I found paradise at El Nido Lagen Resort near Palawan, Philippines. Even during a rainy typhoon-filled trip this resort is pure paradise.
El Nido Lagen Resort near Palawan, Philippines
Our adventure to El Nido Lagen Resort started with a pretty epic boat ride from El Nido airport. I should mention that the Philippines was going through a couple of typhoons and stormy weather during our visit. We honestly were not sure if we were going to make it to the resort but figured why not give it a try.
El Nido Lagen Resort started with a pretty epic boat ride from El Nido airport. I should mention that the Philippines was going through a couple of typhoons and stormy weather during our visit.
We honestly were not sure if we were going to make it to the resort but figured why not give it a try.
To reach the resort you have to take a 25-30 minute speed boat ride through the seas. Your luggage is loaded in dry bags and make sure you give them everything you want to keep dry. I put everything in dry bags minus my phone and wondered if I should have parted with that since it was a stormy day for our ride.
The boat ride is gorgeous as you speed past small tropical islands covered in lush vegetation. The watercolor looks like it is out of a dream.
Pulling into Lagen Resorts takes your breath away for a moment. As you enter the private bay you are surrounded by huts overlooking the water and realize that this paradise is going to be your home for a few days.
As you walk from the marina area to check in your eyes dart all over the place trying to take it all in. There are birds chirping, monkeys in the forest and paradise surround you. We were greeted by the staff singing a welcome song to us and offered a refreshing drink.
Check-in includes learning about the environmental eco-outlook of the resort and what you can and can't do while on the island. You also get a checklist of some of the animals/birds you may see during your visit.
Once you reach your room you know that you are in for a treat. I had a garden room with a view of the pool and lagoon. The room is designed for romance and relaxation. From the lounging couch to the giant bed that is oh so comfy. The bathroom is a delight. Tons of space and the amenities you may need during your visit.
We quickly stashed our stuff so that we could explore more of the island. The pool was calling my name and I was ready to relax and shake off the epic boat trip. I met my fellow writers by the pool for tropical beverages and to figure out what our life plan was for the few days we were on the island.
Like I mentioned before our stay was a little different from a typical stay because the Philippines was getting hit with a super typhoon. While Palawan and El Nido are normally out of the general course of typhoons they can still get some of the stormy weather.
We found out that there was a small craft advisory and no boats were being allowed out on the waters, except the boat we came in on that had special permission to pick us up. Our trip would be on a day by day basis to see what we would be able to do.
Yep, we were stranded on a tropical luxury island and had to just go with it. I know this doesn't sound horrible and honestly, it really wasn't. We spent the day sitting by the pool soaking in the atmosphere in between rainstorms.
We even saw a Hornbill bird which was crazy amazing! I couldn't believe it when it flew into a palm tree above our heads. I was so sad I didn't have a long lens with me to photograph it. I had to be happy with my cell phone pics and memorizing it while I stood there.
There is a lovely pool bar with afternoon drink specials of b1g1! They are on a rotating drink list so each day we enjoyed something different. The mango daiquiris are simply amazing!
We ended up being on the island almost the entire time of our trip. We did have the chance to do a bit of snorkeling near the island which was fantastic. The water was pretty churned up from the storms but we still saw an amazing amount of fish and great diversity in coral. I would love to go back when the weather is beautiful and get back in the water.
The snorkeling looks like it could be beyond epic!
One of my favorite things about staying at the Lagen resort was relaxing on my balcony with a cup of tea and my kindle. This is definitely not what I had planned for my trip but ended up being exactly what I needed. I spent hours curled up on the deck, listening to the rain and birds while reading random books. It was pure bliss!
I was able to shut out the craziness of life and just relax which I don't let myself do very often. I would love to go back to El Nido Lagen resorts for a week or two and just veg out.
This resort is perfect for a honeymoon or romantic trip with your spouse/significant other. The island just oozes romance! Seriously! You can have a private romantic dinner on the beach, soak up the sun together, lounge in bed and listen to the birds and waves or take an island walk together and kiss in the lush rain forest.
Plus you will not go hungry at this resort! oh my goodness the food! Our first night's dinner was a giant spread that took up the whole table. From fresh fish to mangosteens and other delicacies I have no idea what they were called but they tasted amazing. I asked for a pasta with marinara sauce and it was delicious. Fresh tomatoes turned into a gorgeous sauce with the perfect blend of spices and herbs.
I would love to have a glass of their iced tea right now. I am not sure what was in it but oh my it was delicious. I keep telling myself it was the island air and fresh fruit that made it so good and not a pound or two of sugar. Something you are just better off not knowing what all went into them. Though I wish my tea at home tasted half as good as the iced tea on the island.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway that will be the trip of a lifetime make sure and check out El Nido Lagen resort! Truly an amazing resort that will take your breath away!
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A huge thank you to El Nido Lagen Resorts for hosting us during our stay!
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