate cultural layer that points to what sets Lio apart. With the estate, Ayala Land underscores that the beauty of El Nido doesn’t stop with the landscape; it is also revealed in the locals and their crafts.
The heart of Lio, set within the town centre, is Kalye Artisano. Think of it as a cultural hub where creativity, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and community come together. Under its thatched roof, local makers sell handcrafted, sustainable goods such as woven bags, hand-carved woodwork and jewellery made from Palawan’s own materials. There are also dining concepts, community events and workshops for anyone who’d rather leave with a new experience or skill than a trinket.
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Above Find sweet delights and Filipino favourites at Lio Estate (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
Above Discover local, handcrafted pieces made with passion (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
Find sweet delights and Filipino favourites at Lio Estate (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
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Walk on for a few more minutes and you reach Sitio Aplaya, Lio’s newest mixed-use district and, frankly, the more interesting proposition for anyone who’s stopped thinking of El Nido as somewhere merely visited. The beachside development offers the opportunity to create a home that reflects the life one envisions—a private sanctuary by the sea, a holiday residence, or a place where family traditions can take root for generations.
As part of Lio’s vibrant coastal community, Sitio Aplaya residents enjoy moments at the beach alongside dining, retail, wellness and everyday conveniences that make living in El Nido feel less like a holiday and more like real life.
Above Lio Estate is built with heritage and greenery at every turn (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
Lio Estate is built with heritage and greenery at every turn (Photo: courtesy of Ayala Land)
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Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, creative director of Ayala Land and a Lio resident since 2016, shares this sentiment. She describes El Nido as a place that slows you down and grounds you, emphasizing its unique space— physically and emotionally. It fosters reflection and intention, attracting artists, entrepreneurs and makers who value living with care and purpose, and building meaningful connections while honouring their environment.
Lio’s true appeal lies not just in its photogenic view, but in its connection to the community that shapes its unique character. It’s a rare kind of paradise you can truly call your own.
Begin your El Nido story at Sitio Aplaya. For inquiries on beachside lots, email lio@ayalaland.com.ph. For more updates and information, follow @lioelnido on Instagram and Facebook.
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