Who says you can’t put laid-back and luxury in the same breath? With 7000-odd islands dotting turquoise waters, the Philippines offers the most extravagant summer retreats for adventurous jet-setters.
If you’re ready to swap those Jimmy Choos for flip-flops, these luxurious resorts in the Philippines are all about the high life.
What are Luxury Resorts?
Luxury resorts are all-inclusive hotels that focus on providing elevated experiences to their guests, through exceptional customer service, incredible dining experiences, tailored amenities, and much more. They are typically located near significant landmarks including breathtaking beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains, and others. These types of resorts are usually in the 4 to 5-star range.
People book luxury resorts weeks or months in advance, depending on the time of year, location, and popularity of the resort.
Luxury resorts are located all throughout the world. Their unique and exemplary offerings to their guests are why they are usually significantly more expensive than standard resorts.
It’s true what they say about most things. You get what you pay for.
When determining which type of accommodation to book when traveling to the Philippines, consider a luxury resort. It may cost a few more dollars, but the experience is unrivaled and the memories will last a lifetime.
The Most Luxurious Resorts in the Philippines
Here are several of our favorite luxury resorts in the Philippines, with details and information about all of them.
1. Amanpulo, Palawan
Nestled in a lush jungle patch, Amanpulo is a tropical island paradise at the end of a 70-minute jet ride from Manila. Between crystalline waters and tree-lined casitas, a stretch of powdery-white sand provides the perfect spot for moonlit dinners.
You can book a personal chef to prepare a seafood or grilled meat feast for you and your fam. Or you can rent a floating bamboo bar to enjoy private picnics and cocktails out in the sea.
Thrill-seekers will have a blast snorkeling, kayaking, or scuba diving. If you want to venture further afield, a boat will ferry you on a sunset cruise or fishing trip.
On top of that, you can take a chartered helicopter to the Pearl Farm of Jewelmer. It’s where the international luxury brand harvests the famous golden South Sea pearls from gold-lipped oysters.
2. Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao
Nestled between mangrove wetlands and the Pacific Ocean, Nay Palad Hideaway is the fanciest summer escape in the country’s surfing capital.
Every square inch of the resort is Instagram-worthy, from dreamy bedrooms to tear-shaped hammocks dangling from beachside coconut palms. You won’t miss any activities, as the all-inclusive rates cover food and recreation.
There’s an endless list of water sports for beginners and experts, such as surfing, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing. Additionally, guests can play volleyball, petanque, croquet, or badminton on soft white sands and grassy lawns.
If you’re a curious traveler, you can tour the island on a jeepney or visit hidden beaches aboard a family-lounge boat. You can then settle on a sunbed by the pool while watching an outdoor movie for a chill-out night.
3. Balesin Island Club, Quezon
Off the country’s eastern coast is a members-only resort that features stunning replicas of the world’s most iconic seaside villages.
Apart from its own exclusive address, the Balesin Island Club offers guests an authentic experience of Bali, Costa del Sol, Mykonos, Phuket, Toscana, and St. Tropez.
The seven villages, along with the Main Clubhouse, Sports Center, and 14-suite Royal Villa, run on eco-friendly practices. The multi-awarded tourist destination uses organic farming, rainwater harvesting, and green transportation as part of its commitment to sustainable development.
There’s an endless list of indoor and outdoor activities for adventurous spirits. Besides water sports and swimming, your athletic bones will enjoy the rock-climbing wall, martial arts studio, and airsoft shooting range.
To top it all off, you can charter a Versace-furnished superyacht for photoshoots, sunset cruises, and romantic dinners.
4. Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Negros Oriental
The atmosphere has an expensive air in this tropical boutique resort, which sits on an old coconut plantation. Because of its proximity to the Apo Island Marine Sanctuary, the palm-fringed property is a popular destination for divers and underwater photographers.
Health and wellness take center stage in the award-winning Atmosphere Resorts and Spa. A secret garden houses treatment pavilions where you can treat your sun-kissed skin to some pampering.
Some spa services you can try include massages, facials, body wraps, hair masks, and healing baths. Concoctions of local natural ingredients, like coffee, ginger, and aloe vera, complement the all-natural treatments.
Besides a wood-fired brick oven and gluten-free bakery, the resort has a wine-tasting room, coffee shop, poolside bar, and tree-top dining setup. Vegan and vegetarian options are also on the menu at the two open-air restaurants.
5. Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa, Palawan
Blue skies, tranquil waters, and idyllic landscape meet to create a picture-perfect backdrop for the Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa. Apart from enchanting views, the five-star eco-destination features barefoot luxury, dedicated service, and self-sustaining facilities.
On a perfectly sunny day, you can discover 75-foot-deep underwater worlds while paddling a Molokini transparent kayak across a serene sea. Other recreational activities include karaoke, beach sports, and water adventures.
