Look: The World’s Most Expensive Resort is in Palawan
After years of consecutively topping the ranks of the world’s best islands and housing some of the most luxurious accommodations in the Philippines, Palawan has outdone itself once more. One of the province’s 1,780 islands has quietly opened an intimate haven unlike any other: the Banwa Private Island, which is now lauded as the world’s most expensive resort. A total of 48 guests may be accommodated at a time, with rates at $100,000 (or an estimated P5.19 million) per night.
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The exclusive resort quietly launched last month, after what was reportedly a decade of planning on the 15-acre land.
A two-hour helicopter ride from Metro Manila will take visitors to this oasis, and there’s no other way to or from it apart from chopper or chartered plane ride. Guests can either reserve one of its six swanky villas or 12 garden rooms, which all come with equipped with butler service. Each room is furnished with laidback interiors by local design agency Mañosa & Co. The villas offer floor-to-ceiling windows, as not to disrupt the scenery, and also boast of their own infinity pools. The cherry on top of the entire island is the luxurious 360° Suite, which sits on the highest point of the island and provides its temporary lodgers with unparalleled views.
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Overview Film from Banwa Private Island on Vimeo.
While the resort is situated miles away from civilization, the notion of getting marooned on Banwa sounds delightful with the many activities it offers. Touring Palawan, for example, is a completely new experience on one of the resort’s luxury yachts. The Water 38 limousine tender is an option for shorter courses and day trips, while the massive Lagoon 630 is a more spacious choice that may even house guests for a night.
Meanwhile, swifter tours may be taken aboard Banwa’s private helicopter, which takes flight almost every hour. This mode of transportation makes attractions such as the Underground River and the Tabon Caves just minutes within reach.
Apart from endless water sports and helicopter excursions, there are also activities for those who prefer to stay on land. There are dedicated courts for tennis and volleyball, while there’s also a golf course on site. Those seeking a quieter respite may find peace at the spa or enjoy a massage al fresco. Other amenities include a gym, jogging loop, and a Pilates studio.
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Of course, it’s not a vacation without unforgettable food and Banwa’s renowned chefs ensure that each meal is memorable as they prepare it within view at the open kitchen. One of the resort's values is that of healthy eating, which is why each meal is nutritious and may even come fresh from the resort’s organic farm. There’s also a juice bar with a stationed juiceologist to whip up a refreshing blend of tropical drinks. For more romantic experiences, there are several dining locations scattered around the island, so guests may enjoy their meals in magical venues such as the Coconut Grove, the Sulu sandbar, or the Sunrise Sanctuary.
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The 48 guests won’t have the island to themselves but will be sharing it with the abundant wildlife that roams free on land, sea, and air. Banwa is home to several endemic creatures, including the Hawksbill Turtle and the Tabon Bird. Guests may spot many of the wildlife through walking trails or assigned sites. The resort has partnered with the Aquos Foundation as part of its corporate social responsibility program, in which it aims to protect the island’s wildlife and marine areas.
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For more information, visit banwaprivateisland.com
