Paradise found: Inside 7 of the finest eco-luxury resorts in the Philippines

On land, the resort is active in propagating growth of native and endemic plants to restore balance of the local ecosystem, ensuring biodiversity, enhancing habitat quality and improving the landscape’s resilience to climate challenges. “Shifts in environmental patterns impact the entire industry, but they have a particularly profound effect on those of us in remote locations, where we are more vulnerable to the elements of nature,” Morio adds “We strive to be vigilant in dynamically adapted to changes, a commitment essential to preserving Pamalican for future generations.”

The recent initiation of solar energy marks a significant milestone for the island. The solar plant has become a cornerstone of the resort’s energy strategy, now supplying up to 60 per cent of its total consumption.

Another serene and exclusive retreat in Palawan is Banwa Private Island. This relatively small island is easy to explore and features some of the world’s most spacious and luxurious modern villas.

“At Banwa Private Island, eco-tourism means striking a perfect balance between luxury hospitality and environmental conservation,” states island manager Janet Oquendo. “We believe that responsible travel should enhance, not diminish, the natural beauty of a destination.” The commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of operations, from employing locals and maintaining close community ties to protecting and conserving the rich biodiversity around them.

The resort’s name comes from Tagbanwa, the tribe whose people are believed to be the earliest human Palawan settlers, dating back to 14,000 BC. Naturally, the island fosters a strong sense of community through education, healthcare and sustainable development initiatives. Sustainable agriculture is promoted through Banwa’s organic farm in nearby Tumarbong, which provides most of the resort’s fresh produce.

Located in a marine protected area, Banwa’s conservation projects are carried out by the Aquos Foundation and guided by world-leading experts. Programmes include reef rehabilitation, turtle conservation and research investments, ensuring the island’s diverse species continue to thrive. Banwa is also committed to terrestrial conservation. Oquendo expounds, “Our Tabon Bird Sanctuary provides a safe haven for the Philippine Megapode, a unique ground-dwelling species. Through dedicated protection and conservation efforts, we have successfully increased their active nest sites from 16 in 2016 to 143 in 2023.”

Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the pristine environment through guided nature walks along the Tabon Trail, snorkelling in the house reef, witness nesting turtles and hatchlings, and much more.

A growing draw for travellers in El Nido, Palawan is the opportunity for conservation-driven stays and meaningful cultural immersion at a collection of eco-resorts managed by Ayala Land Hospitality (ALH). Named after their respective islands—Miniloc, Lagen and Pangulasian—each resort offers a distinct experience, from serene luxury to immersive eco-adventures. What ties them together is a deep commitment to stewardship, with environmentally conscious principles woven into every aspect of their design and daily operations.

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“Our mission is to refine and elevate the natural warmth of Filipino hospitality, creating brands that inspire both travellers and locals alike,” shares ALH’s Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala. This is evident across all El Nido Resorts—from collaborating with local artisans and weaving their craftsmanship into a tropical contemporary vernacular, to highlighting sustainably sourced ingredients in every menu. Through activities like nature hikes, mangrove planting and turtle conservation, guests are invited to intimate encounters with the vibrant marine ecosystem. The flourishing wildlife stands as a living testament to the resorts’ respectful presence and the dedicated stewardship of the group, who have cared for these islands for over a decade.

Set to reopen later this year, a fully renovated Lagen Island is poised to be ALH’s foremost eco-luxury destination. Features include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, new dining concepts and a reduced room count to reclaim the beachfront.

“I believe that true hospitality goes far beyond offering a memorable stay—it’s about building a community and lasting relationships that leave a lasting impact,” Urquijo remarks. She also spoke of the second ACTAI Asia Pacific Conference they hosted on Pangulasian in February, where they welcomed artists, athletes and entrepreneurs from around the world. “They raised over US$ 1 million to support the conservation of our reefs and marine life because of their positive experience in the Philippines.”

Read more: Ayala Land Hospitality ushers in a new era that celebrates Filipino culture and design

Just a 90-minute drive south of Metro Manila, The Farm at San Benito is a holistic wellness resort that nourishes mind, body and soul. Guests have their pick of luxuriously appointed villas, each designed with locally sourced, natural materials and built around the existing landscape to preserve the 52-hectare property’s lush biodiversity.

Along with its nature-based healing programs and spa therapies, The Farm is renowned for its farm-to-table philosophy and restorative plant-based cuisine.

“Our holistic approach to nutrition ensures that every dish nourishes the body while reducing our carbon footprint by eliminating reliance on long-distance food transportation,” The Farm at San Benito’s executive chef Marie Pagcaliwagan shares. Waste reduction and composting similarly play a crucial role in their sustainability efforts, as they create natural fertilisers using aerobic fermentation and vermiculture to sustain The Farm’s on-site organic farm.

