This summer, treat yourself to an indulgent vacation in one of the country’s best luxury beach resorts.

WRITTEN BY MONIQUE BUENSALIDO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAULO ALCAZAREN,PANGALUSIAN ISL AND, SHANGRI-LA BORACAY, KIT SINGSON, ARIARA ISLAND, MISIBIS BAY, ZAC MORAN OF STUDIO 100, CRIMSON RESORT AND SPA MACTAN, DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY, AND ROB CARINO

DEDON ISLAND

Finally, a plush and stylish resort in Siargao where we can rest our weary, surf-battered bodies. Dedon Island is an exquisite resort created by Bobby Dekeyser, founder of the exclusive and world-renowned outdoor furniture brand Dedon. Their beautiful iconic pieces are scattered throughout, from their hanging Daydream bed and the Nestrest, giving new meaning to the words “resort chic.” But the real attraction is still the raw, tropical beauty that surrounds the resort’s nine stylish and comfortable villas: lush forestry, a white sand beach, and the gorgeous ocean (good thing all villas have views of the sea). Take a day trip to the world-famous surf break Cloud 9 or even to the stunning lagoons of Sohoton.

For more information, phone (+63 917) 701 7820 or 40, <home@ dedonisland.com>

PANGALUSIAN ISLAND

El Nido Resorts’ most luxurious property sits quietly on the “Island of the Sun,” named as such because of the breathtaking views of both the sunrise and the sunset. With the glittering and majestic Bacuit Bay in plain view and an unbelievably rugged and untouched stretch of white sand, you get to indulge in the ultimate tropical island fantasy without sacrificing the comforts and conveniences of resort living. Stay in one of the 42 villas built in contemporary Filipino style and, of course, the ecofriendly design that El Nido Resorts is known around the world for.

For more information, phone (+63 2) 813 0000, <holiday@elnidoresorts.com>

SHANGRI-LA’S BORACAY RESORT AND SPA

This resort isn’t on Boracay’s White Beach, but when you’re looking to enjoy an indulgent resort vacation, you may prefer to luxuriate on a private beach, like Shangri-La’s private beachfront, with 350 meters of immaculate white sand. Unlike most resorts, this one is located on a hillside, a natural sanctuary with 12 hectares of abundant gardens. It overlooks the Boracay coast and offers panoramic views of the sunset while you enjoy cocktails. You can also enjoy more gorgeous views from a deliciously comfortable daybed on your private, spacious balcony—yup, all rooms have them. Don’t forget to visit their “sanctuary within a sanctuary,” CHI, The Spa.

Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa is located in Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, 5608, Philippines. For more information, (+63 36) 288 4988, <slbo@shangri-la.com> or visit <shangri-la.com/boracay>

BALESIN ISLAND CLUB

This exclusive island club in Quezon has practically the whole of Manila scrambling to their member friends and buttering them up so that they can tag along the next time they visit. It’s such a unique experience, after all. The 500-hectare private island is home to seven different themed villages, each named after the beach destination it was inspired by (Mykonos, Balesin, Bali, St. Tropez, Toscana, Costa del Sol, and Phuket). Each village elaborately recreates the beach destination in every detail, from its architecture to the restaurants that serve up delicious, authentic cuisines, and you’ll feel like you’re having a sun-kissed island vacation abroad. But one of our favorite reasons for going? Chef Edo-San’s Sakura Japanese Restaurant that serves up some of the best, mind-blowing makis we’ve ever had.

ARIARA ISLAND

If you’ve ever dreamed of having an island all to yourself, you can make it happen in Ariara Island in magical, beautiful Palawan. More than just any resort, this property offers you the ultimate privacy by renting out the whole 125-acre island to you and up to 17 of your guests, with the owner’s personal staff (including a manager, dive instructors, and private chef) dedicated to your every whim. It won’t feel like a resort or hotel at all, but your own luxuriously appointed and impeccably managed private home in the middle of the Calamian Islands. Go windsurfing, sip a glass of champagne while lazing in a hammock, or stay in your room

For more information, <bliss@ariaraisland.com>

MISIBIS BAY RESORT AND CASINO

There’s a reason why Misibis Bay is called a “luxury playground.” Yes, the large and expansive resort on the southern tip of Cagraray Island has beautiful rooms, great restaurants, and even a casino, but their long list of exciting activities will lure you away and outside. Jump on ATVs, mountain bikes, Segways, and dune buggies. Try stand-up paddling, Hobie Cat sailing, wind surfing, kayaking, Jetskiing, and wakeboarding. Or even visit the lava trail to the Mayon Volcano or swim with the whalesharks in nearby Donsol. Sure, you can relax on their lovely beach front, but why stay when you can play (and like a boss, too)?

