Lagun Hotel

Situated just at the edge of El Nido town, Lagun Hotel has something unique in its place: a limestone cliff for a backdrop, the photowall to end all photowalls. The roof deck of the four-story hotel, which soft-opened last March, is the place to take in this magnificent view, whether you’re soaking in the infinity pool and trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive Palawan hornbill, or sipping a pina colada and watching the boats sail off into the distance.

Lagun Hotel; Balinsasayaw Road, Brgy. Maligaya El Nido, Palawan 5313; +63917 156 1507; www.lagunhotel.com; fb.com/lagunhotel/

Maremegmeg Beach Club

Feel like lounging in the lap of eco-luxury? Maremegmeg Beach Club, further south of El Nido town, is the newest boutique resort that has it all—ethical-chic interiors, an extra-long infinity pool with views of the karst-lined sea, and a super chill bar scene that starts early in the day and stretches out into the night. With quite possibly the best beach this side of El Nido, the Maremegmeg area is going to be a very popular spot, so dip your toes in there now.

Maremegmeg Beach Club; +63918 257 2981; fb.com/maremegmegbeachbar

Frangipani El Nido

This intimate boutique hotel in Corong-Corong has only seven rooms, each one a generous and elegant space, and is perfect for families or private weekend events. The E Murio rattan furniture in the lounge makes it a perfect spot for chic sundowners.

Frangipani El Nido; frangipanielnido.com

Panorama Beach Club & Resort

A winding resort in Corong-Corong with cogon-grass-roofed villas centered around a sexy swimming pool-bar, Panorama is the epitome of jungle luxe. The beachfront bar is a popular sunset spot to meet and mingle with other travelers.

Panorama Beach Club; fb.com/panoramaelnido

Balili Farm

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, Balili Farm features affordable glamping-style cottages set on a rustic farm, located on the way to the harder-to-access but less crowded Nacpan beach.

Balili Farm; balilifarm.com

. . .

Read more:

• Why you should book a flight to El Nido now
• Where to eat in El Nido
• Hotel review: Lagun Hotel, El Nido, Philippines
• Where to stay in El Nido

Cebu Pacific Air flies to Puerto Princesa from Manila, Iloilo and Cebu. For a hassle-free journey from airport to hotel lobby, purchase CEB Transfers packages, available at cebupacificair.com

This article first appeared in the December 2018 issue of Smile magazine.

Written by

Audrey Carpio

Photographed by

Sonny Thakur