El Nido Lagen Island Resort Reopens Following Landmark Eco-Luxury Transformation in the Philippines

El Nido Lagen Island Resort has officially reopened following an extensive 12-month redevelopment that has transformed one of the Philippines’ best-known island resorts into a showcase for sustainable luxury, Filipino craftsmanship and marine conservation.

Located within the spectacular El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area in northern Palawan, the resort has unveiled redesigned overwater villas, an expanded white sand beach, enhanced wellness facilities, new dining venues and upgraded diving facilities while reducing its accommodation capacity to lessen its environmental footprint.

Originally opened in 1998 by a group of divers, the resort has long been recognised as one of Palawan’s premier nature-based destinations.

Fewer Rooms, Greater Space

One of the most notable aspects of the redevelopment is the reduction in guest accommodation from 51 rooms to 42.

Rather than expanding, the project deliberately reduced the resort’s footprint, replacing former beachfront cottages with a broad stretch of reclaimed white sand beach.

“Sometimes, less is more,” said Gustavo Morales, Chief Operating Officer of Ayala Land Hospitality.

“Where we once had beachfront cottages, we now have a broad stretch of sandy shore, and a resort that’s lightened its lay on the land.”

The redesign was led through a collaboration between WATG, Wimberly Interiors Studio, Henning Larsen and Ayala Land Hospitality’s Creative Team.

Creative Director Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala said the objective was to create a resort deeply connected to both the island and Filipino culture.

“From the very beginning, our priority was to establish a strong design narrative, one that evoked a deep sense of place and honoured the natural environment of this island.”

She added that local artisans played a central role throughout the project, resulting in what she described as “an original creation that feels familiar, innovative, meaningful and deeply relevant.”

Filipino Design Throughout

The resort’s eighteen overwater villas have been completely redesigned with inspiration drawn from the traditional Filipino bahay kubo.

Each villa now features:

• Sunken lounges offering uninterrupted bed-to-bay views
• Palm-fringed roofing
• Handwoven panels
• Natural timber detailing
• Soft neutral interiors designed to complement the surrounding turquoise waters

Traditional craftsmanship appears throughout the property.

Local clay brickmakers created bespoke ceramic beads inspired by Filipino weaving patterns, while wood carvers incorporated vernacular motifs into doors and railings. Woven materials appear extensively across villas, suites and public spaces.

Away from the waterfront, 24 forest rooms and suites sit beneath dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking both the sea and the protected Napuro Forest.

Sustainability at the Heart of the Redevelopment

Environmental protection shaped virtually every aspect of the renovation.

Working alongside the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ayala Land Hospitality adopted a preservation-first philosophy throughout construction.

Key sustainability initiatives include:

• Repurposing original flooring from first-generation buildings
• Prioritising restoration over demolition
• Extensive use of locally sourced materials
• UV light pool sanitation instead of chemical treatment
• Low-wattage lighting to minimise light pollution
• Turtle-friendly dark zones along the beach
• Natural vegetation replacing artificial privacy barriers

The resort has also appointed a dedicated Head of Sustainability to oversee ongoing environmental initiatives.

Guests can also visit a new Conservation Centre featuring educational exhibits highlighting the area’s unique wildlife, ecosystems and conservation efforts, while serving as a gateway to eco-experiences both on land and underwater.

New Wellness Sanctuary

The redevelopment introduces the Lagen Wellness Sanctuary, significantly expanding the resort’s wellness offering.

Facilities include:

• Three treatment rooms
• Pilates studio
• Fully equipped Technogym fitness centre
• Hot and cold plunge pools
• Steam room
• Sauna
• Landscaped wellness garden

The elevated flooring system allows native vegetation to continue growing beneath the structure, reducing environmental impact.

Spa treatments blend traditional Filipino healing with modern wellness.

Signature therapies include Heritage Healing, inspired by the ancient practices of Babaylan healers using indigenous ingredients and energy alignment techniques.

The wellness programme also incorporates treatments from British luxury skincare and wellness brand ESPA, including facials, body therapies and restorative massages.

New Restaurants and Dining Experiences

Several new food and beverage venues have been introduced.

Boat House

Serving as the arrival pavilion and welcome lounge, the Boat House takes inspiration from the traditional Filipino parawsailing vessel. Guests can enjoy cocktails and light dining while overlooking the jetty.

Beach Club

Positioned beside the newly created beachfront, the Beach Club offers uninterrupted sunset views alongside wood-fired pizzas, Mediterranean-inspired seafood and tropical cocktails designed for sharing.

Club House

The resort’s main restaurant has been redesigned to maximise natural light and ocean breezes.

Its menu celebrates elevated Filipino cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, including:

• Lagen Kinilaw
• Ginataang Alimango
• Fresh pasta
• Paella
• Full vegetarian selections

Guests can also arrange bespoke dining experiences throughout the island, including garden caves, secluded coves and private sandbar picnics.

Weddings and Events

The redevelopment also expands the resort’s event facilities.

A newly constructed ceremonial hall provides a dedicated venue for island weddings, featuring woven architectural details and palm-fringed exteriors.

Two new meeting rooms accommodate up to 56 guests each, allowing the resort to host both corporate events and private celebrations.

Diving and Marine Adventures

For divers, Lagen remains one of Palawan’s leading destinations.

The resort provides direct access to more than 20 dive sites and now features a dedicated marine sports and dive centre offering experiences for every level.

These include:

• PADI scuba diving courses
• Guided recreational dives
• Bubblemaker experiences for children
• Marine activities suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike

Surface activities have also expanded with Schiller Bikes allowing guests to cycle across the sea, while illuminated night kayaking reveals marine life beneath the water after dark.

A Protected Island Paradise

Lagen Island sits within the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, encompassing approximately 36,000 hectares of protected land and 54,000 hectares of marine waters.

The region is internationally renowned for its limestone karsts, white sand beaches, coral reefs, diverse marine life and exceptional biodiversity.

With the reopening complete, El Nido Lagen Island Resort positions itself as a destination where luxury tourism, Filipino cultural heritage and environmental stewardship exist side by side.

Starting rates begin at USD 1,425 per night.

For more information or reservations, visit https://elnidoresorts.com.