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      Simple steps to controling pre-flight anxiety

      January 23, 2021

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      How to combat the fear of flying (Aerophobia)

      January 23, 2021

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      Top tips for family travel stress

      January 21, 2021

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      How to mentally prepare for a solo trip

      January 21, 2021

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      Is El Salvador safe to visit for tourists…

      December 9, 2020

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Asia’s best kept secret: 10 luxury resorts in the Philippines

by Mar September 4, 2014
Written by Mar
Luxury resorts in the Philippines main
Luxury resorts in the Philippines main

The Philippines is one of those places that brightens your day. The smiles of the people, the singing in their voice, the way in which they press on with hope and positive attitude despite the poverty and difficulties naturally catches on visitors. After just a few days, you’ll be smiling just as much.

But it is not just the Filipinos who guarantee a great vacation, the country is a 7,000-island paradise. I never understood why the country was not as popular a destination as other less rounded destinations. Lying on the Coral Triangle, one of the richest marine life area in the world’s, most of the Philippine islands are picture perfect and totally undiscovered.

The country receives one tenth of the visitors of Thailand or Malaysia and has an unlimited list of worthy destinations. If you are looking for historical sights, the Spanish 400-year occupation can be seen in the many churches that remain. For diving and marine life the list is endless. Are you an adrenaline junkie? Volcanos and lakes abound.

The country’s natural beauty is as stunning as it is diverse. Mountains, rice paddies, rounded chocolate hills, jungle, lakes, some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, you name it.

These are 10 of the best resorts to take in the country’s magic.

Contents

  • 1. Dos Palmas
  • 2. Atmosphere Resorts & Spa
  • 3. Pearl Farm Resort & Spa
  • 4. Bellarocca Island Resort & Spa (permanently closed)
  • 5. Abaca
  • 6. The Farm at San Benito
  • 7. Dedon Island
  • 8. Misibis Bay Resort & Casino
  • 9. Amanpulo
  • 10. Pangulasian

1. Dos Palmas

Dos palmas by the pool
Dos palmas

Palawan is the ultimate island. In recent years the area has developed dramatically and today caters to the savvy travelers with several high-end resorts. Dos Palmas is north of Puerto Princesa on its own private island. Villas overlooking the Sulu Sea and rates starting at $150.

Book your stay now on Agoda | HotelsCombined.

2. Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

Luxury resorts in the Philippines Atmosphere Resort
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

In front of the rich marine sanctuary of Apo Island the resort is owner ran. The boutique resort has a misxture of suites, garden villas and penthouses. The pool blends into the sea and he gardens offer the perfect opportunity to relax.

Take advantage of its privileged location and immerse yourself into the marine paradise where whales, whale sharks and dolphins abound. Fly to Dumaguete from Manila. Rates starting at $250.

Book your stay now on Booking.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined.

3. Pearl Farm Resort & Spa

Pearl Farm Resort & Spa stilted bungalows
Pearl Farm Resort & Spa

Located on Samal Island, the resort used to be a Pearl Farm. Stunning views of the ocean and locally sourced materials were used in the 70 guest rooms. 

Some of the rooms sit on stilts and all have details of the Maranao and Samal cultures. Seven of the suites are located on a nearby island. For divers, two Japanese WWII ship wrecks can be explored. Fly to Davao. Rates start at $150.

Book your stay now on Booking.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined.

4. Bellarocca Island Resort & Spa (permanently closed)

Bellarocca Island Resort & Spa aerial view
Bellarocca Island Resort & Spa

“Discerning travelers in search of their next unexplored destination need to look no further”

Bellarocca is your own private Santorini-inspired island in the Philippines. White washed walls, lush gardens and azure waters. Choose from suites, casas or villas with their own infinity pools perched on the cliffs. A piano bar, a cigar lounge, a library, an entertainment room, a tea house, meditation sanctuary, a picnic grove and a natural spring water pool are some of the unique amenities the resort has on offer. Your home away from home.

Rates starting at $500. Fly to Marinduque or charter your own plane, helicopter or yacht from Manila.

Book your stay now on Tripadvisor.

5. Abaca

Abaca Boutique Luxury Resort Master Oceanfront Suite

Opened in 2009, Abaca has been featured in several publications including Conde Naste Traveler and has won the hearts of many on TripAdvisor.

