Elevator pitch
One doesn’t go to Amanpulo because it’s a vacation hotspot amongst folks like Brad Pitt, Madonna and Beyoncé, but because it’s the pinnacle of island luxury. A crowning jewel of the Philippines that exemplifies the understated and untouched beauty of the Filippino islands.
Situated on Pamalican island and fringed by white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Amanpulo sits as a national wonder. Just as astounding as the islands in the Maldives and in the Caribbean, paradise here somehow feels more precious, perhaps due to it being so close to home—as well as the sheer exclusivity of the place, given that the only way to arrive here is via a private plane. As a traveller that has heard and read so much about the resort, stepping onto its runway after an hour’s flight from Manila, felt innately surreal.
On an island that spans 85 acres, villas and casitas are generously sprawled out—mostly bridging with the wide strip of coral sand as well as the jungle within. Given the expanse of space in the resort, guests can get around by cycling or driving around in their own club car. Those housed in villas get the assistance of their personal butler to do all of that. Basically, one can decide how active or placid you would like to be on this vacation, and in the case of Aman, the latter seems to be the obvious choice.
The stay
A casita (which translates to small house in Spanish) at Amanpulo will easily house any solo traveller or couple, whilst their villa expands ideally for those seeking a family-style retreat that doesn’t compromise on space and privacy. Set by the beach with direct access to the gleaming white shoreline, my daily ritual started with a relaxing jog by the sea before returning to our four-bedroom villa with a breakfast spread prepared by our head butler Mark. He, alongside a family of staff attached to our villa, took care of our daily needs and wants (like that daily fresh coconut or a side of fresh chili to accompany every meal).
A sense of old world charm emanates through the furnishings at Amanpulo’s casitas and villas. Designed by the acclaimed Filipino architect Franciso Mañosa, the rooms lie as one of the last great works before his passing; where elements of traditional Philippine dwellings can be traced via vaulted wooden ceilings and pebble-washed walls. Other interior highlights include coconut-shell tables and large Cebu marble bathrooms that seamlessly sing of the island habitat.
Each spacious master bedroom is distinctly disparate within the expansive villa, replete with its own ensuite bathroom and outdoor deck. Whenever we gathered for meals or intimate conversations, the huge living room and dining area were often put to good use, if not the poolside for lounging and splashing around.
The itinerary
When on a private island, there’s the potential of feeling stranded for the whole period of the vacation. But on Amanpulo, no such constraints were felt. The island felt supremely large, with new hidden spots and activities to be uncovered everyday. From a beach nook nestled under a canopy of trees to enjoy fresh wood-fired chicken adobo pizzas to a beautiful restaurant serving up authentic Japanese cuisine, every pocket of space held its own distinctive allure. A crowd favourite had to be the native Filippino fare—easily accessible at the The Clubhouse Restaurant, where we tucked into local specialties like spring rolls and a green mango grouper that weave the best ingredients from the organic farm and communities nearby.
It’s hard to not be drawn to the sea at Amanpulo; with the clear glittering blues calling out with every crash of a wave. Once, on an excursion out on a boat, we sojourned to the resort’s floating bamboo bar—a special experience in the middle of the ocean where a breakfast spread awaited alongside fresh juices and fruits. After which, a few productive hours were spent snorkelling where the view shifted to the beautiful marine life beneath, involving a few green turtles that the resort staff affectionately call by name.
Back on land, however, the perfect day at Amanpulo would revolve around the Aman Spa. With ancient healing methods and practices that are unique to the locale, it wouldn’t be just another Signature Spa to settle for. Instead, my body and soul were treated to a Hilot Massage, an age-old practice that uses warm banana leaves and coconut oil to target areas of imbalance within, coupled with long soothing strokes courtesy of my therapist Jennifer.
Every meal made its own indelible mark at the resort but if I really had to choose, our last night on the island turned out to be an jaw-dropping scene out of a movie—under the stars at the airport runway. A private dinner prepared on-site with a busy suite of chefs and servers hard at work, accompanied with fairy lights and another staff member serenading us with a guitar. A delectable lechon menu was the star of the show—which featured a whole pig roasted on the spit just a few feet away—from its delectable skin to crispy sisig in chili and onion to a bowl of tangy sinigang broth. Whilst amping up the lavish factor, the dinner was wholesome, moving and undeniably, Amanpulo’s most divine experience that guests can arrange for.
Hospitality that serves the local community
What strikes as unforgettable at Amanpulo was centred around a conversation in our villa’s living room with a few staff members of the resort. Delio, a boat captain, who has worked at Aman since 1998, and his two daughters Joressa and Joanne, the resort’s storekeeper and chief accountant respectively. They’re from the neighbouring Manamoc island, where most of the staff from Amanpulo call home and also where a symbiotic tie exists. As part of the resort’s Andres Soriano Foundation, Manamoc has the only technical-vocational high school in the Palawan area, focused in training and preparing students for a successful career in hospitality. Serving the resort for over 30 years, Delio told us: “I was able to support my family and be able to put my six children through college.”
It was easy to glean an easy sense of contentment and camaraderie from the Amanpulo staff. You feel it while riding the buggy with your driver exchanging simple Tagalog words or during lunch service at the resort’s restaurants. Later that night, we bumped into a few staff members when they were en route to an internal festive party at the resort’s hangar. Off the clock and dressed in casual clothes, a lot of them beamed: “We hope our team wins this year’s talent show!” It seems that beyond Manamoc island, Amanpulo has become the staff’s second home as well. With Aman uplifting and growing its local community, the impact is a two-way street, with jovial hospitality being the resort’s beating heart and soul.
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