Top 5 Luxury Destinations in the Philippines

IN RECENT years, the Philippines has rapidly become a premier honeymoon destination. In April 2009, the Philippines was awarded the "Most Popular Destination in Asia" award by professional jurors at the 2009 World Travel Fair in Shanghai, China. Foreigners booking their marriage ceremonies and honeymoons in the Philippines have been at record growth rates the past several years.

The Luxury Locations

1. Amanpulo on Pamalican Island: Rated - 5 Star

This has to be at the top of the list, with rooms starting at $550 per night. This place is the Ultimate beach resort in the Philippines and the Ultimate Getaway for those with the funds to afford it. If you choose to visit Amanpulo, you will be hobnobbing with the rich and famous of the world - jetsetters and celebrities from around the world. This is one of the best known secret locations in the Philippines.

2. Manila Peninsula Hotel: Rated - 5 Star

This is the perfect getaway for those looking for a romantic upscale, city location, with city light views and culture similar to New York City. There are numerous room choices, from superior rooms ranging from $200 to $300 per night, up to suites ranging from $400 to $500 per night. The views in the lobby of the hotel are absolutely stunning, and the room is perfectly decorated.

3. Shangri La Mactan Island Resort (Cebu): Rated 5 Star

This luxurious resort is nestled on 14 hectares of beautifully landscaped coastal land. All the rooms open to excellent view of the ocean. Being on the coast, the resort offers all the normal water sports. You get a lot of space when you stay here. It has been named as one of the "Top Ten Best Resorts in the Asia-Pacific" by Business Traveler Magazine

4. Badian Island Resort and Spa (Cebu): Rated 5 Star

This resort is on the top of the list of Top 10 Island Spas, as featured in a recent issue of Asia Spa magazine. It is situated just off the coast on the far Southwest end of Cebu island, away from the cities and the noise, in a perfectly beautiful romantic destination spot. It is about a 2.5 hour drive from the Cebu airport, but you can request for a helicopter to whisk you to the resort in 30 minutes.

5. Shangri La Boracay Island: Rated: 5 Star

Another plush property from the Shangri-La's group, this resort is located in a northern part of Boracay island. It is in a location secluded from all the hustle and bustle congestion of Boracay, and has its own secluded 350 meters of unspoiled beach and well-preserved nature. This luxury resort features 219 rooms and villas decked out in ethnic Filipino décor, each room connecting to a balcony where you can relax and revel in panoramic views of the beach.

Getting To Know: SIQUIJOR

Suqijor's white sand and sapphire water

SIQUIJOR, an island believed to have risen from the ocean in an immense storm is also considered the land masked with mysteries and unusual religious beliefs. The Spanish called it the Fire Island or Isla del Fuego. Black art is a famous practice for most people in the island, where many of them take pride in their mystical powers. During holy week, several rituals combined with Christian faith are performed to enhance their supernatural skills.

Siquijor sunset

The island is famous for mangkukulam, healers or sorcerers-individuals who treat ailments and cast maleficent spells. For a certain amount, you can order them to cast a spell against a rival or an enemy; or in contrary one can have a curse reversed or have the effect of spell removed. Each of these sorcerers or commonly called mangkukulam has his own methods during such act, and each of them sell amulets or locally called anting-anting to give a wearer a certain power to avoid him/her from harm. The places where to find them are Siquior town, San Juan or San Antonio.

Apart from these unexplained assets of Siquijor, there is another form of magic enchanting enough to place your mind in peaceful paradise. For travelers who are simply escaping from the fast urban life, the island is a perfect laid back getaway. It is surrounded by uncrowded beaches, unexplored caves, picturesque sunset and varying colors of the sea filled with mysterious sites to discover.

Siquijor Beaches

Magical in every angle, Siquijor in general is an idyllic tropical paradise purely sustained by nature itself. It is a destination far beyond the standard of traveling and reaching places.

The Church of St. Assisi in Lazi town

The best way to discover these scenic spots is by following the 102 km coastal road that rings the whole island by motorcycle or by tricycle. These bikes can be found easily in Larena, the main port of entry for travelers, or in resorts anywhere in the island. Boundless strips of white sand beaches covering every angle of Siquijor are ideal spots for swimming and relaxing. Visit all the stretching coasts of Larena, San Juan, Lazi and other towns. All of which are covered with beaches sheltered under towering coconuts and resorts that are offering varieties of water activities.

Lazi Waterfalls

To get there, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights from Manila to Dumaguete. Access to Siquijor is via ferry from Dumaguete’s main pier. Although expensive, hiring a private boat is a more convenient option.

Getting To Know: CAMIGUIN

White Island, Camiguin

CAMIGUIN IS a small island lying in the north-west coast of Mindanao. It is a volcanic island hosting seven volcanoes of which one of them remains unpredictably active. Mt Hibok-hibok submerged Camiguin’s old capital, Bombon, in 1871 and suffocated almost 2000 inhabitants from its raging eruption in 1951. Since then, the volcano rested quietly giving its inhabitants an assurance of normal living. And due to its volcanic debris from previous eruptions, most of Camiguin’s beaches are covered with pebbles and dark sand.

Paras Beach Resort

It’s capital, Mambajao, has a friendly small community of mostly Visayan and Chinese origin. Their source of livelihood comes from the produce of their land and the surrounding ocean. Every October, Lanzones Festival transforms the island into an explicit sight of towsfolk dressed up in their traditional costumes to celebrate the harvest of this small, sweet tasting, light-yellow fruit that grows in bunches at the foot of Mt. Hibok-hibok. The festival is remarkably good-natured, filled with colors and properly organized.

Camiguin Lanzones Fruit

Aside from these natural landforms huddling in the island, Camiguin is an area of forested mountains mixed with coconut trees along its coasts. Some stunning waterfalls are also good sights that should not be missed when touring the island.

Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin

The best way to enjoy the sights of Camiguin is by motor biking along the 64 km coastal road. Piercing into the dense forests of the island, plunging into the waters of natural pool down of Katibawasan falls and enjoying the warm waters of Ardent hot spring are worthwhile activities. Climbing the famous Mt. Hibok-hibok is tolerated but somehow requires strong endurance and trekking skills. It takes about 6 hours for skilled climbers to reach the summit and it is always advisable to take at least one guide for a hassle-free climb.

View of Mt. Hibok Hibok

To get there, check with your travel agents for some route changes. Since the closure of ferries operating from Cagayan City, the only option this time is to cross from Balingoan, north of Cagayan, to Benoni. These boats have regular trips to Camiguin. There are no air transport yet straight to Camiguin. The nearest airport is in Cagayan De Oro.