Found in
H 20 Cyan
Sand tone Champagne White
Alona Beach
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Where
How
This beach is located on Panglao Island, a beautiful island floating in the North Bohol Sea. Easy access and a great location make Alona Beach a sandy haven that doesn’t require you to work for your taste of paradise.
One of the more ‘technical’ beauties of Alona Beach is the ease in which you can access it. Fast Ferries and boats make daily trips from Cebu, Manila, and Dumaguete. Once they bring you into Tagbilaran, it’s only a short trike ride down to the beach. Leisurely and scenic, this ride will definitely prepare you for a challenging day of rest and relaxation on prime Bohol beach territory.
Stay
Why
When
At the beach. Alona, beautiful as it is during the day, comes into its own in the evening, with a scattering of beach-front restaurants and bars that will satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst. Though the energy of night-time at Alona is definitely worth sticking around for, we know that you’ll have to sleep some time. The close-by Amorita Resort is a solid choice, with modern rooms and top class amenities that don’t comprise the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Alona Beach’s white sands, rocky cliffs, and luscious green palm trees all combine to create a dramatic beach landscape that will have you asking ‘does it get better than this?’. Well, it does. Not only is this beach the spitting image of the one your mind’s eye conjures up when you think ‘paradise’, but it is also a beach that is so perfectly located that you will have no trouble fitting it in to any Philippines schedule you might have arranged. In close proximity to both the rolling Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Conservation Area, Alona is the perfect place to prepare for a day of adventure, or equally, to unwind after a day of cruising the sights of the Philippines.
The best time to book is between December and May to avoid the monsoon season. The glorious sunshine only serves to emphasise the idyllic beauty of the crystal waters and the dazzling sand.
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Amanpulo
Where Set in the northernmost part of Palawan, Amanpulo can be found on the Island of Pamalican which is hands down one of the Philippines’ most scenic provinces. Just a one hour flight from the buzz of Manila, if you’re travelling by private plane then the hotel has its own landing strip – it screams exclusivity before you have even stepped foot inside.
What
Here at Amanpulo resort, it’s all about getting back to the beach, and enjoying the simpler things in life, with a touch of luxury (of course). Sink into your tree-top infinity pool perched over the island greenery, bury your toes in the sand as you dine on Pamalican’s Hillside, cruise along in your complementary sand buggy to discover untouched, sun-drenched bathing spots, or meditate in the resident spa with panoramic views.
Why Amanpulo is the a beach-based sanctuary for those looking to disappear for a while.
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Why
A hotel on its own private lagoon? Yes please. Plantation Bay Resort & Spa is a paradisical island playground, where the only thing between the temperate lagoon and the ocean waters is a golden stretch of Mactan beach.
Where It’s not often that the beach comes second fiddle, but with 11 hectares of privately owned turquoise lagoon that allows you to swim from your suite to the cocktail bar, this is one of the rare occasions.
What
Stay in ‘Waters Edge’ Villa and within a few seconds of getting out of bed you can be stepping down into the temperate lagoon. It’s safe to say, you can never run out of things to do here. Take a yoga class on a paddle board then float back to your private retreat. Go paragliding, swimming with whale sharks, diving amongst the coral, swaying over the bay in your hammock…we could keep going.
Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
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Daplac Cove Where
Why
Tucked away from all of Palawan’s beach beauties, Daplac Cove is very much hidden from the public eye, which is why we love it. In the western most part of the Philippines, parallel to San Vicente, this untouched beauty on the island of Boayan is just what we were looking for.
Home to the Tabon and Palawan Hornbill, this low key sandy spot provides peace with Mother Nature. With a fusion of fresh water in the bay, you can swim amongst the marine life and even open your eyes underwater to enjoy the view. With so few explorers aware of this hidden gem, you might even have the cove to yourself…
How
Stay
From San Vincente, Palawan, it’s just a 20-40 minutes on a boat ride. On your way, you’ll pass Boayan’s Island neighbour, Niaporay Island, which also proves to be another hidden treasure. Be sure to come prepared with a tasty picnic and snorkelling gear in order to enjoy the island’s full beauty as this is not a spot for shops and bars.
Daplac Cove has so much untouched beauty, we like to keep it that way, just one day here and you’ll be overwhelmed by its peace, all before your boat trip back to your chosen retreat in San Vincente.
When The area is subject to heavy rainfall (monsoon season) between June and November, so sun seekers should know the best time to book is between December and May.
6
H 20
Gachala Emerald
Sand tone Orchid White
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Pangulasian Island Resort Where
What
This resort itself fronts onto the breath-taking Bacuit Bay, boasting 750 metres of heavenly, unspoilt, powdery white beach.
Sun seekers and sand lovers, ‘the island of sun’ is calling. The El Nido Islands have their fair share of natural beauty, but we have to say that Pangulasian Island is definitely one of our Beach Tomato favourites.
Why
If you want a slice of this island to yourself (who wouldn’t) indulge in the Kalaw villa. Secluded on your very own beachy bay, an 85 square metre infinity pool spills over into the forest and overlooks panoramic sea views of the El Nido Islands. Perhaps we should keep this one between us… shall we?
Lagen Hotel Resort Where
What
After exploring the Philippines capital, a little R&R is probably in order. As you know, the Philippines is not short of beaches – so true to form, we’ve got the choices covered. Just a one and a half hour flight from Manila, we’ll have you in postcard perfect paradise. Aren’t we kind?
Lagen Island is our favourite getaway of the El Nido municipality. You can (literally) dive into luxury here. It is surrounded by world famous marine beauty and your room will be perched on stilts over the Lagoon.
Why
There are over 20 diving spots in El Nido, so you’re in prime location for enjoying all the underwater wonders – and the resort is equipped for all diving abilities, with its own PADI resort centre and water sports hub.
Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort Where Perched on the north of the dreamy Island of Palawan, Daluyon Beach is just a short stroll from the enchanting Sabang Beach and underground river.
What Yep, you heard right, infinite sea views, rolling mountains, Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in one slice of beach paradise.
Why Step into a home from home that’s sprinkled with a whole lot of luxury (because that’s what holidays are all about). You’re welcomed by individual palm thatched Cabanas framed with bamboo balconies and hand woven furniture. And if you think the outside is grand, wait until you step into this light and airy abode.
Ultimate Island