What Are the Best Resorts to Book in the Philippines?

Amanpulo is the crème de la crème of luxury Philippines resorts. Accessible only by private plane, it lies on its own remote, jungle-clad island, surrounded by unspoiled white-sand beaches. Treetop casitas are perched on the hillside, overlooking the forest canopy, while each of the private villas has its own beachfront and come with an electric golf buggy and its own private chef and butler. Naturally, the resort offers aquatic activities such as kitesurfing, and holistic wellness experiences including private pilates classes.

For the ultimate secluded getaway, surrounded by white-sand beaches and limestone cliffs, check in to Matinloc Resort. Despite its remote location, there are myriad water sports and activities to try. This family-friendly resort is only accessible by boat, but the adventure doesn’t stop there. Enjoy the resort’s private beach, snorkel amid coral reefs, swim at the infinity pool or treat yourself at the spa. Wake up to the sound of monkeys or hornbills during your stay – bedding down either beachside, or in a luxurious cliff-raised villa.

Among turquoise-hued waterways and mangrove forests lies Nay Palad Hideaway. Camouflaged in the palms, you’ll find 10 conical, thatched-roof villas at this indulgent eco-resort. The villas feature an open shower, contemporary rattan interiors and a wide veranda that looks out to the sea. The hotel’s grounds include a bamboo-clad trampoline, a hidden tree house and hanging pods for lounging, all scattered around the property. Take a private yoga class on the sea pagoda, catch a movie poolside or eat at the farm-to-table restaurant.

This extraordinary Shangri-La in Cebu redefines the family resort concept, with a fully equipped health club, two pools, a six-hole golf park and multiple children’s play zones. The rooms feature memorable views of the Mactan Sea, the resort’s private marine sanctuary and the outlying islands and islets. A stay at the Spa Villa offers an enhanced level of luxury, with every whim catered to by a private butler. Delight your senses at the Chi Spa with a traditional Barako coffee-bean scrub or a full-body chocolate massage.

In the heart of Bacuit Bay, this eco-resort is the perfect setting to rejuvenate and revitalise. Indeed, you’ll feel as if you’re on your own secluded island. This palm-studded getaway is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, boating and secret snorkelling spots. Book a canopy villa, standing 15m (50ft) above the ground, for the most expansive views of unique tropical flora surrounding the island. The resort offers numerous low-impact, nature-based activities, as well as high-end spa services for added pampering.

Many guests choose to stay firmly put on the palm-lined grounds of Plantation Bay Resort. And it’s not hard to see why: with four saltwater and freshwater pools, five restaurants specialising in different cuisines, a Japanese-inspired spa and myriad sport facilities, this action-packed resort has all the amenities for a perfect stay on Mactan Island. Rooms come in poolside or lagoon-view varieties, all of them abundant with comfort and island-influenced decor.

Simplicity is key at Arreceffi Island’s Dos Palmas Resort and Spa. You’ll slip into vacation mode easily here, as wifi and television are limited to designated areas. Indeed, getting online will be the last thing on your mind, thanks to chill-inducing spa treatments and excursions, which include kayaking, snorkelling, diving and exploring the tropical waters of Honda Bay. Want to get even more active? There’s a pool for laps, and free bicycles to explore the mangrove trails.

It’s all about the villas at Cauayan Island Resort, which unites Filipino craft with nature’s own design. Expect private infinity pools, ocean views from oversize bathtubs and total privacy. In short, it’s the perfect place for a romantic escape. Beyond the other four types of luxurious villas, this is chiefly an exclusive dive resort that offers a full range of courses and programmes for all skill sets. As dusk approaches, settle in for soothing spa treatments and sunset cruises.