Now that it’s peak season for traveling, most of us are probably browsing online for Airbnbs or beach resorts. Some choose to travel on a budget while others choose to splurge and indulge themselves on a luxurious getaway.
Either way, both types of accommodations have one goal – to make sure that guests are comfortable and satisfied during their stay. Here are 8 over-the-top Airbnbs and private island resorts in the Philippines that’ll astound you and make you say “sana all”.
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Image adapted from Paolyn Glass Houseboat/Google and Paolyn Glass Houseboat/Google
If you want to experience something different from your usual accommodation that’s built on land, check out Paolyn Glass Houseboat in Coron, Palawan. It’s located in a private lagoon in Coron Island where you get to stay in a floating house whose folding tempered glass panels let you enjoy a 180-degree view even when you’re inside.
Since it’s suspended over the water, you’d literally have direct access to it when you go for a swim. This is also ideal if you prefer a more quiet and peaceful ambiance as it’s away from a crowd and isolated in a lagoon.
Floating decks are provided for sunbathing
Image credit: @wyvonnecaligner
Furthermore, aside from amenities such as kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear being available, there is a separate floating deck connected to the houseboat if you’re interested in sunbathing. Staff are on call 24/7 to cater to your needs.
Although the private lagoon possesses other houseboats, this glass houseboat will charge you P82,165 (~USD1,598.68) per two nights excluding taxes.
Address: Diwata Lagoon 5316 Coron, Palawan, Philippines
Telephone: 0905 166 7804
Email: booking@paolynhouseboats.com
Paolyn Glass Houseboat website | Facebook | Instagram
Image credit: Hamed Moqadasi
If you prefer houses that are built on land, then perhaps try staying at Villa On A Cliff in Oslob, Cebu. It’s a villa located in an enclave that’s suspended on a cliff where you can see the entire ocean view and have direct access to the sea.
It’s the ideal staycation spot for you if you want to be somewhere elevated and luxurious at the same time.
Villa on a cliff also has a pool overlooking the ocean
Image credit: @iamjanegel
Also, the villa also has an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean 20 meters above its level for a leisurely swim. It’s an ideal spot for you to take photos of yourself or with your friends and family.
Snorkeling is one of the activities that can be arranged for you
Image credit: @lisa_lizzyboo
Along the house reef in the ocean, an activity that guests are encouraged to do is snorkeling. Because the water is crystal clear, you’d be able to see everything close up without the blurriness. Furthermore, the villa is near Tumalog Falls, where you can also explore and take a refreshing dip in the water.
If you were to be a guest, complimentary services include daily breakfast and cleaning service. The villa also offers in-house massages and laundry service and arranges tours for you and your companions.
Villa On A Cliff is priced at P90,730 (~USD1,765.19) per two nights excluding taxes.
Address: 12 6000 Oslob, Cebu, Philippines
Email: jayandfay@villaonacliff.com
Villa On A Cliff Facebook page
Image credit: DRYFT Camp
If you’re into glamping and prefer doing it in a secluded area, then Dryft Darocotan in El Nido, Palawan is the private island resort to consider.
Since it’s a remote island, it’s a 45-minute shuttle ride from El Nido and takes a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland of Teneguiban going to the island itself. Guests will have a long white beach to themselves.
Glamping tents and huts are provided for the guests on the island
Image credit: @veronika.gluchova
Of course, it wouldn’t be called a glamping resort if not for the tents, huts, and camping tipis already provided at the island. Overall the tents and huts can be occupied by 54 guests.
Wine and dine in a four-story treehouse
Image credit: DRYFT Camp
What’s more, local island cuisine will be served to you and your company at a four-story treehouse that has built-in net hammocks that you can lounge in for added comfort. Additionally, free shuttle and boat rides will be at your disposal if you want to go to El Nido town or Teneguiban village anywhere from 10AM to 5PM.
Due to safety measures, boat transfers are not allowed after sunset.
This glamping island resort is priced at P91,294 (~USD1,775.96) per two nights excluding taxes.
Address: 5313 El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Telephone: 0939 772 4154
Email: info@dryft.camp
Dryft Darocotan website| Facebook |Instagram
Image credit: Balay Pandan
If you get thrilled by mountain bike rides, then you might want to look at Balay Pandan in San Remigio, Central Visayas, where you have access to a beachfront villa and huts.
A small private cove for hangouts or meals
Image credit: Balay Pandan
Apart from the common amenities such as a pool, outdoor lounges, kayaks, and life jackets, the beach house also has a private cove for hangouts or gatherings.
Mountain bikes are also part of the amenities
Image credit: Balay Pandan
Since the beach house is located on an island, it’s also ideal for bike rides. Mountain bikes are also covered by the beach house for leisurely rides around the island or for exercising purposes.
Balay Pandan is priced at P98,141 (~USD1,905.41) per two nights excluding taxes.
Address: San Remigio, Cebu, Central Visayas, Philippines
Telephone: (032) 416 1674
Email: casamiainc4@gmail.com
Balay Pandan links | Facebook | Instagram
Image credit: Maryan Proelss
Pangulasian Island in El Nido, Palawan is one of the four luxury island resorts in El Nido that became popular among tourists and local celebrities such as Bea Alonzo, Heart Evangelista, and Liz Uy.
