INSIDE THE REIMAGINED EL NIDO LAGEN RESORT
Framed by dramatic limestone cliffs, dense tropical forest and the clear waters of Palawan, El Nido Lagen Resort has reopened following a year-long transformation. The private-island retreat now features redesigned overwater villas, a reclaimed white-sand beachfront and a renewed focus on Filipino craftsmanship and conservation.
The transformation has made the resort more intimate, reducing its key count from 51 to 42. Originally opened in 1998 by a group of divers, the resort now feels more connected to the landscape that has long defined the property
Lagen Water Villa
The redesign was brought to life through a collaboration between WATG, Wimberly Interiors Studio, Henning Larsen and Ayala Land Hospitality’s Creative Team, with a focus on creating a strong sense of place and celebrating the work of Filipino artisans.
Inspired by the traditional bahay kubo, the resort’s 18 overwater villas feature sunken lounges with direct bed-to-bay views, palm-fringed roofs, woven panels and creamy, calming interiors that complement the turquoise waters beyond.
Clay brickmakers drew inspiration from Filipino weaving patterns to create bespoke ceramic beads featured across villa exteriors and artistic screens; wood carvers chiseled vernacular motifs into doors and railings; woven elements throughout the villas, suites, and public spaces pay homage to traditional craftsmanship.
Beyond the overwater villas and new 200-metre beach, 24 forest rooms and suites in two buildings are poised against a backdrop of dramatic limestone cliffs and rehabilitated greenery. Each of the rooms and suites offers sea views to the front and the natural splendor of the Napuro forest to the rear.
Forest Suites
Environmental Conservation
Preservation was central to the transformation of El Nido Lagen Resort. Original flooring from earlier structures was repurposed where possible, demolition was limited and restoration prioritised, while local materials and techniques reduced the need for imported alternatives.
The new swimming pool uses UV light rather than chemicals for cleaning, while low-wattage lighting helps minimise night-sky pollution and creates a turtle-friendly dark zone along the beach. Instead of constructing privacy barriers, the resort has grown natural ones using vegetation.
A dedicated conservation centre has also been developed, with exhibits and programmes highlighting Palawan’s wildlife and fragile ecosystems while connecting guests with a range of onshore and offshore eco-experiences.
Wellness
The transformation introduces the Lagen Wellness Sanctuary, featuring three treatment rooms, a Pilates studio, a fully equipped Technogym gym, hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, sauna and tranquil garden.
Lagen Wellness Center Treatment Room
The spa offers therapies anchored in age-old traditions, such as Heritage Healing, a Babaylan therapy that uses the ancient wisdom of Filipino healers, indigenous natural ingredients and energy alignment.
Western healing approaches, through a partnership with luxury British skincare and wellness brand ESPA, also feature prominently on the extensive menu, with a range of nourishing facials, body treatments and restorative massages.
Restaurants & Bars
The Boat House, the island’s arrival pavilion and welcome lounge, draws architectural inspiration from the design of a traditional Filipino sailboat. During the day, it serves craft cocktails and light bites overlooking the water.
Lagen Island Beach Club
The newly built Beach Club is set back from the reclaimed sandy shore, serving wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood dishes with a Mediterranean twist, alongside tropical cocktails.
At the heart of the property, the Club House is an all-day dining restaurant overlooking the ocean. The menu includes elevated Filipino dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as the ceviche-style Lagen Kinilaw and Ginataang Alimango, or crab in coconut milk, alongside southern European dishes such as paella and fresh pasta. The resort also offers a full vegetarian menu.
Bespoke dining experiences extend across the island, from garden caves to picturesque coves and sandbar picnics.
Weddings & Events
A ceremonial hall, with tiered panelled walls showcasing intricate weaving and a palm-fringed exterior, has been added for island weddings. Two meeting rooms, each with a capacity for 56 guests, cater to social and business gatherings.
Diving & Water Activities
With more than 20 dive sites accessible from the property, the dedicated marine sports and dive centre caters to beginners and experienced divers, including PADI-certified scuba courses and “Bubblemaker” sessions for younger guests.
For those who prefer to stay on the surface, Schiller Bikes let guests pedal across the sea. Kayaks equipped with underwater lights illuminate the world below at night.
The resort is located on its own private island within the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, known for its beaches, karsts and waters, as well as its distinctive flora and fauna. The protected area spans 36,000 hectares of land and 54,000 hectares of marine waters.
For more information visit: elnidoresorts.com.