Amanpulo (which means "peaceful island" and opened in 1993) is set on a secluded, private island. Pamalican is part of the Quiniluban group, which makes up the northern half of the Cuyo Islands and is one of nearly 1,800 islands in Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines. A low-lying coral island, Pamalican is rimmed by seven square kilometres of pristine reef.

ACCOMMODATION

The resort's 40 casitas (65-square-metre cottages in hillside and beachfront settings) are modelled after the Philippine bahay kubo (native dwelling). Inside, decorative details pay homage to neighbouring islands: pebble-washed walls, coconut-shell tables, rustic Palawan rice and knife baskets, a king-size bed with a rattan headboard and sliding-glass doors that reveal outdoor decks with his-and-her divans. Nearly half the space in a casita is given over to a Cebu-marble bathroom, with twin vanities, separate changing areas, a shower and an elegant bathtub. All rooms have satellite TV and CD players. DVDs can be supplied upon request.

Beach Casitas: Amanpulo's 29 Beach Casitas each have private paths that lead through a tangle of bush directly onto the white-sand beach. The beach is an uninterrupted wide stretch of fine sand with views over the neighbouring islands.Treetop Casitas: The four Treetop Casitas are above the tree-line, on higher ground.

Hillside and Deluxe Hillside Casitas: The five Hillside Casitas have unimpeded sea views and the resort's two Deluxe Hillside Casitas feature spectacular prospects of the Sulu Sea and neighbouring islands with both sunrise and sunset views.Nature Villa: For guests in need of something even more exclusive, there are two private villas on the island.

The Nature Villa (Casa Kalikasan) is a spacious retreat that can accommodate up to eight guests. It has four freestanding bedrooms, a separate living room, kitchen, and open-air dining pavilion, all set around a garden courtyard. It is only a few metres back from what amounts to a private beach in the northwest corner of the island. There are two golf carts available for the exclusive use of villa guests and three permanently assigned villa attendants.

West Villa: The West Villa (Casa Kanluran) lies within a 5.6 hectare co mplex, stretching from the hillside down to the sea. This secluded enclave features three private casitas (identical to the resort casitas), a separate villa ideal for children and nannies, a kitchen and private beach club. There are four golf carts available for the exclusive use of villa guests, and three permanently assigned villa attendants. Villa guests have the use of all resort facilities and services.

FOOD AND DINING

The Restaurant, located in a wing at one end of the clubhouse, spills out onto a terrace, with views to Manamoc island across the channel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here. The menu features Asian and Continental cuisine and fresh seafood is a specialty. Lunch, snacks and refreshments are also offered at the Beach Club. Barbecues at the beach may be arranged and private dining is available day and night. Amanpulo's marble-top Bar occupies a cosy corner of the Clubhouse and extends to the outdoor terrace.

FACILITIES

Beach Club: A garden walkway leads down from the pool to the sand beach and the Amanpulo Beach Club. The open-air pavilion provides a tranquil escape. Half-a-dozen white mattresses with matching pillows are spread out on the deck, facing the sea. Shade umbrellas and reclining lounge chairs line the beach.

Beach Hut: Adjacent to the Beach Club, the Beach Hut offers a variety of watersports equipment, as well as information on boat charters, watersports lessons, snorkelling and scuba diving sites and sea conditions.

Swimming Pool: Amanpulo's 30-metre swimming pool is bordered by two high bougainvillea trellises. Three large, open-air pavilions are situated beside the pool. These come with generously-sized mattresses for all-day, poolside lounging. The pool's aqua tiles mirror the Sulu Sea.

Library: The library is stocked with novels in several languages, travel guides, newspapers, magazines and coffee-table books on Philippine art, design and culture. Laser-discs, DVDs and CDs are available.

Boutique and Galleries: Amanpulo's three shops specialise in woven rugs, baskets, jewellery, pottery and other craft from the Palawan region, as well as Asian antiques, furniture and beach wear.

Massage and Beauty Services: The resort's resident masseuses offer a range of aromatherapy treatments in the privacy of the casita or in the open-air massage pavilion. Manicures, pedicures, facials and body treatments are also available.

Lagoon Retreat: Located next to the Windsurf Hut under a canopy of trees, the sand-floored Lagoon Retreat is fitted with a shower, hammock, reclining lounge chairs and beach umbrella.

Room Facilities

Room Types : Standard rooms

Showers & toilets : Bathroom and showers and toilets

A/C : Yes

Hot Water :

Entertainment : pebble-washed walls, coconut shell tables, rustic Palawan artifacts, a king-size bed with a rattan headboard, and a fabulous outdoor deck with two divans for relaxing marble bathrooms have twin vanities, showers and elegant bathtubs CDs and DVDs

Electricity : 220V

Safety

Fire warning system : yes

Fire extinguishers : all rooms

Fire escapes : N/A

Dive location & resources

Dive location : Pamalican Island and nearby sites, N Palawan

Dive facilities : In house Dive Centre