Amanpulo – Palawan Islands, Philippines

Cerulean sky and turquoise sea merge at Amanpulo, a whisper-quiet private island retreat in the in the Sulu Sea accessible only by a private plane. Amanpulo’s powdery white-sand beach stretches the full 6.5-kilometre perimeter of Pamalican Island, enclosing an unspoilt tropical wilderness. A pristine coral reef awaits exploration just offshore.

The calm, clear seas in front of the Beach Club are ideal for novice divers; a gentle drop-off suits those who are more advanced. Boats are available and windsurfing is world-class for the more adventurous. It is equally wonderful to do nothing at all.

ACCOMMODATION

Loosely modelled after native bahay kubo dwellings with an open-plan, twin-roofed design, Amanpulo’s Casitas offer direct beach access via sandy footpaths, magnificent views of the turquoise sea from the hillside, or seclusion within the forest canopy. Broad wooden decks, hammocks in secluded bowers and pebble-washed walls are just some of the traditional island elements included. Two Casitas have private plunge pools.

Just steps from the beach in secluded settings along Pamalican’s shore, Amanpulo’s Villas offer consummate privacy. Designed for seamless indoor-to-outdoor living, each one is arranged around an expansive swimming pool with outdoor lounging and dining areas, and one, two or four separate bedroom pavilions. A club car per bedroom invites independent exploration of the island.

DINING

Locally-caught seafood and island-grown vegetables and herbs take prominence on Amanpulo’s menu. Served across venues from the Clubhouse Restaurant and Beach Club to private salas and beach barbecues, dishes can be centred around ingredients that guests pick themselves from the island’s organic garden.

WELLNESS & SPA

Amanpulo is a place of peace, where relaxation and wellness go hand in hand. The large spa is set on a hillside above the treetops with far-reaching views to the turquoise waters. Designed as a tranquil sanctuary, the connected pavilions are made from native wood with seashell-lined ceilings and are interspersed with outdoor relaxation salas.

EXPERIENCES

Whether it is sailing or scuba diving, windsurfing or simply frolicking in the water, Amanpulo offers an abundance of aquatic activities, all available to novices and experts alike. On land, tennis courts and bicycles are complemented by nature walks, which take in the lush indigenous plants as well as the dozens of bird species that make seasonal homes on the island and the nesting sites of green and hawksbill sea turtles. At night, an astronomical refracting telescope helps get up close to the stars.