El Nido, PhilippinesMiniloc Island
Miniloc, El Nido
Thatched overwater village
Miniloc Island El Nido, Philippines
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Design LocalOutside the door
The house
El Nido ResortsThatched overwater village
Cottages cluster along the cove like a coastal hamlet, where days revolve around the house reef and nearby lagoons.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Guided kayak trips into neighboring limestone lagoons and house-reef snorkeling among giant trevallies.
Notable
Stilted overwater cottages and cliffside bungalows built from native bamboo and cogon thatch.
Listed
Traditional Filipino village structures set beneath sheer limestone cliffs beside Bacuit Bay.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The scale is small; just fifty guest rooms, some housed in stilted cottages directly over the water, others in thatched-roof bungalows built into the cliffside.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Sheer karst cliffs ring the island, and the calm waters of Big Lagoon sit a short kayak paddle away.
The rooms
Water Cottages stand on stilts over the lagoon, with native bamboo walls and glass doors opening to private verandas.
The pool and spa
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor infinity pool looks out on Bacuit Bay, and therapists offer traditional Filipino hilot massages in beachfront cabanas.
At the table
The open-air beach bar looks out over the water, offering drinks and a pool table under thatched eaves.
How it began
The property began in 1982 as a simple 15-cottage dive camp, making it the first tourist resort in El Nido.
El Nido
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The app
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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.