The Philippines, a tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean with over 7,000 islands, is a highly sought-after vacation destination, offering a wide array of resorts to cater to all types of travelers, from couples seeking romantic getaways to families on holiday.

These islands are typically divided into three primary groups: Visayas, Luzon, and Mindanao, with most tourists gravitating toward destinations within Luzon and the Visayas. The capital city of Manila, situated in the Luzon group, hosts a multitude of resorts spanning various budget ranges.

The islands of Palawan and Coron, also part of the Luzon group, are renowned for their exceptional diving opportunities, as well as their pristine white-sand beaches juxtaposed against sparkling turquoise lagoons. Here, you will discover an abundance of dive-focused resorts and a wealth of luxurious options.

Boracay and Cebu, among the best places to visit in Philippines within the Visayas group, offer some of the nation’s finest resorts, along with exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling experiences. Boracay is especially famous for White Beach, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.

For guidance on selecting the perfect resort for your preferences, look at our list of recommended options among the top best beach resorts in the Philippines.

1. Amanpulo, Pamalican Island

Amanpulo is a dreamy honeymoon destination, featuring tropical birds, palm trees, white-sand beaches, and clear turquoise waters on a secluded private island. This 5-star resort, nestled on Pamalican Island near Palawan, is accessible solely via the resort’s 15-seater private plane, which operates with two daily flights from Manila, typically taking around an hour (additional fees apply).

This boutique resort, part of the ultra-luxe Aman brand, is meticulously designed to harmonize with the island’s natural surroundings. From the moment of your arrival, you’ll be treated like royalty. Guests are provided with personal assistants who can assist with dining reservations and activity requests, and the resort is particularly popular for its diving opportunities.

Accommodation options include spacious casitas and oversized villas, thoughtfully spaced out to ensure a sense of exclusivity, even when the resort is fully occupied. The villas come with private swimming pools and offer the services of chefs and butlers.

While Amanpulo exudes a romantic atmosphere, it also appeals to families. The resort features a kids’ club offering supervised activities, and other amenities include a luxurious spa and a sizable swimming pool.

2. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Shangri-La Mactan stands out as one of Cebu Island’s premier luxury resorts. Nestled along a picturesque stretch of white sand beach, the resort maintains a six-hectare marine sanctuary teeming with approximately 160 species of fish, as well as clams and coral. This underwater wonderland is a snorkeler’s paradise, easily accessible from the shoreline.

The rooms and suites are contemporary in design and adorned with Filipino-style accents. They come in various configurations and offer sea or garden views. For families, there are interconnecting rooms available to accommodate children comfortably.

The resort also boasts family-friendly amenities, including an aqua park area with a thrilling waterslide featured in one of the two swimming pools.

Adults seeking relaxation will appreciate CHI, The Spa, which offers a comprehensive selection of rejuvenating treatments. For those looking to tee off, there is a six-hole golf park to enjoy some leisurely golfing, and multiple dining options await at the resort. If you’re an enthusiast of underwater exploration, diving excursions can be arranged as well.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Read More: Best Things to Do in Cebu City, Philippines

3. Conrad Manila, Manila

When visiting the capital city of the Philippines, consider the Conrad Manila as your premier 5-star resort option. This luxurious establishment boasts an exceptional location, offering breathtaking vistas of Manila Bay through its rooms and suites’ expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. While situated away from the city center’s hustle and bustle, it remains conveniently accessible, with a mere 15-minute drive from both international and domestic airports.

The resort exudes beauty and opulence, providing a haven for art enthusiasts who can explore a carefully curated collection of 700 Filipino artworks displayed throughout the property. The rooms and suites are characterized by their modern and stylish design, each featuring captivating views of the ocean, the pool, or the city.

For families traveling with children, the Conrad Manila offers a welcoming policy where kids stay for free, complemented by the presence of a dedicated kids’ club.

The resort’s amenities include a complimentary breakfast, a selection of gourmet restaurants, and a holistic wellness program that encompasses the renowned Conrad Spa. Here, guests can indulge in unique treatments set in a tranquil and relaxing environment.

4. Shangri-La Boracay

For a secluded and luxurious beach retreat on Boracay, consider booking your stay at Shangri-La. This 5-star resort is situated in the northern part of the island and offers a complimentary shuttle service to White Beach (approximately 15 minutes away) for those looking to explore the dining, shopping, and entertainment options there.

Accommodations at the resort feature stylish rooms, suites, and villas. The villas, in particular, are exquisite and include butler service. Among these, the Tree House Villas stand out as our top recommendation. Encased in glass, they provide panoramic sea views and boast outdoor whirlpools.

Shangri-La’s amenities are abundant, with three swimming pools, one exclusively for adults. Guests can book various activities, ranging from diving and jet skiing to parasailing. Families traveling with children will appreciate the kids’ club, and the resort also offers multiple dining options, a well-equipped gym, and a spa set within meticulously maintained tropical gardens.

Accommodation: Shangri-La Boracay

5. Henann Crystal Sands Resort, Boracay

Hennan Crystal Sands Resort enjoys a prime location right on Boracay’s famous White Beach, placing it at the heart of the island’s vibrant entertainment district. This is an excellent choice if you are seeking a 5-star resort that keeps you in close proximity to a plethora of restaurants, shops, and nightlife options, all within walking distance.

The resort’s rooms and suites are the epitome of modern luxury. Some offer direct access to one of the property’s three stunning swimming pools, while all rooms feature a tasteful combination of neutral color tones and wooden elements, with the option for beach or pool views. Traveling with kids? It is worth noting that they stay for free.

