Cuyo, PhilippinesPamalican Island
Amanpulo
Private coral island
Pamalican Island Cuyo, Philippines
Renovated
2017
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Resort DesignOutside the door
The house
AmanPrivate coral island
Charter flights land directly on the private island airstrip, where electric buggies wait to navigate sandy paths through coastal palms.
“Remote and reef-fringed, this boutique stay’s romantic, beachside Cuyo Archipelago location could be a stand-in for Treasure Island”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dedicated villa butlers, private chefs, and golf buggies continually restocked with chilled water.
Remarkable
An entire private island campus with reef diving, sailing fleets, and tennis courts.
Notable
Bahay kubo architecture translated by Francisco Mañosa with lawan timber and Cebu marble.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
Here the 42 casitas and 18 villas are built in the style of the native Philippine bathay kubo dwellings, with thatched roofs and pebble-washed walls...
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
An intact coral reef rings the entire island, where sea turtles and tropical fish swim just steps from the white sand.
The rooms
Casitas inspired by native stilt dwellings feature woven rattan headboards, vaulted timber ceilings, and deep Cebu marble bathtubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Private villa pools sit beside thatched open-air salas and wooden loungers among coastal palms.
The spa and gym
Hillside spa suites use warmed banana leaves for traditional Hilot massages. Nearby, the timber gym looks into the forest.
Restaurant
The Beach Club
White-clothed tables on the open-air timber deck serve Mediterranean fare and Spanish tapas right above the water.
Facing the tranquil, atoll-studded Sulu Sea, are 42 beachfront, treetop, and hillside-studded casitas, modeled after indigenous bahay kubo dwellings.
At the table
Dining stretches across the island, from fresh seafood at the Clubhouse to lantern-lit barbecues set on the sand.
How it began
Once a family-run coconut plantation, the secluded coral island opened in 1993, shaped by architect Francisco Mañosa to honor local traditions.
“Amanpulo, part of the Aman group of ultraluxury hotels, occupies its own private island…ringed by soft white sand, turquoise water, and a coral reef teeming with marine life.”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.