Amanpulo Resort

Amanpulo is located on the private island of Pamalican, in the Cuyo group, about 360km south-west of Manila. 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. Amanpulo or, ‘peaceful island’, honors its island host, respecting the natural elements with a profoundly ‘South Seas’ interpretation.

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 serene pool. The open-air Garden and Beach Salas are discreetly secluded for pleasurable holistic body treatments.

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.

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.

The Restaurant, located at the Clubhouse, spills out onto a terrace, with views to Manamoc Island across the channel. Private dining is available day and night.

Amanpulo offers complimentary island-wide 2MB Wi-Fi connection and internet access. Cellular phone network is also available.

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 5 Hillside Casitas offer magical sea views, the 4 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 skillfully 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.

Amanpulo also offers 2 villas for private groups, one with 4 bedrooms and the other with 7 bedrooms.

The abundant and beautiful reef waters that surround Pamalican and neighboring islands are tailor-made for snorkeling and diving. A complimentary snorkeling and fish-feeding trip is scheduled daily. For novice scuba divers, Amanpulo is a welcoming retreat, with mirror-smooth seas in front of the Beach Club and a gentle drop-off to deeper water. For certified divers, there are a number of fine sites on both sides of Pamalican, all within easy reach by dive boat. Eureka, Amanpulo’s dive company, is a PADI Dive Centre offering courses ranging from introductory to dive master courses. All equipment is provided by Amanpulo’s Dive Shop. Underwater lights are also available. Divers must be at least 10 years of age.

Dives range from the House Reef (that faces the Beach Club and is a good site for beginners), to the Windmill with its plentiful coral and fish going down to 37m and The Tip, where the reef descends from 11 to 29m with generous displays of barrel sponge, hard and soft coral, black-tip reef sharks, tuna, wahoo and manta rays.

Amanpulo features a five-night dive experience that includes 5 day dives and 1 night dive, boat fees, dive equipment, daily breakfast and a gourmet picnic lunch.