Another distinctive feature of the property is that it is home to more than 3,000 coconut trees. The virgin coconut oil harnessed from these trees is used to craft the resort’s biodegradable products, including its bathroom amenities and spa treatments. “By intertwining luxury with responsible tourism, The Farm ensures that guests leave not only revitalised but also inspired to integrate sustainability into their everyday lives,” Kathy Solis, the property’s director for marketing and public relations, adds.

More from Tatler: Detoxify and rejuvenate at these 6 luxurious wellness-centric resorts in Southeast Asia

“Tourism is a double-edged sword,” shares French-Filipino entrepreneur Christophe Bariou, founder of Maison Bukana. “Most of the time, it follows the same formula: more people arrive, the influx is uncontrolled and unregulated, short-term gains are prioritised over longterm sustainability…However, I believe that with proper and timely action, as well as goodwill, everyone can benefit from sustainable tourism. This starts with responsible material sourcing and a deep respect for nature.”

Opened in 2021, Maison Bukana is a fully-serviced villa by the river, ancient mangroves and sea in Siargao. Slow-living architecture is a hallmark of the property, encompassing natural ventilation and lighting, native materials and disaster-resilient innovations like the Ecocast hollow blocks from Filipino company Green Antz Builders.

“Sustainability means utilising what nature already provides,” Bariou states. “At Maison Bukana, all of our water comes from rain collection. Our structures are also designed to maximise natural airflow and lighting through strategically placed openings and skylight windows.”

Read more: Designing for the Elements: Christophe Bariou talks about Maison Bukana and shares lessons about building disaster resilient structures

Still, he acknowledges that everything we build or create impacts the planet. Bariou adds, “The real question is how we give back to the community and compensate for our environmental footprint through positive actions.” From its inception, Maison Bukana has deeply prioritised the well-being of its staff, fostering a circular economy within its own.

Tucked away in Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Manami Resort is a proudly Negrense crown jewel. Albeit only on its second year, the lush hillside property has certainly had no issues with demand, driven by its seamless incorporation of local craftsmanship and regional flair across the accommodations, culinary offerings and wellness amenities.

“At Manami, sustainability enhances—not limits—the guest experience,” says property manager Giro Solatorio. Guests can then engage with nature through tide pool explorations, guided forest walks and snorkelling in protected waters, all led by Manami’s dedicated Nature Butlers. The dining outlets offer a catch-to-table and farm-to-table dining experience, likewise sourcing their produce from resident farmers, fishermen and small businesses.

Not to be missed from the resort’s thoughtful architecture is the fact that it uses locally sourced and repurposed materials, such as acacia wood salvaged from Typhoon Odette and Kamagong wood from a heritage house in Leyte. To aid in protecting the marine biodiversity of Sipalay, Manami has partnered up with Danjugan Island, a marine sanctuary and environmental education destination managed by the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc (PRRCFI). Their joint initiatives include the preservation of ten Tridacna Gigas giant clams, which entailed that the team undergo proper handling training to ensure the vulnerable species’ safety.

See also: Naturally elegant: Manami Resort redefines the possibilities of luxury

“We also act as stewards of a nearby eight-year-old mangrove area, recognising its crucial role in coastal protection and biodiversity,” Solatorio shares. “We have an in-house marine biologist dedicated to studying and preserving the rich marine ecosystem of Sipalay. Manami’s long-term goal is to establish itself as a leader in regenerative tourism.”

Nestled within the tropical jungle of Siargao is a stunning collection of thatched-roof villas belonging to Nay Palad Hideaway. Severely impacted by Typhoon Odette in 2021, this exclusive oasis has since been reimagined by founder Bobby Dekeyser and architect Daniel Pouzet to cater to the eco-conscious travellers who regularly flock to the surfing capital.

Vince Lampert, the resort’s executive director, shares that efforts immediately after Odette were focused on Nay Palad’s people and the community to help them “get back on their feet the soonest”. The renovation of the resort only began in April 2022.

Read more: After the storm: Vince Lampert shares his story of survival amid Typhoon Odette

As it stands today, the beloved tropical escape is home to just ten villas ,plus open-air lounges made for slow days and an ocean-view restaurant serving fresh, farm-and-seato- table dishes. All structures have a distinctively redefined Filipino architectural style.

As part of The Long Run, a global initiative for sustainable development and tourism, Nay Palad embraces the “4Cs” framework, which focuses on Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. They work with local schools, artisans and entrepreneurs to ensure that Siargao and its people flourish together, all the while ensuring that its mangrove forest, bodies of water and rich biodiversity receive diligent stewardship for future generations.

The resort actively engages in conservation efforts, partnering with the local government and like-minded organisations to raise awareness about endangered species and restore damaged coral reefs. Guests are likewise invited to participate in fish dome-making activities, enabling them to help create vital habitats for marine life. Nay Palad also supports initiatives anchored on education, sustainable livelihood, medical missions, as well as rehousing residents to uplift the community and foster self-sufficiency.

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