Amanpulo
Philippines
Amanpulo
Pamalican Island Cuyo
Philippines
www.amanpulo.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Aman
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
1993
Hotel General Manager
Ms. Audeline Witjaksono
Hotel Positioning
5-star Luxury resort
Amanpulo
History & Story
Amanpulo is located in a private island known as Pamalican (Filipino word meaning ‘a place to return to or keep going back’), set among the Quiniluban group of Cuyo Islands, 360km south-west of Manila. Lying along the trading routes from Southern China to Borneo, the Sulu archipelago and the Spice Islands, the Cuyo Islands have been known to sailors and traders since pre-Hispanic times.
The people of these 40 islands traditionally live mostly by fishing and seaweed cultivation, as tourism has scarcely touched the islands. In the late 80s a AMAN founder and visionary Adrian Zecha partnered with the owners of the island to develop it into an exclusive resort. Designed by renowned Filipino architect Bobby Manosa with inspiration from traditional Filipino dwellings and culture, this resort opened its doors in 1993.
The Filipino word pulo which means island, was combined with the Sanskrit word aman to give the resort a name meaning ‘peaceful island.’
Date Renewal
• 2014 – Refurbishment of Casitas (rooms) and some villas
• 2015 – Construction of eight new villas Architect, Angelo Manosa
Date added extensions
• 2010 – Aman Spa
• 2015 – Amanpulo North West Villas
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Exclusive private island completely fringed by white sand beach and clear turquoise waters and serves as nesting site to Hawksbill and Green sea turtles.
• Equipped with own airstrip and serviced by private chartered flights from Manila.
• Actively supports the local community through employment (80% of staff are from neighbouring islands), product sourcing, and CSR programs.
Location
One hour and ten minute flight south from Manila. It is located in the Palawan province which is regarded as having the Philippines’ most virgin natural environment. The island itself covers an area of 89 hectares with 5.5 km of white sand beach.
Key sites/activities in the area
Amanpulo’s location in the tropical Sulu Sea is an ideal place to experience the beautiful underwater world. With its pristine reefs and clear waters it offers an amazing array of colourful and various marine life ranging from tiny cleaner shrimps to black tip reef sharks.
Fun Facts
Pamalican is a nesting site for Hawksbill and Green sea turtles. Every year from March until October, females come up to the beach at night to lay their eggs. To assist in protecting this endangered species, Amanpulo staff monitor the laying process, before transferring the eggs to a hatchery.
Children’s Corner
The Kids Lounge is open daily from 9am -5pm and has a selection of toys, books, movies, board games, puzzles, arts and crafts and musical instruments for complimentary use within the Lounge.
During peak holiday periods, special scheduled activites are arranged like pizza cooking classes, organic gardening, and popcorn movie nights. Charges may apply for these activities.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Amanpulo’s native style of dwellings enhances its exclusive island allure. There are 42 Casitas fashioned after a Philippine bahay kubo.
29 Beach Casitas each have private paths that lead to the soft white beach. The beach is an uninterrupted wide stretch of fine sand with views over the neighbouring islands.
• 4 Treetop Casitas are above the tree-line on higher ground.
• 5 Hillside Casitas have sea views.
• 2 Deluxe Hillside Casitas feature spectacular prospects of the Sulu Sea and neighbouring islands with sunset views.
• Treetop Pool Casitas for guests wanting a little more privacy. They are located in the middle of the island and feature a private plunge pool.
Private holiday villas located just a few metres from the sea are available for rent at Amanpulo. Each has a private swimming pool, separate bedrooms, living and dining pavilions, outdoor lounge and a kitchen. All villas include a private Butler, Cook, and a buggy for each bedroom. Villa guests enjoy full use of all Amanpulo facilities and services.
• 14 4-bedroom Villas
• 2 2-bedroom Villas
• 2 1-bedroom Villas
Restaurants & Bars
• Clubhouse Restaurant
The Restaurant is located at the Clubhouse with views to Manamoc Island across the sea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here. The menu features International and Filipino cuisine. Amanpulo’s marble-top Bar occupies a cosy corner of the Clubhouse framed by a window to the sea. Complimentary native merienda (afternoon snacks) are served daily at the Lobby Terrace.
• Beach Club
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and refreshments are offered at the Beach Club. Fresh seafood and Spanish cuisine are specialties.
• Lagoon Club
Located on the east side of the island and functions as an alternate beach club with similar features and amenities. Open from 5pm daily for dinner serving a modern grill menu.
• Picnic Grove and Windsurf Hut
Enjoy a large variety of pizzas cooked in a home-built wood-fire oven. Guests can relax in this tranquil environment with their feet in the sand. The Picnic Grove/Windsurf Hut opens for lunch.
• Private Dining
Is available 24 hours. Private picnics and barbecues may be organized at the Lagoon Sala, Garden Sala, the floating Kawayan Bar, Casita beachfronts, Gary’s Nest and the Island Cave. Guests can also take picnic baskets on an island hopping trip or on a visit to the Sandbar. Picnic baskets may also be delivered to guest casitas should they wish to enjoy their private space.
Wellness
The Aman Spa is designed as a peaceful sanctuary in which guests can indulge in pampering beauty treatments and enhance their fitness. Located on the northern hill above the treetops, the spa is composed of a series of pavilions constructed of native wood and capiz décor. The reception pavilion includes a lounge and retail space on the entry level, and a Finishing Salon on the floor below for manicures, pedicures and hair appointments.
Each treatment room offers a deep-soaking bath tub, dressing area and steam shower, along with magnificent sea views. Relaxation salas are situated next to two of the three pavilions where one can enjoy a post treatment cup of naturally brewed Pandan tea and local fruit jellies.
• The yoga and meditation Pavilion:
Enjoy beautiful views of the island and sea from the specious area. The pavilion is available for private or group classes.
• The Fitness Pavilion:
The top floor houses an airy gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment. An external staircase leads to the Pilates Studio, which offers Allegro Reformers. On the lower floor is the Aman Spa Wet Rooms; steam rooms, cold plunge pools and outdoor relaxation verandas.
• Tennis:
The four synthetic grassed courts are floodlit and are available with rest pavilions for refreshments.
Corporate & Celebration Events
• West Villa Clubhouse
Meetings can be arranged at the West Villa Clubhouse. The Boardroom is suitable for ten people while the Conference Room can accommodate up to 50. Audio-visual equipment and stationery packs are available.
• Wedding blessing:
Renew your vows with a sentimental ceremony performed by a Filipino wedding official. Wedding Blessings include a guitar serenade, champagne, wedding cake for two people, a decorated wedding car and an island flower bouquet
Extra Notable Features
• Stargazing:
Study the night-sky and planets through an 1800 x 150mm astronomical refractor telescope, with a trained staff as a guide.
• Sea sports hut:
The Sea Sports Hut offers a variety of water sports equipment as well as information on boat charters, water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving sites and sea conditions.
• Cruises
Explore the waters surrounding Pamalican, including the sunset cruise, moonlight cruise, sandbar trip and the island hopping cruise.
• Fishing:
Guests may bottom or troll fish for snapper and grouper at one of Amanpulo’s favoured fishing spots or troll for wahoo, tuna, bonito and mackerel.
• Scuba-Diving:
Amanpulo’s PADI Dive Centre offers courses from introductory to Dive Master levels. All equipment is provided including underwater lights and digital cameras.
Number of employees
360-380