LUXWT Prime Review

By Chin Moylad @chinmoylad

Amanpulo is set on a private island in the much feted Palawan district of Philippines. Guests are picked up at Manila Airport via the private twin-propeller plane and whisked away to Pamalican Island, which has its own runway.

The star here is the beach, which circumnavigates the 2km x 500m island. High silica content makes the sand sugar white, and soft as flour. 29 of the resort’s 40 casitas, designed after traditional Filipino houses, are set along the southwest beach offering private beach frontage, while towards the center of the island lie treetop casitas, hillside casitas, deluxe hillside casitas and treetop pool casitas, some of which offer expansive views over the lush vegetation. Along the edges of the island also lie privately owned villas with 1, 2 and 4-bedroom options, all with private pools, also available for larger parties.

Being an island paradise, there are plenty of water-related activities. Non-motorized water-sports such as kayaking and hobie cat are provided complimentary via rentals, but it is highly recommended to try out the snorkeling and diving through Amanpulo’s tours, offering a chance to swim with giant sea turtles, black-tip reef sharks and a smorgasbord of fish.

Common areas also include two clubhouses, each with an expansive lap-pool, a library, a boutique, the spa and gym, as well as a kids’ club, and several dining options. The Beach Club offers light tapas and Mediterranean fare; the Lagoon Club offers Western-grill options; the Restaurant offers Southeast Asian flavors courtesy of Philippines, as well as light Western cuisine.

With attentive, thoughtful service served with a smile, the resort is equally as tempting for romantic getaways, friend and group gatherings, as well as families with children.