Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Amanpulo's home, the private island of Pamalican is surrounded by white sand beaches, turquoise waters and a coral reef three hundred metres from the shore. Amanpulo is the epitome of rustic chic and this remote island is the prefect escape from the real world.

Forty casitas, designed as modern versions of a traditional Filipino house, are set on the beachfront or perched on the hillside offering incredible sea views. You will be given your own golf buggy which you have full control over to explore the winding tracks of the island.

The keyword at Amanpulo is relaxed, and the various restaurants all offer a laid back environment in which to enjoy stunning cuisine and fabulous service. Highlights include private romantic dinners on the beach, gourmet barbeques, picnics and sumptuous fresh seafood while lounging on the deck cushions at the Beach Club.

There are spectacular views from the restaurant and swimming pool out to sea and the neighbouring, undeveloped Manimoc Island. The surrounding waters provide a wide variety of marine life and dive sites. Water sports are abundant, with snorkelling, scuba diving with PADI certification available, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, boat trips and beachcombing. There is also a great kids club to keep the little ones happy whilst you enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Guide price £3,379 per person

£3,379 pr person for 7 nights, based on two people sharing a Treetop Casita on a Room Only basis including British Airways flights international flights and private transfers.

Accommodation

Amanpulo's 40 Treetop, Hillside and Beach Casitas all have wooden floors, rattan furniture and subtle interiors which blend into the island's environment. They all have a sprawling wooden sundeck with loungers and modern comforts such as flat screen TVs, ipod docking stations and DVD/CD players. The 29 Beach Casitas have private pathways that lead directly onto the white sand beach and the 4 Treetop Casitas are located higher up the hillside above the tree line so that they have views out to the ocean beyond but for totally uninterrupted views, the 5 Hillside Casitas have unimpeded vistas and the 2 Deluxe Hillside Casitas have both sunrise and sunset views from their hilltop position. For those wanting even more space and privacy, there are also 7 fully staffed 1, 2 and 4 bedroom private holiday villas with their own private swimming pools nearby to the resort.

Beach and 2 Four Bedroom Villas

Childcare

Amanpulo is a great place for families and there is an excellent children’s club which has indoor and outdoor distractions including arts and crafts, movie nights, tree planting and organic gardening. Children over 8 can enjoy diving and there are also plenty of watersports available for children old enough. Some of the restaurants have kid's menus and children will love the wood fired pizza ovens on the beach for lunch. Highchairs, cots and babysitting are also available.

Facilities

Amanpulo has 4 fantastic places to eat including pizza at The Windsurfing Hut on the beach and delicious, fresh International and Filipino food at The Restaurant. There is a fabulous 30 metre swimming pool, 2 tennis courts and pro, snorkelling, windsurfing, hobie cats, kayaks, fully equipped gym, PADI dive centre, luxury boat fleet, kids club, library and peaceful spa casitas for pampering massage and beauty treatments.

Activities

Complimentary activities at Amanpulo include tennis, snorkelling, windsurfing, hobie cats, hiking, kayaks, nature walks, gym and use of the kids club. Additional activities include massage, tennis coaching and scuba diving.

When to travel

Location and directions

Pamalican Island, Philippines

Pamalican Island, 300km southwest of Manila

How to get there

15hr international flight with one change plus 1.5hr flight by small charter aircraft