The resort fronts a beautiful stretch of white sand and provides sun loungers and umbrellas for guest use. Additional seating is available around the swimming pools, one of which boasts a swim-up beverage area. On the resort grounds, you’ll also find a restaurant, a spa, and a fitness center to cater to your needs.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Boracay, Philippines

6. The Lind Boracay, Boracay

The Lind Boracay enjoys an excellent location on the tranquil northern end of the renowned White Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the Philippines. This setting provides you with proximity to the numerous dining and entertainment options in the central area of the beach without the disturbances of late-night noise.

This 5-star resort caters to both couples and families. Couples will appreciate the suites with private plunge pools, perfect for romantic getaways, while families can take advantage of the supervised activities available at the kids’ club, along with a dedicated kiddie section in the main swimming pool.

The resort’s 119 rooms and suites are stylishly adorned with modern decor, exuding a luxurious ambiance, and featuring furnished balconies. Guests can choose from rooms offering gardens, pool, or sea views.

The Lind offers an array of amenities. You can dine at the resort’s main restaurant, Tartine, which serves an all-day buffet, or enjoy wood-fired pizza at the al fresco café. For those in need of relaxation, the resort boasts a full-service spa.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the fourth-floor rooftop, where you’ll discover an infinity pool surrounded by a garden terrace that provides a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset over the sea.

7. Discovery Shores Boracay, Boracay

Discovery Shores Boracay is a boutique resort situated at the northern extremity of White Beach, providing an intimate experience with just under 100 suites. These accommodations are uniformly spacious and luxurious, offered in a variety of configurations. You can anticipate modern decor, generously proportioned beds adorned with high-quality linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows in each suite. Many of these suites offer captivating sea views, while some include Jacuzzis on their furnished balconies.

The resort goes the extra mile by offering complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport, as well as transportation to Stations 1, 2, and 3 along White Beach.

Among the additional amenities, you will find a pool equipped with a dedicated area for children and another featuring a swim-up beverage service. Families with children aged 12 and under will appreciate the availability of a kids’ club. The resort also hosts two restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable stay for guests.

8. Two Seasons Coron Island Resort, Coron

Coron is celebrated for hosting some of the world’s most exceptional dive sites, with a particular emphasis on its renowned sunken shipwrecks, some of which are accessible to snorkelers due to their varying depths.

The Two Seasons Coron Island Resort stands as a luxurious establishment along an unspoiled stretch of beach, bordered by lush tropical gardens on one side and the turquoise sea on the other. This tranquil paradise is just a short boat ride away from Coron Town.

The resort is well-equipped with a dive shop that arranges excursions to the shipwrecks and other remarkable sites. Close to the shoreline, you’ll also find excellent snorkeling opportunities. For those who prefer to explore the ocean from unique vantage points, the resort offers submersible scooters and transparent kayaks available for booking. Furthermore, as an eco-friendly property, it hosts a turtle and giant clam sanctuary.

Accommodations are offered in 42 bungalows featuring Filipino-inspired designs and soaring ceilings, with many of them boasting breathtaking ocean views.

Among the resort’s additional amenities are two beaches, one providing remarkable sunrise views and the other offering picturesque sunsets. There’s also a spacious swimming pool with a dedicated area for kids, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant, ensuring a delightful and well-rounded stay for guests.

9. El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island, Palawan

Nestled on Pangulasian Island in Bacuit Bay, just off the Palawan mainland, El Nido Resorts presents an exclusive luxury resort experience. This boutique resort, exuding a romantic ambiance, features a mere 42 villas and primarily caters to couples. The villas showcase elegant Balinese-inspired decor and offer generous living spaces.

Guests who choose to stay here often find little reason to venture off the resort, as there are no other services available on the island. Nevertheless, there’s an array of entertainment options right on the grounds. In addition to a stunning beach, the infinity swimming pool overlooks the sea and is encircled by inviting sun loungers.

The resort also houses a spa, where guests can indulge in a comprehensive range of treatments, and a game room for indoor diversions on rainy days. Furthermore, various activities are readily arranged, including sailing, sunset cruises, diving, snorkeling, and jungle hikes. The resort’s restaurant offers an international menu with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients.

10. Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa, Palawan

Located in Palawan, Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa is situated on four beautifully landscaped hectares where the jungle meets the ocean. At the time of writing, the property was in its soft opening phase, with plans for a full opening in the coming months.

Among the resort’s amenities are a saltwater swimming pool, a range of water sports, nightly entertainment options, a spa, and a fitness center.

The resort offers a total of 78 rooms, suites, and villas, each featuring an Asian-inspired design. Accommodations are available in various classes, with the luxury category representing the most opulent. Suites in this category provide private lanais for added comfort and relaxation.

Upon its launch, the Water Villa will stand as the top-tier room category, boasting 180-degree sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Additionally, it will feature an outdoor soaking tub on a wooden deck.

The property is family-friendly, with a policy allowing children under 12 to stay for free when sharing a room with an adult.

FAQs

Q: When is the best time to visit the Philippines for a beach vacation?

A: The dry season, from November to April, is the ideal time to visit for beach activities and clear skies.

Q:  Are there budget-friendly beach resorts in the Philippines?

A: Yes, the Philippines offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, so there’s something for every traveler.

Q: What is the currency used in the Philippines?

A: The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP).

Q: . Are the beaches in the Philippines safe for swimming and water sports?

A: Yes, the beaches are generally safe for swimming and water sports, but it’s essential to follow safety guidelines and be aware of local conditions.

Q: How can I contribute to conservation efforts while visiting the Philippines?

A: Many resorts have eco-friendly initiatives; you can support them by choosing responsible and sustainable accommodations and participating in their conservation activities.