Lagen Island sits in a forested cove on Bacuit Bay, between a four-hectare forest and a calm, shallow lagoon; the resort says it has the densest forest over limestone of the 45 islands and islets in the bay, and a trail climbs through it to a view of a cove on the far side. There are 51 rooms: 20 Forest Rooms, four Forest Suites with bathtubs, 18 Water Cottages on stilts over the lagoon and nine Beachfront Cottages. Each has a private terrace, and the floors and furniture are made from timber recycled from old Filipino houses. The central clubhouse holds the restaurant, a library and a boutique, with a cocktail bar beside an outdoor pool kept only about four feet deep because of the tree roots below. The marine sports centre lends sea kayaks, windsurfers and snorkelling gear, the resort arranges lagoon and mangrove river trips and scuba courses, and there are scheduled tours included in the rate, a kids' club and spa treatments. The MICHELIN inspector calls it a stylish and sustainable beach hotel. Guests fly into Lio Airport, ride to the El Nido Resorts jetty lounge and take a boat of 40 to 50 minutes to the island.
- Nearest airport
- Lio Airport, El Nido: a 10 to 15 minute ride to the jetty lounge, then 40 to 50 minutes by boat
- Rooms
- 51 rooms, suites and cottages
Insider tip Avoid the afternoon flight from Manila: the last boat to the island leaves at 4:00 p.m., because the Coast Guard restricts boat transfers after dark.
Why I choose it A two-MICHELIN-Key island resort on Bacuit Bay, with water cottages over the lagoon and forest behind.