Amanpulo Resort Palawan Philippines
Pamalican Island
Palawan, Philippines
Star Rating: 5
Amanpulo is an escape from the markings of mankind and is a dive into island life where nature has been unashamedly boastful. The island is secluded, being private, and offers a variety of sea, sand and tropical island-retreat–pleasures, in exclusive comfort and in traditionally styled accommodation. Amanpulo or, ‘peaceful island’, honours its island host, respecting the natural elements with a profoundly ‘South Seas’ interpretation. The 40 Beach, Hillside and Treetop Casitas are modelled on authentic bahay kubo dwellings, each with its own golf cart for island exploration.
This romantically remote island caters for those who wish to ‘hammock’ and beach comb their days in paradise, and for those who seek an active agenda, involving a myriad of maritime adventures as well as tennis, a high-tec air-conditioned gym, and taking languid lengths in the resort’s 30m serene pool. The open-air Garden and Beach Salas are discreetly secluded for pleasurable holistic body treatments.
Accommodation
Amanpulo’s native style of dwellings enhances its exclusive island stronghold. There are 40 casitas fashioned after a Philippine bahay kubo: a centuries old South-east Asian rural archetype where family life was played out beneath steep pitched roofs on timber frames.
The five Hillside Casitas offer magical sea views, the four Treetop Casitas embrace the trees while the 29 Beach Casitas have private overgrown paths that lead down to the soft white beach. All are nestled discreetly among the sand-floored tropical foliage and enjoy their own buggy for unlimited enjoyment of island exploration. Subtle interiors, warm and sun-dappled, are smoothed out in shades of caramel and bamboo with pristine king-size beds. The bathrooms are spacious and appealing with raised Cebu marble bathtubs and twin vanities. A soft honey brown wooden floor is laid throughout with island appropriate comforts from daybeds to rattan furniture and attractive regional artwork.
Each casita enjoys a sprawling wooden sun deck with inviting loungers and dappled shade from vibrant bougainvillea and two deluxe Hillside Casitas have an unrivalled sweeping vista of the Sulu Sea and neighbouring islands.
All casitas come with a flat-screen satellite television, DVD/CD player and iPod dock, all connnected to a surround-sound system, a coffeemaker with complimentary coffee and tea, as well as a safe. Hats, slippers and beach bags are available in the casitas for guests' use on the island and as souvenirs when they go home.
The 21st century has been skilfully tucked beneath its alluring island exterior so that one’s perceptions of an enchanting remote archipelagic island can be effortlessly played out in uncompromised style.
Restaurant
The Restaurant, located at the Clubhouse, spills out onto a terrace, with views to Manamoc island across the channel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here. The menu features Asian and Continental cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and refreshments are also offered at the Beach Club. Fresh seafood and Spanish cuisine are specialties. Private dining is available day and night. Amanpulo’s marble-top Lobby Bar occupies a cosy corner of the Clubhouse and extends to the outdoor terrace.
Located on the east side of the island, Lagoon Club serves as a second beach club with similar features and amenities. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and refreshments are served here, with Vietnamese cuisine being a specialty.
Facilities and Services
Adjacent to the Beach Club, the Sea Sports Hut offers a variety of water sports equipment, as well as information on boat charters, water sports lessons, snorkelling and scuba diving sites and sea conditions.
The Library is stocked with novels in several languages, travel guides, newspapers, magazines and coffee-table books on Philippine art, design and culture. DVDs, CDs as well as a desktop computer for Internet access are available.
Amanpulo’s three shops specialise in woven rugs, baskets, jewellery, pottery and other craft from the Palawan region, as well as Asian antiques, furniture and beach wear. Small meetings can be arranged, and audiovisual equipment is available on request.
The resort’s resident masseuses offer a range of aromatherapy treatments in the privacy of the guest's casita, in the air-conditioned Spa Casitas or open-air Garden Sala. Manicures, pedicures, facials and body treatments are also available.
Amanpulo’s 30m Swimming Pool is bordered by two high bougainvillea trellises. The pool's aqua tiles mirror the Sulu Sea. Three spacious, open-air Pool Salas are situated around the pool and come with generously-sized mattresses for all-day lounging. Private dining may also be arranged at the pool salas. For added romance, the Filipino Dining Experience includes flowers, candles and a local musician playing folk music on his guitar as an authentic Filipino cuisine is served at the pool sala.
Two synthetic-grass, floodlit tennis courts are located adjacent to the Clubhouse, with rest pavilions for refreshments. Complimentary balls, rackets and playing partners are available. Located beside the tennis courts and surrounded by a lush tropical forest is the fully-equipped Gym. Guests can enjoy several exercise machines for body work-out with a choice of music through the gym's iPod.
Study the planets from the terrace of the Bar, where Amanpulo keeps an 1800mm x 150mm astronomical refractor telescope. Several times a week, trained staff are happy to give you a guide you of the stars. Amanpulo offers complimentary island-wide 2MB Wi-Fi connection and internet access. Cellular phone network is also available.