7 Secluded Islands in the Philippines You Can Rent for that Ultra-Private Getaway
Gather the gang and book one of these seven mindblowingly surreal private islands right here in the Philippines for a summer escape that's completely yours (because you don't always have to share, you know). No noisy fellow tourists: just you, your crew, and the beach. Some quiet time, please!
At the top of our list is none other than Ariara Island, awarded by the likes of Vogue and Conde Nast Travelers with spots on their roundups of the most luxurious getaways in the world. Well-deserved, in our opinion: All 125 acres of it is tantalizingly unspoilt and skirted by a pristine turquoise sea rife with life. Choose from quaint beach cottages or jungle villas on stilts—either way, Ariara will belong exclusively to you for at least a week.
Also known as Smaller Darocoton Island, this secluded five-star pin is perched on the eastern seaboard of El Nido, making it perfect for a quiet getaway in a popular paradise. Do not disturb! For a minumum of two days you get a house good for a dozen of your favorite people, your own chef to prepare fresh catch, and endless azure waters to explore.
A mere three-hour drive from Manila, this rustic, tiny island in nearby Cavinti, Laguna sits pretty in the middle of the moss-hued Lumot Lake. Play house in a cozy 80-square-meter bungalow as you bask in the cool mountain air: Sundang is flanked by the Sierra Madre range on all sides, so you get the best of both worlds.
This is technically two Palawan islands under one bullet point, because Big Bamboo Island and its little sister Small Bamboo are a mere 15 minutes away from each other by boat! The former can host up to 25 guests while the latter, 16—want to throw the house party of a lifetime? Take your pick between these stunning siblings and have them all to your lucky, lucky self. The ivory sand-scattered photos speak for themselves (our jaws are still on the floor).
Owned by a wealthy, respite-seeking American expat who eventually opened this private Palawan paradise to the public, Noa Noa Island is surrounded by a 70-hectare tropical coral reef (declared an Official Marine Sanctuary by the Philippine government in 2005!) teeming with undersea wildlife native to Taytay Bay's crystalline waters. It can only accommodate 12 of your handpicked guests at a time, so you'll be assured of good company!
6| Tami Cove
This secret spot boasts of 100% self-sustaining, responsible luxury. Tami is made up of a cluster of tropical cottages along a private fine white sand beach on Siargao's Bucas Grande Island, and the best part? It's not located in the country's typhoon belt, so an all-year-round sunny sky is a big possibility! Whether you're bringing in two or 12 guests, the place is private to you, and you're free to select your swim of the day—Tami also has a wooden pier and a lake straight out of your retro summer dreams.
Suitable for up to 28 heads of elevated taste, bigger parties will find Floral top-tier in every aspect, respect for the environment included. The island is completely solar-powered and proud to be part of the Coral Triangle Initiative, an international project focused on planting artificial reefs to encourage flourishing marine life! Revel in the sheer natural beauty of Palawan this tranquil place offers. Reviewers all concur that Floral sets the scene for the experience of a lifetime.
This story originally appeared on Preview.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.
