How Amanpulo, the private island in the Philippines, draws fans including Bill Gates and Mariah Carey with its off-track location, pristine nature, dynamic dining and wellness offerings
On a private island that requires a private flight to reach, Amanpulo epitomises the best of the Aman brand, with a unique, secluded location and a simple approach to luxury
The Sanskrit word “aman”, after all, means peace and while the likes of Aman Tokyo and Aman Venice are havens of tranquillity in the middle of bustling cities, the secluded properties that first put the company on the map are those that really embody the Aman spirit.
Established in Asia almost four decades ago, Aman began as a curated collection of ultra-luxurious resorts in off-the beaten-track locations, which quickly became coveted destinations among diehard fans affectionately known as “Aman junkies”.
Amanpulo is perhaps the most celebrated. Located in the Philippines, it sits on an exclusive island reachable by private flight only from Manila. A former coconut plantation, the island started welcoming guests as Amanpulo in 1993. Its design was the brainchild of Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa, who created the villas and casitas that still dot the pristine grounds.
The property has remained mostly unchanged, a rarity in the hotel industry, where accommodation is often updated to cater to the whims of modern-day travellers. Amanpulo, however, is a different story. With its lush vegetation, white-sand beaches and crystalline water, the place is so beautiful that no design could – or should – ever overpower the stunning landscape.
Unpaved roads, the absence of cars and motorbikes, and no inhabitants except for some staff – most members of the team commute daily from the nearby island of Manamoc – make Amanpulo a perfect example of luxury with a soul, a less-is-more approach that feels so relevant these days. The villas and casitas are rustic but luxurious, with understated furniture decorated with coconut shells and woven banana leaves. Wooden decks and hammocks in the outdoor spaces blend with the luxuriant surroundings. Technology has little to no presence and you’ll be thankful for it: there’s nothing like waking up and manually opening the blinds to reveal glimpses of jungle, blue waters and even bluer skies.
The best way to start the day, especially if you want to get the lie of the land, is to walk around the 5.5-kilometre perimeter of the island, which takes you through scenic rocky formations, hidden coves, wild vegetation and photogenic palm trees. The route is punctuated by some of the hotel’s dining venues, such as the Beach Club, the Lagoon Club and the roadhouse-style Picnic Grove.
