Cover El Nido Resorts
El Nido Resorts
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With an investment of over US$500 million, Ayala Land rebrands its hospitality arm to focus on the Philippines’ rich heritage and craftsmanship
In line with the Philippines’ tourism goals of 12 million arrivals by 2028, Ayala Land Hospitality enters a bold new chapter, redesigning and expanding its diverse hotels and resorts portfolio. This initiative, which complements the government’s infrastructure projects, aims to double the company’s room inventory to 7,500 by 2030.
“Tourism in the Philippines is not just a growing sector; it’s a defining force in our economy today and for the future. Few places on Earth offer the same richness of experience as the Philippines. It’s a country of contrasts—where modern cities thrive alongside historic colonial towns, where unspoiled islands remain untouched by time, and where warm Filipino hospitality turns every visitor into family,” says Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Senior Vice President at Ayala Land for Leasing and Hospitality. “From the crystalline waters of Palawan to the terraced highlands of Ifugao, the Philippines is a land of discovery, where every journey tells a story.”
Read also: Love the Philippines: Exploring the best of Luzon, The Visayas and Mindanao
Above Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, George Aquino, and Mariana Zobel de Ayala
Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, George Aquino, and Mariana Zobel de Ayala
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From breathtaking island retreats to cosmopolitan city escapes, Ayala Land Hospitality is elevating every stay into a story worth telling. For instance, Lagen Island Resort in El Nido is set to reopen in the third quarter of 2025 with beautifully redesigned villas and broader white-sand beach shoreline. “The resort's renovation signals a new era for us at Ayala Land Hospitality—one that honours local artistry, champions sustainability, and redefines barefoot luxury with a distinctly cultural perspective,” says Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, Chief Creative Officer of Ayala Land Hospitality. “At the heart of our relaunch is a commitment to crafting stays that celebrate Filipino culture, heritage and creativity,” says George Aquino, CEO of Ayala Land Hospitality.
Read also: Why these 8 Filipino sites deserve Unesco World Heritage status
Above Pangalusian Island Resort
Pangalusian Island Resort
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Local artisans and craftsmen have been enlisted to shape the resort’s new identity. From Luzon, clay brick makers from Olongapo and wood engravers from Cavite were commissioned to participate in the redesign. The staff uniforms will highlight the intricate weaving and embroidery created by the talented T’boli tribeswomen of Lake Sebu and the Manobo Tribe of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. “The result is an environment where craftsmanship speaks louder than ornamentation, and every surface tells a story of heritage and skill,” says Paloma. “Our foremost priority was crafting a design narrative that not only honours the region and provides guests with a true sense of place but also instills a deep sense of pride among Filipinos.”
Above An inside look into Lagen Island Resort’s new villas
An inside look into Lagen Island Resort’s new villas
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Above Filipino design and hospitality as seen in one of the El Nido Resorts
Above A scenic view from the villa at Lagen Island Resort
Filipino design and hospitality as seen in one of the El Nido Resorts
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Set to meet the demands of the new generation of travellers, be it for business or leisure, Ayala Land Hospitality also revamps the Seda Hotels brand. “We are elevating and standardising our design across all properties for a more consistent feel–from our rooms to public spaces, you can expect warmth and a more detailed, thoughtful design approach,” adds Paloma. Set to open by the third quarter of the year are three refreshed Seda properties such as BGC, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
“Our developments have helped unlock new destinations, elevate the quality of travel experiences, and create stronger demand for Philippine tourism on the global stage. Whether through urban hotels, leisure townships, or island resorts, we have continuously built spaces that attract both local and international travellers,” says Mariana.
Above Indulging in the beauty of El Nido
Indulging in the beauty of El Nido
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“Our ambition is deeply personal: to create world-class hospitality experiences that make people want to travel to and around the Philippines,” adds Aquino.
More than benefitting from the country’s tourism boom, Ayala Land Hospitality promises to play an active role in shaping it by creating a hospitality experience that doesn’t just welcome guests but makes them feel at home, leaves a lasting impression, and inspires them to return.
Above Manioc Island Resort
Above Highlighting Filipino flavors
Manioc Island Resort
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Ayala Land Hospitality also vows to invest in its people who, as Aquino describes, are “the heart of Filipino hospitality”. He continues, “True hospitality starts with exceptional people. We are deeply committed to nurturing talent, fostering a culture of service, and developing future leaders in the industry”.
When asked about expanding its portfolio to include destinations outside the Philippines, Aquino says, “That’s definitely an aspiration for us. I think when the right opportunity is presented to us, perhaps it’s something we could consider”. To which Mariana adds, “We believe that Filipino hospitality is exportable”. Indeed, exciting times ahead.
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Credits
Images: Photos: Courtesy of Ayala Land Hospitality
Whether on assignment or not, Maritess is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as the yummiest finds in the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, she plunged into the black hole of Korean la la land. Follow her escapades at @matetreyes.
