Amanpulo Resort, Palawan

Just recently, I receive an advertisement about Amanpulo Resort in Palawan. Sorry to say, I felt bad because this is the first time I heard of this resort. The last two years, I have been following the development of Bellarocca Resort in Marinduque, now touted to be the best resort(6-star) in Southeast Asia. But after reading the brochure of Amanpulo Resort( below), I have a feeling this resort is comparable if not better than Bellarocca. So, my dear readers if you have been to both Bellarocca and Amanpulo Resorts, I like to hear from you.

PAMALICAN ISLAND, THE PHILIPPINES:Amanpulo is located on the private island of Pamalican, set among the Quiniluban group of Cuyo Islands, 360km south-west of Manila. Lying along the trading routes from Southern China to Borneo, the Sulu archipelago and the Spice Islands, the Cuyo Islands have been known to sailors and traders since pre-Spanish days. The Cuyo archipelago has been largely forgotten since then. The people of these 40 islands live mostly by fishing and seaweed cultivation. Tourism has scarcely touched the islands. Seven square kilometres of reef surround the island. Beyond are sandbanks and a channel where whales, dolphins and sea cows have been glimpsed. At its widest point, the 5.5km island is only 500m across.

ACCOMMODATION
Amanpulo’s native style of dwellings enhances its exclusive island allure. 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. Amanpulo's 29 Beach Casitas each have private paths that lead through a tangle of bush directly onto the soft white beach. The beach is an uninterrupted wide stretch of fine sand with views over the neighbouring islands. The four Treetop Casitas are above the tree-line on higher ground. The five Hillside Casitas have unimpeded sea views and the resort's two Deluxe Hillside Casitas feature spectacular prospects of the Sulu Sea and neighbouring islands with both sunrise and sunset views.

Private holiday villas located just a few metres from the sea are available for rent at Amanpulo. There are eight 4-bedroom Villas, two 2-bedroom Villas and one 1-bedroom Villa. Each features a private swimming pool, separate bedrooms, living and dining pavilions, outdoor lounge and a kitchen. All villas include a cook, maid, and a buggy for each bedroom. Villa guests enjoy full use of all Amanpulo facilities and services.
Amanpulo (peaceful island) is surrounded by white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and seven kilometres of coral reef commencing just 300m offshore. The coral island’s attraction lies in the pristine beauty of its environment and its complete exclusivity. Guests are greeted in Manila and flown by a 19-seat twin-engine plane, landing on the island’s private airstrip. THE BEACH CLUB - A garden walkway leads down from the pool to the white-sand beach and Amanpulo’s Beach Club. The open air pavilion is a tranquil setting. Mattresses and pillows are spread out on the deck, facing the sea. Shade umbrellas and reclining lounge chairs line the beach. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and refreshments are also offered at the Beach Club. Fresh seafood and Spanish cuisine are specialties. Here's a short video for your vieweing pleasure.


LAGOON CLUB - is located on the east side of the island and functions as an alternate beach club with similar features and amenities. Dinner is served and Vietnamese cuisine is a specialty.

PIZZA @ THE WINDSURF HUT Enjoy a large variety of pizzas cooked in a home-built wood-fire oven. Guests can relax in this tranquil environment with their feet in the sand. The Windsurf Hut opens for lunch.

PRIVATE DINING in a guest casita is available 24 hours. Private picnics and barbecues may be organized at Shigerino’s Place, Lagoon Sala, Shark’s Point Sala and the floating Kawayan Bar. Guests can also take picnic baskets on an island hopping trip or on a visit to the Sandbar. Picnic baskets may also be delivered to guest casitas. Other special venues for a barbecue are the guest casita beachfront, Gary’s Nest and Island Cave.

THE LIBRARY is stocked with novels in several languages, travel guides, newspapers, magazines and coffee-table books on Philippine art, design and culture. DVDs and CDs are available. Internet and Wi-Fi are available.

THE BOUTIQUES specialise in woven rugs, baskets, jewellery, pottery and other crafts from the Palawan region, as well as Asian antiques, furniture and island beach wear.

MASSAGE AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS can be taken in two air-conditioned Spa Casitas, the open-air Garden Sala or in the privacy of your own casita. Manicures, pedicures, facials and body treatments are also available.

MEETING ROOMS can be arranged at the West Villa Clubhouse for small gatherings; audiovisual equipment is available upon request.

THE GYM is located beside the tennis courts and surrounded by a lush tropical forest. Cardiovascular equipment is available.

THE SWIMMING POOL Amanpulo’s 30m Swimming Pool is bordered by two high bougainvillea trellises. The pool’s aquatiles mirror the Sulu Sea. Three spacious open-air salas are situated around the pool and feature generously-sized mattresses for all-day
lounging.

TENNIS Four synthetic grass, floodlit tennis courts are available with rest pavilions for refreshments. Two courts are located adjacent to the Clubhouse and two are located adjacent to the West Villa Clubhouse. Complimentary tennis balls, rackets and playing partners are available.

SEA SPORTS HUT Adjacent to the Beach Club, the Seasports Hut offers a variety of water sports equipment as well as information on boat charters, water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving sites and sea conditions.

WEDDING BLESSINGS Renew your vows with a sentimental ceremony performed by a Filipino wedding official. A variety of romantic settings are available, including Amanpulo’s white sand beach at sunset, the outdoor chapel otherwise known as the ‘Grotto,’ beneath the bougainvillea-decked poolside trellis or at sea in a boat festooned with island flowers. Blessings include a guitar serenade, champagne, wedding cake, a decorated wedding car and a flower bouquet.

Note: This is No.1 of a series of articles on Beach Resorts in the Philippines that have attracted my attention. I am not paid to write this article and the future articles in this series.