With just 6 Deluxe Suites and 3 villas Abaca is the latest addition to the Philippines luxury list. The guest rooms have large spa bathrooms, relaxing bathtubs and private pools. A designer interior and an award winning restaurant complement the beautiful location. Rates starting at $400.

Book your stay now on Booking.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined.

6. The Farm at San Benito

The Farm at San Benito Suite
The Farm at San Benito

A holistic experience beyond a simple vacation The Farm bills itself as a life changing experience. Not too far from Manila and set in lush surroundings the resort is one of the few luxury destinations that is not located by the sea.

Winner of 29 wellness awards The Farm offers various healing packages and retreats and specializes in raw food, detoxing and healing.

Book your stay now on Booking.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined.

7. Dedon Island

Luxury resorts in the Philippines Dedon Island

Dedon Island was labelled as an Outdoor Living Lab created by design company Dedon to experiment with barefoot living. Elements of their pretty outdoor furniture are scattered around the gardens, pool and beach perfectly integrating with nature.

Nude, white tones, local materials and craftsmanship are out in the air. All is set for what the owners call “A barefoot state of mind”.

Located on the surf mecca of the Philippines, Siargao island, the resort is on a reef-ringed island. If you want to explore the area, check out this Siargao island itinerary.

Rates starting at just over $500 per person for a single rate experience where even the use of boats, island hopping and all meals and massages are included.

Book your stay now on Booking.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined.

8. Misibis Bay Resort & Casino

Msibis Bay Resort & Casino

Another private island getaway which also features a casino. Set on its own beach stretch and with swimming pool and expansive gardens Msibis offers a window into a naturally rich province. Active Mayon volcano, the boiling waters of Lake Nag-Aso or the hills of Damalig are some of the off-resort activities.

Fly to Legazpi. Rates starting at $570.

Book your stay now on Booking.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined.

9. Amanpulo

Amanpulo Island beach

No list of luxury resorts is complete without a peak into the most decadent of them all, Aman’s Amanpulo. Set on its own stretch of paradise on powder fine sand beaches Amanpulo can only be reached via a charter plane through the resort.

It is the only structure on a 5km island off the coast of Palawan. Guests have a buggy at their disposal to move around the island. Rates start at $950.

Book your stay now on HotelsCombined.

10. Pangulasian

Pangulasian Island aerial view
Pangulasian Island

El Nido is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. The clear sea and the many islands and limestone cliffs give the area and air of magic. El Nido Resorts owns four properties in the area and handles all the transportation from Manila on their own propeller planes. The latest addition to the portfolio is Pangulasian, the highest end resort in the collection. A beautiful resort with pool villas and fabulous views over the ocean.

Book your stay now on Booking.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined.

