The Philippines is home to thousands of stunning islands, one of which is Pamilican Island, which can be found in the Cuyo Archipelago, just north of the famous Palawan Island. Situated on Pamilican Island is Amanpulo, a private island resort that is considered to be the most exclusive in the country, making for a perfectly decadent tropical getaway.

Casitas and Villas
When it comes to guest accommodation, Amanpulo is home to 40 casitas and 11 villas. The casitas enjoy direct beach access, and are designed with an open-plan aspect, offering views of either the sparkling sea from the hillside, or the lush forest canopy. With private plunge pools, secluded hammocks and large wooden decks from which to take in the spectacular surroundings, the casitas guarantee an enjoyable stay. The villas are each arranged around a large private outdoor swimming pool, with separate lounging and dining areas, as well as private bedroom pavilions. Those who stay in a villa also enjoy the luxury of a private club car, which makes for an ideal way to explore the rest of the island independently.

Dining
Rather than offering a plethora of less-than-average dining options, Amanpulo places its focus on locally caught seafood and vegetables grown on the island, all of which are served from both the Beach Club to the Clubhouse Restaurant to private beach barbecues. For guests who want to be more involved in the dining experience, the resort is more than happy for visitors to pick their own ingredients from the island’s organic garden, from which the chefs will then create a stunning custom dish.

The Best Resort Spa in the Philippines
Voted this year as the Best Resort Spa in the Philippines by the World Spa Awards, Amanpulo’s spa is a large sanctuary set above the treetops on the hillside, with panoramic views of the water below. The inter-connected pavilions are where you will go to enjoy a treatment, with the Hilot treatment being a great one to try, as this makes use of local products and techniques to re-balance areas of tension. In addition to their extensive treatment menu, the spa also boasts a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows, so that you can still enjoy the view, and a yoga and pilates studio, along with professional instructors.

Activities
There is a wide range of activities on offer at Amanpulo, both on land as well as in the water. From scuba diving to windsurfing, the aquatic activities available will suit guests of all ability levels. Out of the water, there are tennis courts and bicycles to keep you active, the latter of which you can use to explore the island. There are also organized nature walks that you can take part in to learn more about the island’s native plants, and, at night, be sure to spend some time with the resort’s refracting telescope, as this will make you feel closer to the stars than ever before.

There may be plenty of resorts to choose from in the Philippines, but none of them can offer quite the experience that Amanpulo does. From the second you arrive on the island’s private airstrip, you will be enveloped in a sense of exclusivity and luxury that guarantees nothing but an unforgettable vacation.