Amanpulo, a Paradise resort in the Philippines

I have a good news for you: Paradise exists. And if you are wondering where it is or how it looks like, then you should read this article about the out of this world Amanpulo resort, Philippines.

At first, you think you are just going to stay in a beautiful resort. Once arrived at Manila airport, a staff representative greets and accompanies you to the lovely Amanpulo lounge – a couple of miles away – waiting for the 1-hour domestic flight to the resort’s island. Then during the flight you can read some books about the resort and the activities offered, the restaurants, etc. Well, at this stage it looks like many other beginning of stay we did in five-star locations worldwide. But suddenly, you see Pamalican island beach and it happens: you are taken by a huge Wow factor – honestly, even that expression is not great enough – and you realize you are landing in Heaven. Here starts a stay you will never forget, whatever you come for relaxation, discovery or a romantic getaway!

Living

Club House pool

The concept of Amanpulo is pretty simple: it consists of providing five-star services in a preserved paradise island. Do not expect a bling-bling, glittering or opulent luxury regarding facilities and the overall resort’s design. This is not the purpose of Amanpulo. On the contrary, it offers sober installations which maximize the relation with island’s beauty, especially its white sand beach and crystal-clear water; this is key because it makes the difference with all other resorts in the area. On the one hand, I have never seen such beautiful beach in my life. Never. Better than Phuket, Seychelles and Maldives; above all, just extraordinary. And on the other hand, wildlife is within arms reach… Iguanas, sea turtles, colorful birds… We have been even luck enough to see a baby sea turtle release on the beach! I told you, Amanpulo is Paradise.

Beach Club sea view

Don’t worry, we are still in an Aman property so any luxury service you can expect is here: tennis courts, library, outdoor swimming pool, 4 restaurants with different styles, a dive center, non-motorized activities – motorized ones at a charge – and a stunning Spa on the hill. Plenty of complimentary activities are offered, such as daily yoga classes, short trips to some snorkeling spots and astronomy courses, three times a week. Oh, and the funniest part is the villa buggy you are free to use on your own in the resort!

Accommodation

Beach Casita main room

Accomodation is the only exception to what I said above. Casitas and villas are equipped with finest equipments – recent Samsung TV, Nespresso machine, Bowers & Wilkins sound system – and very well furnished in a mix contemporary-traditional style, each of them including a huge bathroom with standalone bathtub. Our Beach Casitas #6 offered also a direct access to the beach – west side, perfect for romantic sunsets – with two private sun-loungers. And wherever you stay on the island, the same feeling of quietness and privacy. So good!

One tip: book a casita or a villa on west side, much less windy than eastern one and a more beautiful beach.

Dining

Delicious paella and rib-eye steak at Beach Club

Amanpulo offers different culinary styles for different tastes. Japanese food at Lagoon Club, Spanish tapas and paellas at Beach Club, traditional baked pizza at Picnic Grove and international/Philippine dishes at Club House. In addition, an in-villa dining menu is available for casual food… Prices are pretty reasonable and match luxury hospitality standards.

I especially recommend the live sea food at Beach Club and its selection of lobster, prawns or fish of the day. We didn’t have time to experiment all dishes, but they all looked terribly good!!

Level of exigency

There are plenty of helpful staff at Amanpulo, from housekeeping to room-service and restaurant waiters, they are all well trained and efficient. Even proactive sometimes, taking care of our belongings in the casita and making sure your stay is pleasant. Our dedicated butler, Harrisson, was a very professional angel who managed smoothly our check-in/check-out and answered promptly to our needs. Hey come on, this is Aman!