Have a romantic dinner with your significant other
Image credit: @genseehaw
Additionally, this is a good spot to consider for honeymoons or romantic getaways as the island provides private dinners and picnics that couples can enjoy as a personalized service. This is also an ideal destination if you like island hopping and pampering yourself luxuriously in nature.
Do take note that while on the island, you may encounter monkeys and reptiles that are considered local residents at the island. Hence, it’s best to let them be.
Each villa in Pangulasian Island is priced at P165,900 (~USD3,225.96) exclusive of flights.
Address: Pangulasian Island 5313 El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Telephone: (02) 87902 5990/0917 843 7906
Email: holiday@elnidoresorts.com
Pangulasian Island website | Facebook
Image credit: Hitomi Sato
Amanpulo in Pamalican Island, Palawan is another well-known luxury island resort that caters to your comfort and wellness as a guest. You get access to a variety of villas to choose from and each one has a view of its own.
Go on a moonlight and starlight cruise for a different view of the island
Image credit: Amanpulo
If you’ve enjoyed the amenities that the island has to offer, you may want to see a different view of the island. For that, you can go on one of their moonlight and starlight cruises for a wider perspective of the whole island itself.
A number of hawksbill and green sea turtles are often spotted on the island
Image credit: Amanpulo
On the other hand, if you’re fond of sea animals, interestingly, hawksbill and green sea turtles are vastly found on the island. It was found that such turtles nest and lay their eggs on the beach at night from June to November. So, if you’ve found eggs yourself during these times, seek the help of staff so that they may be retrieved carefully and safely.
The eggs will be collected and placed in a hatchery on the island. They would then be kept until they hatch from August to January. If you find yourself in Amanpulo during these months, you may be lucky enough to watch the hatchlings get released into the ocean.
Depending on the accommodation of your choice, casitas can range from P82,536.96-P107,298.05 (~USD1,650-USD2,145) per night and villas range from P195,337.47-P440,197.12 (~USD3,905-USD8,800) per night including taxes and fees.
Address: Archipelago, Pamalican Island, Cuyo, 5318 Palawan, Philippines
Telephone: (02) 879765200
Email: amanpulo@aman.com
Amanpulo website | Facebook | Instagram
Image credit: @ariaraisland
If you want to learn or hone your skills in scuba diving, Ariara Island in Linapacan, Palawan is the way to go.
PADI instructor is present to guide you in water sports
Image credit: @ariaraisland
Aside from the common amenities provided by a luxury private island such as a spa, a notable thing about the island is that there are staff provided with a PADI instructor to help guide you in scuba diving.
A personal chef and attending staff is present on the island
Image credit: @ariaraisland
To amp up even more, a personal chef is present to cater to your preferred food selection, and there’ll also be up to 30 welcoming and attentive staff to see to your concerns. What’s more, a fully crewed motor yacht, speed boat, and RBIs are also at your disposal. Added charges may apply.
The island possesses jungle villas, beach cottages, and suites that can be occupied by exclusively up to 25 guests per booking, including children. If there are no children, only two to 19 adults are allowed to stay on the island at any one time. For a minimum stay of seven nights, the base rate starts from P1,650,739.20 (~USD33,000) excluding taxes and service fees.
Address: Ariara Island, Linapacan, Palawan, Philippines
Email: bliss@ariaraisland.com
Ariara Island website | Facebook | Instagram
Image adapted from @banwaprivateisland and @banwaprivateisland
Banwa Private Island in Roxas, Palawan, is considered the most expensive private island resort in the world. Before the pandemic, the island charged a rate of P5,022,460 (~USD100,000) per night. Now, the price was cut down to P2,251,008 (~USD45,000) per night.
In any circumstance, this may be an ideal place for you if you’ve been saving up for an extravagant getaway such as this one.
Oceanfront beach villas
Image credit: Banwa Private Island
Overall, there are six oceanfront beach villas on the island, each villa provided with a butler. Other than that, jacuzzis and infinity pools are there to use at your disposal. Like most island resorts, there’s also a spa to give yourself some pampering as well as elevated bar lounges.
Jet skis, motorboats, and yachts at your request
Image credit: Banwa Private Island
The island also offers many activities you can do from water sports to stargazing. Additionally, as guests, you’ll have access to jet skis and yachts for aquatic activities. Take note that added charges may apply.
As the island reopened for booking reservations, the villas became open for booking, individually as well. With a minimum stay of three nights, the base rate is P125,056 (~USD2,500) per night. Although, for the entire island, a minimum stay of three nights costs P2,251,008 (~USD45,000) per night.
Address: Puerco Island, Roxas, 5308 Palawan, Philippines
Telephone: 0917 888 28 64
Email: c.barron@banwaprivateisland.com
Banwa Private Island website | Facebook | Instagram
Regardless of how much we spend on a vacation or holiday, what matters is that you get to have fun and relax as you go along your trip. Who knows, perhaps you may want to check out these extravagant Airbnbs and private island resorts in the Philippines to which some will say “sana all”.
Happy travels and keep safe!
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Cover image adapted from @ariaraisland, DRYFT Camp, and @wyvonnecaligner
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