For more information, phone (+63 2) 661 8888, (+63 917) 599 1606, or <reservations@misibisbay.com>

THE BELLEVUE RESORT, BOHOL

The only five-star resort hotel in Bohol, The Bellevue Resort brings their signature elegance and exceptional service to Panglao Island. Their infinity pool is one of the most iconic features of the resort, often popping up in photos on Facebook or Instagram feeds and prompting the most jealous “Where is that?” questions, with its elevated wooden deck, submerged walkway (aptly called “Jesus Walks” bridge) and sunken lounge chairs. The whole resort is made in a stunning contemporary Filipino style, a result of the combination of interior design by Randall Lao, architecture by Bond Recio, and landscape architecture by Paulo Alcazaren. But it’s their warm and thoughtful service that really makes you fall in love—we love that they check you in and give you your keycard as soon as you arrive from the airport!

The Bellevue Resort in Bohol is located in Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines. For more information, phone (+63 38) 422 2222 or visit <thebellevue.com/bohol>

 CRIMSON RESORT AND SPA MACTAN

Despite being in the one of the Philippines’ busiest and most cosmopolitan cities, you’ll forget about everything else outside this resort as soon as you arrive. Crimson Resort and Spa has created a fabulous getaway in this six-hectare paradise in Mactan, with their contemporary and comfortable guest rooms and private villas (with individual plunge pools!). The staff magically knows what you need, whether it’s a towel or a life vest, before you even ask, and this intuitive and proactive service keeps people coming back. And of course, their Aum Spa (voted one of the World’s Best Hotel Spas by Agoda. com) delivers treatments so delightfully relaxing and rejuvenating treatments that you won’t want to leave.

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Cebu is located at Seascapes Resort Town, Mactan Island, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu 6015, Philippines. For more information, phone (+63 32) 239 3900, <info.mactan@crimsonhotel.com>, visit or follow them on Facebook (Crimson.Mactan) or Twitter (@Crimson_Mactan)

DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY

Boracay may be the most obvious beach destination for summer and will most likely be overrun with tourists and party animals, but once you choose to stay in Discovery Shores Boracay, you can indulge in a luxurious escape right on White Beach. Getting picked up by an air-conditioned speedboat from the airport (complete with snacks and bottled water—for a 10-minute ride!), finding your sunglasses wiped clean and flip flops arranged neatly by your beach towel when you return from your swim, and receiving a cheerful and heartfelt “It’s my pleasure!” after thanking anyone from the staff—everything they do makes you feel like a VIP. We haven’t even mentioned the gorgeous and incredible rooms and facilities, but with all of these, it’s no surprise Discovery Shores continues to rack up international award after international award. The resort is right on White Beach’s Station 1 so you can enjoy the best of Boracay, but we won’t be surprised if you decide to stay in this haven the entire time.

For more information, phone at (+63 2) 720 888 or (+63 36) 288 4500, <dsbrsvn@discovery.ph> or visit <slh.com/discoveryshores>

TWO SEASONS CORON ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

As one of the most popular summer destinations in the country, many people are familiar with the usual Coron itinerary, but Two Seasons reinvents the Coron experience with their exclusive resort and spa on its own island tip in Malaroyroy. With different accommodation types to suit you (choose the Island Tip Bungalows, with a private veranda and Jacuzzi facing the sunset), you can stay here and enjoy this ecofriendly resort’s two beaches, sandbar, and tropical gardens. And while they offer the usual leisure activities for guests, two unique things they have are the Molokini, a transparent kayak that allows you to see the ocean beneath you, and the HydroBob Submersible Scooter, best described as an underwater motorcycle (you don’t even need diving lessons). So let everyone else swim in Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon; you’ll be here.

For more information, phone (+63 2) 410 2075 to 80, <bliss@twoseasonsresorts.com>