THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

With the paradise archipelago’s thriving tourism industry, there’s no need to go far for a slice of heaven on earth. Lifestyle Asia’s Editor in Chief Dong Ronquillo makes his list of the country’s top hotels and resorts.

If you’re planning a trip this summer, our country is one of the best places to explore. Philippine beaches are some of the best in the world—but there are so many examples that it can be difficult just thinking where to start. There are the classic destinations like Boracay (which has become even more beautiful thanks to its re-opening) and Palawan, and some more newly-developed spots like Siargao. Our tourism industry is more robust than ever, and there has never been a better time to explore our own natural treasures.

To help get you started on your vacation planning, we’ve compiled a list of the best accommodations around the Philippines. Each resort on this list was chosen carefully for their luxurious facilities, access to a pristine beach, great food, exciting activities and amenities, and most of all, world-class service. Because if you’re going to the beach to relax, you might as well get pampered and have fun at the same time, right?

DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY

There’s nothing more quintessentially Boracay than staying at Discovery

Shores. Its Station 1 location is convenient yet still peaceful, and only a short walk away from most of the happenings on the island. The location has the best beach shore of the strip, where the shore is wider, sand is more powdery, and water is clearer. The perfect evening begins with a picturesque view of the sunset, followed by dinner at the resort’s

Miele Guide-shortlisted Indigo Restaurant, or their relatively new Italian restaurant, Forno, where they

make the perfect pizza and make their own pasta. Discovery Shores also opened their suites which rival world

class hotel amenities and luxury points that gives one a great view of the beach and sunset. Atop that new

wing of Discovery is their 360 bar that has its own pool, jacuzzis, and lounge chairs for a more exclusive

view of this magnificent island.

SHANGRI-LA’S BORACAY RESORT & SPA

The journey to Shangri-La’s Boracay outpost begins with a private speedboat from Caticlan and conveniently arrives right at the hotel itself. The resort’s location is relatively secluded from the hustle and bustle of the island, which is great if you’re looking for some true peace and quiet. The premium hotel boasts of complete facilities, ensuring that you have all the necessary luxuries for the perfect getaway. The rooms and the villa range is quite astounding and suited for those looking for a true luxury experience at a top-notch resort. The hotel’s spa Chi is its own sanctuary within, overlooking a private bay—the perfect setting for one of their signature Philippine

hilot massages.

THE LIND BORACAY

Some hotels are built on their franchise name recognition, and some are built on just being a amazing boutique hotel. The Lind Boracay is a prime example of the latter. All rooms have a king bed, and some even have their own private

dipping pool for ultimate seclusion. Once you decide to step out, The Lind has several restaurants and bars that offer top-notch cuisine,

and a spa that might just change your life.

CRIMSON RESORT & SPA BORACAY

Located in Boracay’s ultraexclusive “Station Zero,” Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay is the place to go for quality quiet time. Attention to detail, suited for luxury travel is something that they take to heart. The private beach lets you enjoy the pristine white sand all to yourself. Some villas also have the option of having their own pool, aside from the several ones within the resort. Their restaurants are also commendable, especially Mosaic's must-try fine dining experience. And if you’re looking to throw a private event, the Crimson’s event pavilion is built 20 meters above sea level and gives you a panoramic view of the beach.

AMORITA RESORT

Just 10 minutes away from the newly-minted Bohol-Panglao International Airport, Amorita Resort is a luxurious retreat that sits atop

a limestone cliff. The resort comes with everything standard for a five-star experience, and boasts of an in-house PADI dive center should you be keen on exploring the azure

waters of Bohol.

ESKAYA BEACH RESORT & SPA

Nestled on the southern coast of Panglao Island, Eskaya Beach Resort &

Spa in Bohol marries traditional Filipino styling with world-class amenities and service. Each of the 24 villas features a thatched roof, and is finished with bamboo, cogon, and wood—all fitted with modern essentials, of course. Dining al fresco by the resort’s two infinity pools—or your room’s own private dipping pool— allows you to take in the fresh evening breeze.

PANGULASIAN ISLAND,

EL NIDO RESORTS

Much like the other private island resorts on this list, El Nido Resorts’ Pangulasian Island offers utmost privacy, discerning

service, and a touch of Filipino home. Sandwiched in between a pristine beach

and a lush forest, Pangulasian Island’s accommodations range from pool villas and beach villas to canopy villas perched atop the trees. The island is surrounded

marine life perfect for snorkeling.

CLUB PARADISE PALAWAN

Situated along a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Club Paradise Palawan in Coron is almost heaven on earth. A snorkeling or diving session (they offer classes in the resort) allows you to see the rich underwater life surrounding the private island. You can also take a hike to the island’s highest peak for a panoramic view, or take a short boat ride and have an early dinner on a sandbar.

The rooms are beautifully rustic yet comfortable and have a nice ambiance. True to the Discovery group’s mantra, the service is exceptional. Equally remarkable is the island's fresh seafood bounty.

AMANPULO

The best of the best. If you really want to escape into a paradise, there’s nothing quite like going off the grid and going to this private island. Accessible only by private plane, Amanpulo is “blissfully marooned” on the Sulu Sea. The island’s accommodations feature Casitas, which are nestled in lush forestry with its own private terrace, and Villas, which offer beachfront access and a private chef and butler. What more can you ask for?

SHANGRI-LA’S

MACTAN RESORT & SPA

A perfect destination for the jet setter, ShangriLa’s Mactan Resort & Spa is a classic that’s

just a stone’s throw away from the Mactan

Cebu International Airport. Like its Boracay sibling, Shangri-La’s Mactan also features the Chi spa, along with seven restaurant and bar options that offer everything from fresh seafood, Italian and Cantonese cuisines, cocktails, and more. If you want a quick getaway from Manila, this is the quickest and easiest to get to paradise.

TWO SEASONS BORACAY RESORT

“Twice the paradise,” so the slogan says, and you won’t be wrong to believe it.

Two Seasons is the perfect balance of fine luxury and raw nature, with highceiling bungalows that feature a warm, tropical design for accommodations. The resort also offers a slew of water activities including snorkeling, diving, and a transparent kayak that lets you enjoy the underwater views. Their beach is one of the best I have ever seen—it is truly majestic.

NAY PALAD HIDEAWAY

The surfing scene of Siargao naturally lends itself to a more “barefoot” lifestyle, and Nay Palad Hideaway takes full advantage of that. Nay Palad has the best beach on the main island and exclusively located on the other end of General Luna. It is the only luxury resort on the island with worldclass facilities. The beautiful Spa is something to experience. The resort hosts a slew of activities such as surfing (of course), sailing, diving, kayaking—you name it, they’ve got it. In the evening, enjoy an outdoor movie projected onto a massive screen, or have dinner in a treehouse. Truly the epitome of the modern and luxurious island life.

PEARL FARM BEACH RESORT

There’s no better way to enjoy our warm tropical climate than with big, open architecture that allows for an omnipresent breeze. Pearl Farm Resort has just that. The use of bamboo and other natural materials throughout make for an airy and welcoming experience, only heightened by its fivestar service.