Philippines

Located on a private island, Amanpulo is possibly the perfect beach escape. Pamalican island is secluded and offers a variety of sea, sand and tropical-retreat pleasures, in exclusive comfort and in traditionally styled accommodation. The 40 Beach, Hillside and Treetop Casitas are modeled on local bahay kubo dwellings, and each has its own golf cart for island exploration. All casitas come with a flat-screen satellite television, DVD/CD player and iPod dock, all connected to a surround-sound system. This romantically remote island caters to those who wish to 'hammock' and beach-comb during their days in paradise, and also to those who seek a more active agenda of ocean adventures. There are tennis courts, a high-tech, air-conditioned gym, and a serene, 100-foot pool. The open-air Garden and Beach Salas are discreetly secluded and offer holistic body treatments. Wi-fi is available throughout the property. Amanpulo is a one-hour flight on the resort's private plane from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila. Flights are scheduled throughout the day to meet arriving guests.

Located on a private island with breathtaking scenery comparable to Vietnam's spectacular Halong Bay, Pangulasian Island is the first and only luxury accommodation available in this pristine hideaway setting. Known as the “Island of the Sun”, guests at Pangulasian can enjoy stunning views of the sunrise and sunset from the expansive white sandy beach stretching over 2400 foot. The resort has 42 select palm-thatched beach villas built with a contemporary Filipino flair. The high-end amenities include an infinity pool, restaurant, a private dining area, beach bar, poolside grill, boutique, library, gym, spa, hiking trail with viewing deck, five-star dive center and a marine sports center. The deluxe abodes rest either on stilts above the lush flora and fauna or beside the beach or pool, all just a stones throw from warm inviting water. The villas, decorated with a neutral palate and natural materials, are spacious with their own private balcony (some have private pools and bath tubs), complimentary Wi-Fi, international TV channels, iPod dock, tea and coffee making facilities and mini-bar.

Located in the heart of Manila’s business and commercial district, Makati Shangri-La is a luxury hotel moments from the capital’s best shops, bars, and restaurants. The hotel’s 699 rooms have a classic feel, with wood-paneled walls, an alcove ceiling, and a muted color palette. Soothing touches like a Zen waterfall on every floor creates a feeling of serenity that’s hard to come by in the bustling area surrounding the hotel. Leisure amenities include a full-service spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and tennis courts. There is no business center, but broadband Internet access and a fax machine is available in every room. The highlight of the hotel is its restaurants, which are popular even with the locals. Of note is the dim sum and Cantonese fine dining at Shang Palace, and Sunday brunch at Circles’ extensive international buffet. Fine dining Japanese and two sophisticated lounges round out the dining scene. Shangri-La Manila is a 30-minute drive from the Manila International Airport.

Nay Palad Hideaway provides a tropical island escape at its finest, on the stunning Siargao Island in the southern Philippines. With its all-inclusive packages, guests never have to worry about signing bills or carrying their wallet around, since everything guests could possible want or need is included in the room price. Only nine villas make up this exclusive resort, all extremely luxurious, with private terraces and stunning views of the lush, tropical surroundings. Dining is fresh, and meals are cooked to order, whenever and wherever guests please. Guests never have to leave the resort, with its stunning infinity pool and luxurious surroundings being more than enough for anyone on holiday, but those who do venture out will enjoy the verdant, ancient mangrove forest surroundings, which can be explored through various vehicles on guided tours. Of course, with Siargao Island being one of the world’s surfing capitals, surfing lessons and equipment are available in abundance.

Unlike the majority of hotels packed side-by-side on this famous island’s 3-mile stretch of white-sand beach, Shangri-La carved out its own little tranquil retreat. Set on a hillside away from the crowds, this 219-room hotel is in an enclave with its own private beach. Opened in early 2009, the hotel incorporates indigenous materials in its contemporary design. Rooms are decorated with abaca-weave rugs and lamps made of capiz shells. Every room has a balcony with a view of either the resort’s lush tropical gardens or Boracay’s turquoise sea. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, is a spa village set within the resort, and it features treatments based on Chinese and native Philippine healing concepts. Other leisure amenities include one of the country’s largest free-form swimming pools, outdoor tennis courts, and a fitness center. Dining choices include a cliff-top seafood grill and an intimate Italian restaurant set amidst treetops. The hotel is a 45-minute flight from Manila, plus a 15-minute boat ride from the ferry station beside the Caticlan Airport.