El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island

Guests arrive at the resort by boat and step onto the wide beautiful beach, which they cross to arrive at a two-story thatched-roof main building. Don't fret, though -- yes, there is something rustic about this resort, but there are plenty of frills here, and the overall impression is elegant and luxurious. Palm trees and other tropical plants line the entrance to the resort. Guests walk into a grand, open-air lobby with giant rocks and huge potted tropical plants. The elegant, sophisticated space -- with light stone-tile floors, contemporary wicker furniture, chic wooden details -- sets the tone for the rest of the resort. Deep cushioned lounge chairs overlooking the beach provide additional spots for guests to linger and enjoy the idyllic setting, as does the sleek pool, beachside bar, and spa. It's an ideal place for honeymooners and other couples, but families and groups of friends are drawn to its beauty as well. The resort is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 

This luxury resort is situated on Pangulasian Island overlooking Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan. It is the newest and most expensive among four sister properties in the region; the others are Apulit, Lagen, and Miniloc, and each is on a separate island. Pangulasian has the widest beach of the group. Getting here requires a bit of dedication. Most guests travel to the resort by flying to Manila, then taking a 55-minute flight to the Lio airport in El Nido, then a 25-minute boat ride to Pangulasian Island. It is also accessible from Taytay Town, about an hour and a half south on Palawan Island. The island is mostly untouched lush forests, pristine white sands, and clear azure waters, and aside from the hotel, there isn't much in the way of services or other businesses. The resort, a destination in itself, offers a variety of activities such as water sports, hiking, and island tours.

All rooms at the hotel are stand-alone villas that perfectly fit the bill of what many guests dream about when they flee colder parts of the world for the tropics. They come in a variety of configurations, the smallest of which offers 22 square meters of space (237 square feet). Canopy Villas sit on stilts high in the forest; Beach Villas face the beach; Pool Villas are near the sea and have their own pools; and the Kalaw Villa, also with a private pool, is in a secluded cove on the west end of the island. All 42 villas feature contemporary Filipino design created by Mañosa & Co., a prominent Filipino design firm. Decor is sophisticated and elegant, with natural rugs over wood floors, canopy beds dressed in white, local wood and rattan furnishings, and ceiling fans hanging from high pitched ceilings. Chic artwork consists of silhouetted figures in black -- they're almost Giacometti-like in their proportions. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, safes, high-end coffeemakers, and minibars. Bathrooms are equally elegant, with dual above-counter sinks, tiled showers with rainfall showerheads, and a long window seat for enjoying the view. Some have soaking tubs. Toiletries, including insect repellent, are in large eco-friendly bottles. Straw hats and flip-flops are nice perks. Terraces are nicely furnished with lounge and cafe seating. 

Amianan Restaurant serves international cuisine for all three meals, and dining takes place both indoors (with air-conditioning) or out on the deck under the thatched roof. Food gets good reviews and draws on local ingredients when possible, though it can be pricey. Breakfast is included with all rates. The resort's bars are out by the beach and the pool, and guests can dine on the sand or the pool deck as well. 

The long outdoor infinity pool overlooks the sea. Lounge chairs, daybeds, and umbrellas encourage relaxing poolside, and palm trees enhance the tropical ambience. The wide sandy beach is the most expansive of any in El Nido. Guests can choose to just relax on the cushioned lounge chairs or partake in water sports. The marine center offers equipment for snorkeling, diving, and boating, and the game room has board and video games. Kayaks and snorkeling gear is included in the room rate. 

There a number of land-based activities here as well. The Zen Spa is in a thatch-roofed space of its own, and has an open-air relaxation lounge -- a variety of treatments are offered in the breezy setting with high woven ceiling. The library is a lovely space offering shelves of books and seating for reading under ceiling fans. An Apple computer is set up here for guests to use. An adjacent open-air lounge also is a good spot for reading or just relaxing, and meeting space accommodates small groups in a space filled with natural light from huge windows. There's also a shop that sells upscale clothing, souvenirs, and snacks. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort and airport transfers are included.