Boasting astounding beauty and exclusive location, Amanpulo is a haven for celebrities and honeymooners in search of a castaway paradise.

In 2021, typhoon Odette hit Siargao Island hard, destroying multiple buildings. One such including Bobby Dekeyser the resort Dedon Island

the resort Dedon Island, which had been the first property on this gorgeous stretch of beach on Siargao Island by the founder of the Philippine based outdoor furniture company Dedon, Bobby Dekeyser. In summer 2023, he reopened an upgraded version and renamed it Nay Palad, which means “mother’s hands,” a reference to the women’s crafts initiative in Cebu that he supports. With only ten villas on ten acres of land that stretches from a white sand beach on one side to mangroves and an inland waterway on the other, Nay Palad encourages its small band of guests to shed their shoes upon arrival and embrace a laid-back, natural lifestyle.

Architect Daniel Pouzet focuses as much on sustainable design as creating dramatic spaces, and much of the wood carving, weaving and bamboo lashing was carried out on property by long-time Dedon craftsmen. Sandy pathways wend between the main pavilion, which contains a soaring two-story bamboo dining area and various lounge spaces, and the guest villas, which range from one to four bedrooms. A complex of thatched huts makes up the spa village, and a boardwalk through the mangroves leads to a three-story open-air pagoda that is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails. Local textiles and lots of ornamental seashells, displayed in big bowls or decorating door knobs, accent Dedon’s signature woven furniture both indoors and outdoors. The iconic NestRester, which looks like a large weaver’s nest, is suspended from palm trees and shelters a large trampoline near the beach.

Activities include surfing (with on-property coaches from Australian outfitter Tropic Surf), stand-up paddling in the mangroves, island hopping, sandbar picnics and yoga classes in a sea-facing pavilion. Prices are all inclusive so you can craft an itinerary full of daily watersports and spa treatments, like massages and mani-pedis at no additional cost. The local staff genuinely want you to fall in love with their home, so will suggest things like an afternoon paddle, early surf lesson or sunrise private yoga just to be sure that you make the most of your stay.

To help protect the environment, Bobby involves the staff in projects like beach clean-ups while embracing eco best-practices throughout the hotel. Visits can be arranged to local villages or nearby islands but you will want to stay on property for all of your meals. Spanish chef Père Massana, who helmed the kitchen before the typhoon and has now returned, works with no set menu but tailors all of his meals to the freshest local ingredients and guest’s requests. From delicious ceviches and inventive fresh salads to Asian-inspired noodle dishes and decadent desserts, every meal was as exceptional as one would expect at any five-star resort in the world. But unlike at most resorts, the staff will usually surprise you with your dining location—a table on the beach, up in a treehouse, in a lounge area festooned with dozens of hanging plants or a candlelit balcony facing the ocean. Some may choose just to eat at the bamboo bar by the main pool. “This is your home at the beach,” is the staff mantra and they will do their best to make sure you don’t want to leave it.

Manila’s grand dame hotel delivers with great service and beautiful common spaces; however, the rooms are in need of a renovation.