This chic and luxurious resort is the perfect place to escape the world, relax and recharge your energy. Located on the idyllic island of Siargao, Nay Palad sits between two marine ecosystems. On one side there is a private bay, pristine beach and Pacific Ocean views and the other, ancient mangrove forest and waterways. If you can bear to leave this incredible resort, both landscapes provide plenty of scope for a range of activities.
Boasting the traditional pointed thatched roofs of Indonesian architecture, the resort sits on the soft white sands of the crescent-shaped private bay surrounded by fragrant tropical gardens. Sandy pathways connect the complex of treehouses, pavilions, restaurant, spa, and villas, and there are numerous secluded nooks, swing chairs and hammocks, allowing guests to retreat from the pressures of the modern world. The intuitive service and warm Filipino hospitality are world-class, and the vibe is intimate, relaxed, and welcoming.
There are just ten beautifully appointed villas, with contemporary interiors, elegant furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, impressive attention to detail and soothing use of colour, warm woods, and natural stone. The bathrooms are generously sized with high-quality modern fixtures and fittings, including indoor and outdoor showers. Each villa includes a spacious terrace and lush gardens and amenities include climate control, ceiling fan, aromatherapy burner with essential oils, Wi-Fi, iPad, sound system, minibar, Nespresso machine, safety deposit box, mosquito net and repellent.
Choose from a Garden View Villa with two-bedrooms and bathroom or an Ocean View Villa for panoramic Pacific and beach views, both sleeping up to six. For larger families and those looking for more of a residential experience, Coral Villa sleeps up to seven and includes two bedrooms and an additional two mezzanine level children’s beds, two bathrooms, lounge with home cinema, two terraces with outdoor lounge, private cabana, and swimming pool. Alternatively, the exclusive Perlah Villa boasts four bedrooms, one of which converts to a cinema room, three bathrooms, private pool, dining pavilion, indoor and outdoor lounges and a cool treehouse lounge overlooking the beach. The villa sleeps a maximum of nine guests.
Nay Palad is an all-inclusive ‘no menu’ resort and the accomplished chef is happy to cook to guests’ requirements or to produce a delicious surprise. The food revolves around the catch of the day and includes homegrown organic and local produce and is a fusion of both modern and traditional cooking methods, as well as Asian and European flavours. Guests are also free to lunch and dine where they please, whether that’s a castaway picnic on the beach, a candlelit supper on the terrace or a snack around the pool. For those interested, cooking lessons for both adults and children are available, where the chef will share the secrets of their trade.
The sleek infinity pool is a lovely spot in which to unwind, or guests will find numerous ‘Nestrests,’ (hybrid hammock and chaise longue which hang from the coconut trees) to relax in while soaking up the ocean views. The resort is family-friendly and there’s a trampoline, climbing tree, spacious lawns, evening popup cinema and s’mores around the bonfire for children to enjoy. For adults, the spa offers a range of massage treatments and there is a gym and yoga pavilion for staying in shape.
The resort also has excellent eco credentials. There is a total ban on single use plastics, an onsite organic farm, excellent relationships with local fishermen and farmers, as well as active involvement in the conservation of the adjacent mangrove forest.
Siargao is known for its surf and famous Cloud 9 wave. Guests can enjoy a range of water sports along with surfing, including paddleboarding, mangrove kayaking in clear-bottomed boats, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and diving. There is plenty to explore on the island itself including underground caves and island-hopping trips are also on offer.
The island can be reached from Cebu which has direct connections to Singapore, Manila, Dubai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. From here it is a 45-minute flight to Siargao, followed by a 40-minute land transfer by jeepney, which is included in the rate.