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@shintamani_wild knows me wel: Wine + wilderness + @shintamani_wild knows me wel: Wine + wilderness + jungle + a pile of @natgeotravel magazines = Happy Mar
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A bathtub with a view and with its own waterfall s A bathtub with a view and with its own waterfall soundtrack - Result!
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DREAMING OF TRAVEL AGAIN - I have finally booked a DREAMING OF TRAVEL AGAIN - I have finally booked a flight again, not to an exciting place but to one that I'm very excited about: home.
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And talking about travel dreaming...
This photo was taken at Bill Bensley @shintamani_wild at the @natgeo tent hence the many magazines, the tent was full of them some of the issues were 50+ years old, it was fascinating to read the first issues that covered Dian Fossey or some of really remote tribes. It was hard to peel my eyes off the stunning photos and enjoy the remote and beautiful destination, the piece of wild forest where the camp is.
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I don't think I'll be doing much travel before the end of the year but I hope to travel to west Africa in November/ December / January, for a real adventure and maybe a safari too.
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A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS - have you ever slept unde A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS - have you ever slept under the stars? Where?
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I did in Tanzania and in the Maldives at @gili.lankanfushi but I am sometimes worried about the mosquitoes 😂 thankfully, @shintamani.angkor.bensley sorted this with nets!
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CELEBRATING - Today we're out of official lockdown CELEBRATING - Today we're out of official lockdown in Singapore though actually not much has changed. We still work from home, shops are still closed. How is it where you are?
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So I'm reminiscing of my last trip, 4 months ago, to Cambodia and the weekend at our beautiful pool villa at @shintamani.angkor.bensley - bliss ❤
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This is one of two Bill Bensley Collection luxury properties, only 10 pool villas that are uber private and luxurious. @billbensley interior design details are fabulous.
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#ShintaMani #ShintamaniSiemReap #bensleycollection #BillBensley #BensleyCollectionSiemReap #luxuryHotel #TravelwithPurpose #SiemReap #ZngkorWat #Cambodia #catalanspelmon #ViatgersDC #LuxuryTravel
3 MONTHS WITHOUT TRAVELING - One last view at the 3 MONTHS WITHOUT TRAVELING - One last view at the dreamy Private Reserve overwater villa at @gili.lankanfushi - wish I was there!
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This is the longest I've been without traveling in 15 years. And I must say time has passed really fast because of how busy I've been. When was the last time you stayed put for this long?
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#GiliMoments #GiliStory #GiliLankanfushi #Maldives #Maldivien #Maldivas #maldivesvacation #MaldivesInsider #maldivesmania #VisitMaldives #maldivesig #beautifulMaldives #overwatervilla #Fromwhereidrone #girlswhodrone #LadyinRed #catalanspelmon #viatgersDC #luxuryresort #maldivesislands #maldivesresorts #SimplyMaldives
HAVING A MARILYN MONROE MOMENT at the beautiful ne HAVING A MARILYN MONROE MOMENT at the beautiful new pool villas at @gili.lankanfushi.
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I feel like I've certainly become many things in this pandemic times, from best friend to chef, videographer, interviewer, podcast host, presenter, mentor, coach...I'm definitely not letting this crisis go to waste!
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What are you up to these days? Have you taken up a new hobby? Got in touch with long lost friends? Started to meditate or do yoga?
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Inspire me!
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#GiliMoments #GiliStory #GiliLankanfushi #Maldives #Maldivien #Maldivas #maldivesvacation #MaldivesInsider #maldivesmania #VisitMaldives #maldivesig #beautifulMaldives #overwatervilla #LadyinRed #catalanspelmon #viatgersDC #luxuryresort #maldivesislands #maldivesresorts #SimplyMaldives
DREAMS - Where is the first place you will go to w DREAMS - Where is the first place you will go to when travel resumes?
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"NEVER LET A GOOD CRISIS GO TO WASTE" Winston Chur "NEVER LET A GOOD CRISIS GO TO WASTE" Winston Churchill once said at the end of WWII.
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What are you doing now to make the most of this?
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I'm a firm believer that one needs to always stay positive and productive, always looking ahead no matter what, now more than ever.
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Working in the travel industry, I have lost pretty much all of my income since this started, 6y of work all wiped out practically overnight.
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I won't lie, it's tough to stay optimistic, to see the light at the end of the tunnel and to keep going ahead despite everything, knowing it's at least 6 more months before things really improve. If that wasn't enough, after 2.5 months of suffering the effects of the virus in Asia, Singapore declared a lockdown, so now we're home isolated and the numbers don't look good.
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But I'm trying to stay true to myself, to be the eternal optimist that I am, so here is what I'm doing:
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- Looking at images of my best trips to relive the experience. Like this absolutely beautiful shot from @Gililankanfushi my favorite place in the #Maldives
- I started a new blog about breakfast bowls and I'm loving it! I can implement all the things I learned in 6y and avoid all the mistakes. I eat super healthy home made food every day and I find caring about myself and my significant other through food, and cooking itself, highly meditative and therapeutic. So win-win-win, and hopefully I'll add a new income stream that is anti cyclical and not travel related.
- Accelerating the work to create a new portal for Solo Female Travelers with @mappingmegan for the FB group that has more than 55,00 members (and growing fast!) And which we manage.
- Taking a variety of online courses, on SEO, blogging, happiness, etc.
- Trying to exercise everyday at home even if it's just 10min. Since I also eat healthily, by the end of this I'll be super hot 😜 Haha #WishfulThinking
- Staying connected with friends and family, more than I ever have in 15y as an expat.
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And YOU? What are you doing to "take advantage" of this crisis?
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DREAMING - I stopped planning trips or thinking ab DREAMING - I stopped planning trips or thinking about when or where my next trip will be.
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But I have not stopped thinking of the great trips I've taken this year. Even in two months, I already made amazing memories.
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This picture is so perfect it looks like a painting.
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