The Philippines are an extraordinary set of islands. More than 200 volcanoes, 12,000 species of seashells and 488 of the 500 known coral reef species in the world are found within the 22,000 miles of the country's coastline. It's no wonder that Amanresorts, the hotel group that uses the world's most extraordinary sites for its property locations, placed Amanpulo on the tropical paradise of Pamalican Island.
The one-hour flight from Manila to the private island preps guests for the stunning scenery soon to be experienced on land below. From the plane, I marveled at dozens of islets that swept across the carpet of striped blue water. The aquamarine swaths of vitreous ocean were so calm that I spotted a huge sea turtle crowning the surface for air when the plane was descending, an event that foreshadowed how special a place Pamalican Island is.
From the airstrip, a cheerful posse of Amanpulo staff greeted us with cool towels and flower leis before we were whisked away for a tour of the 3.4-mile island in our golf-cart buggy. Despite its small size (one can walk around the entire island in an hour and a half), Amanpulo boasts a village's worth of attractions, from meticulously groomed tennis courts to a handsome library. A massive pool overlooks tropical fauna and the distant water's edge from the lobby area, which we passed midway during our guided exploration. We ended the tour at our beach casita, one of the 29 on the island, which is modeled after the Philippine native Bahay Kubo dwellings.
True to Aman style, the casitas are the epitome of understated luxury with local influences. Coconut-shell tables, Cebu island imported marble sinks, a wrap-around polished wooden deck, and a massive bathroom the size of an average New York City apartment, make accommodations feel more casita chateau that beach bungalow. A seashell's throw from the deck, the beach's sand is as white and fine as flour and dotted with dancing pink crabs.
One late sunset, while watching the start of a spectacular lightening storm on the horizon, I swam in the tepid ocean water and discovered glowing plankton. Also known as Bioluminescent Phytoplankton, these minute animals emit a dazzling blue light, appearing like scattered sapphires against the dark sand and water, giving just reason to refer to Amanpulo as “magic island.”
One of my favorite afternoons was spent exploring Manamoc Island, a 30-minute boat ride from Amanpulo. More than half of the resort's staff is composed of Manamoc Island locals, and the resort assists in building schools and funding infrastructure to better support the seaweed cultivation other residents specialize in. Our guide, a sweet and observant Amanpulo staff member and Manamoc native, gave us an extensive history of the community and its way of life.
Visitors can also enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming after gliding sea turtles and feeding schools of colorful fish. Resort guests who visit from March to October may catch the hatching of sea turtles, as the property monitors births and populations of the delicate species. The Dive Centre, which offers PADI courses from beginner to master level, is worth a visit since eight unspoiled dive sites are all within a short boat ride of the island.
Another pastime at any Amanresorts property is dining, and it’d be a disservice to not mention the exquisite meals Amanpulo presents. The traditional Filipino dishes were consistently superb, and the seafood, from lobsters to clams, was unfathomably fresh.
From archipelagos to palaces, Amanresorts deliver the most spectacular sites with first-rate hospitality and quiet dedication to cherish each location's surroundings. Amanpulo is no exception to the brand’s standards; securing its spot as one of the world's best leisure resorts.
