By Dawn Wilson/Photos courtesy of Aman Resorts
A dream is just a dream until you make it a reality. A trip to the private island resort, Amanpulo, in the Philippines, is a dream trip that you won’t soon forget. Imagine landing in a slightly remote and deserted island, on a private landing strip. Next, imagine being greeted by a resort guest associate who will escort you to the lovely Amanpulo resort. This is the beginning of a dream come true. Amanpulo is located in the northern region of the Philippines on Pamalican Island. Pamalican Island is just a short plane ride from the capital of Manila. This beautiful island has unspoiled white sand beaches and natural beauty. Visitors can actually stroll around the entire island in less than two hours. Imagine your own private island oasis in a peaceful and tranquil paradise setting and you have just imagined Amanpulo.
The island resort of Amanpulo offers a variety of accommodation options. There are 40 bungalows also known as casitas, located beachside and hillside. Each location offers picturesque scenery that is unbelievably beautiful. The beach bungalows give guests direct access to the beach while the hillside bungalows offer incredible sea views. If you book your stay at one of the deluxe hillside accommodations, you will have panoramic views of the neighboring islands and the sea. The interiors of the bungalows are in keeping with the natural elements of the island. They have pebble-washed walls, beds with wide rattan headboards, large glass doors which open onto an outdoor deck, marble bathrooms with double vanities, separate changing areas and bathtubs with large windows and wooden shutters. These windows are perfect for peering out of while allowing sunlight to illuminate the space. Each bungalow has it’s very own buggy for getting around the island resort. In addition to the bungalows, guests can also stay at one of the resorts magnificent villa’s. The villa’s are available with one, two or four bedrooms, a private pool, separate living and dining areas. What dream trip wouldn’t include your very own private chef and housekeeper! Amanpulo offers an unsurpassed level of hospitality. This is a dream best experienced with eyes wide open.
The island resort facilities include several restaurants, pools, a Beach Club, Lagoon Club, library, boutique, gallery and the Aman Spa. The restaurants, located at the Beach and Lagoon Clubhouses, offer fresh seafood, Spanish tapas and Vietnamese cuisine. The pool area is designed with aqua tiles that mimic the Sulu Sea. Located around the pool are several salas, ideal when you simply want to lounge around the pool for the day. The Beach Club is an open air pavilion with a spacious deck that looks out onto the sea. This is another location that is simply perfect for taking in the beauty of the islands serene ambiance. Amanpulo is a great place to visit when you are in need of rejuvenation and pampering. You are serviced by an extremely attentive yet inconspicuous staff at Amanpulo. To further aid you in your rejuvenation process, a trip to the Aman Spa is a must. You are offered numerous treatment options at the resorts spa facility, which is located hillside overlooking the Sulu Sea. Each treatment room has a deep-soaking tub, dressing area and steam shower. Guests can also enjoy themselves at the Fitness Pavilion. Here is where you will find a yoga studio, cold plunge pools and another outdoor relaxation area.
Don’t worry, if you want a little relaxation mixed with a little adventure, you will also find it at the Amanpulo island resort. The resort also offers, daily snorkeling excursions, cycling, sailing, fishing, scuba diving, cruising and windsurfing. There is something for the entire family to enjoy at Amanpulo, even a Kids Club where your children can plant trees and take a jewelry making and pizza making class. When you are thinking of the ultimate vacation destination, think of Amanpulo, where your dreams become reality.
Click here to view post on the July/August 2014 issue.