Island cruises and diving courses are available at the Pawikan Aqua Sports Center. The Coron Island experience won’t be complete without a tour of freshwater lagoons and a dip in a Japanese shipwreck site.
Finally, you can take a 30-minute speedboat ride to the largest leprosy camp in the 1900s—Culion or the Island of No Return.
6. Shangri-la Boracay Resort, Aklan
Secluded in an eco-reserve, the highly praised tropical haven offers seaside luxury and exceptional service.
You can fill your day with fun and creative activities, like mind-body workouts, natural palm weaving, and adult color tapestry. Meanwhile, kids can take part in spin-and-win games and fancy jewelry making.
Dining options include plated dinners, family-style gourmet selections, and grand buffets. You can watch an acoustic serenade, a LED poi performer, or fire dancers while enjoying your Filipino food.
Not to mention, the resort has indoor and outdoor venues for intimate gatherings and corporate events. You can opt for a beachside or clifftop pavilion celebration for birthdays and weddings.
Lastly, an event planner can help you pick the perfect venue and team-building activities for your company meetings and conferences.
7. Farm at San Benito, Batangas
For a life-transforming retreat, The Farm at San Benito has detox down to a science. The ultra-luxe medical sanctuary south of Manila makes holistic healing and rejuvenation the highlight of your vacation.
You have licensed medical professionals at your beck and call to personalize a treatment program for your health woes. Plus, there are facilities for fitness, pampering, and meditation.
To round off its wellness advocacy, the resort’s farm-to-table cuisine revolves around vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian offerings.
On top of all that, acres of verdant lands with a mountain view radiate uplifting energy around the property’s rustic villas and swanky suites.
8. Banwa Private Island, Palawan
You can’t get more remote and exclusive than this six-hectare island getaway. Once the world’s most expensive private island, Banwa sits in the middle of a marine-protected area. The only way you can get to the location is by air—via a private jet, helicopter, or seaplane!
The resort has six beachfront villas, each with an infinity pool that seems to spill into the deep-blue ocean. You’ll have complete access to the gym, golf course, tennis court, and Pilates studio.
Aside from water sports, you can book a superyacht tender or catamaran to explore the island. Or you can hike to Banwa’s dense forests for exotic daytime vistas. On a quiet night, you can go stargazing and witness the Milky Way in all its sparkling glory.
9. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Nestled in an idyllic corner of the nation’s oldest city, Shangri-la Mactan is an upscale resort, infused with heartfelt Asian hospitality.
The 5-star beachfront hotel has 530 guest rooms decked with gorgeous local materials, such as capiz shells, teak, and mother-of-pearl. Each room has a private balcony with a million-dollar ocean view.
The calm sea is ideal for plenty of water activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, fun tubes, and banana rides. With 20 dive sites teeming with diverse marine life, you can also arrange for diving expeditions—or lessons if you’re a newbie.
After an exhilarating day outdoors, you can head to the Chi Spa for a nurturing head-to-toe treatment.
10. Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, Bohol
Panglao Island’s rugged cliffs and thick vegetation are the perfect background for Eskaya’s rustic aesthetics.
With cogon roofs and woven bamboo walls, the villas offer modern comforts and private pools. The premium ones come with dedicated butler service and complimentary daily cocktails at the poolside restaurant.
At the Handuraw Spa, European massages, traditional healing therapies, and coconut milk baths will surely melt your stress.
Fun-filled activities include island hopping, dolphin watching, river cruises, and countryside tours. Plus, you can use some of the resort’s gear, like mountain bikes, golf carts, kayaks, and pedal boats, for free!
11. El Nido Resort Pangalusian Island, Palawan
The eco-friendly island resort has guilt-free luxury front and center of its top-notch facilities. Featuring thatched roofs and contemporary Filipino architecture, accommodations include beachfront houses, stilt cottages, and villas with private pools.
There are exciting activities for kids and adults in and out of Bacuit Bay. First off, you can go island hopping to visit secret lagoons and beaches.
Water sports, such as Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing, are perfect for hitting the waves. Billiards, darts, and board games are also available in the recreation areas.
Then with sandy feet and a glass of champagne, you can cap off the day with a romantic dinner by the beach.
12. Amorita Resort, Bohol
Perched atop a limestone cliff, Amorita Resort overlooks the azure Bohol Sea, which often brims with sailboats and catamarans.
The luxury resort on the northern tip of Panglao Island has 98 elegant rooms and suites. You can have your private plunge or lap pool if you book one of their villas, with either a garden or sea view.
Amorita offers free yoga sessions for adults and archery lessons for young ones. To complete your experience, beauty treatments and massage therapies incorporating authentic Filipino healing arts are available at the wellness spa.
What Have We Learned?
Nothing screams opulence like personal chefs, private jet rides, and world-class accommodations.
These luxurious resorts in the Philippines offer all these and more for the off-grid experience of a lifetime. The only problem with these summer destinations is you won’t want to leave—ever!
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