What are the best resorts in El Nido? The most popular corner of the Philippines also lives up to its fame when it comes to accommodation. Included in almost every itinerary around the country, you can choose from hostels in El Nido to luxury resorts with overwater bungalows. You decide according to budget and occasion, but if you want a stay you’ll remember for a lifetime, this is your place.
In this article you’ll find a selection of the best resorts in El Nido. First, we’ll talk about the areas where these are located, since some are not in town and are only accessible by sea, so the experience changes completely. Then we’ll talk about each of them. We have taken into account location, price, service, common areas, décor, and atmosphere.
To make choosing easier, we’ve classified them into 4 categories: luxury resorts, beach resorts, mid-range resorts, and resorts around El Nido. In addition, at the end of the article you’ll find a map so you can get a clearer idea of where they are and choose your resort in El Nido easily.
The El Nido resort that suits you best
As we explain in Best hotels to stay in El Nido, you basically have 6 areas to stay. Most accommodation, restaurants, and tour agencies are concentrated along El Nido Town and Corong Corong. In town, being quite compact, there wasn’t room left to build resorts, so your alternatives are in neighboring areas or on nearby islands. Don’t worry, this isn’t a problem — in fact, you’ll be thankful for it!
Here’s a brief summary of these areas and how they match the type of El Nido resort you want:
- El Nido Town: you won’t find resorts as such here, only hotels that may have a pool. — Example: Sea Cocoon Hotel.
- Corong Corong: if you don’t want to stray far from the hub, here you’ll find some of the best resorts in El Nido, restaurants, and agencies. The beach isn’t the best, especially when the tide is low, but it’s a pleasant spot and you can enjoy the best sunsets in El Nido. — Example: Mahogany Resort and Spa.
- Las Cabañas: it’s one of the best beaches in El Nido and from here you can watch spectacular sunsets. There are still few places to stay. We recommend it if you’re after something exclusive but without being too far from restaurants. — Example: Maremegmeg Beach Club.
- Calaan Beach: within walking distance of El Nido Town, it’s still a little-known spot. Advisable if you want relaxation and an El Nido resort that doesn’t push the price up too much. — Example: Angel Nido Resort.
- Lio Beach: if you’re looking for a good beach, peace and quiet, comfortable places for dinner, and rather elegant resorts. — Example: Seda Lio.
- Islands of Bacuit Bay: this is where the best — and most luxurious — El Nido resorts are. They’re located on islands usually visited during island hopping and that are rarely inhabited, so you can already imagine the scenery you’ll find. Of course, forget about going out to a restaurant or doing excursions other than with the hotel. If what you want is an exclusive experience where you don’t have to worry about anything, look no further. — Example: El Nido Resorts Miniloc.
We’ve selected El Nido resorts across all these areas because we think they’re great. Still, to give you a summary, we’d say that if you’re after luxury, stay on neighboring islands. For a good beach without sacrificing distance too much, Lio Beach. For more convenience: Corong Corong.
If you have 5 days or more in El Nido, you could split your stay between some of the places we’ve mentioned and accommodation in the north. About 45 minutes – 1 hour from town there are some spectacular resorts and, of course, much more remote than the previous ones. We see them more as a complement to your stay in El Nido or neighboring areas because we find them inconvenient for doing the island hopping — which is what you came here to do.
Comparison table of the best resorts in El Nido
Before we start talking about the best resorts in El Nido, we wanted to leave you a table where we mark the most characteristic details of the ones we like most. If you click them, it will take you directly to the page to book:
| ACCOMMODATIONS | AREA | RATING | PRICE/NIGHT |
| LUXURY RESORTS | |||
| El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island | Miniloc | 9,5 – Exceptional | From 700$ (full board) |
| Matinloc Island Resort | Matinloc | 8,1 – Fabulous | From 290$ |
| El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island | Pangulasian | 9,4 – Fantastic | From 980$ |
| BEACHFRONT | |||
| Maremegmeg Beach Club | Las Cabañas | 9,6 – Exceptional | From 270$ |
| Mahogany Resort & Spa | Corong Corong | 8,8 – Fabulous | From 94$ |
| Seda Lio | Lio Beach | 8,9 – Fabulous | From 269$ |
| MID-RANGE RESORTS | |||
| Last Frontier Beach Resort | Corong Corong | 9,3 – Fantastic | From 80$ |
| Maligaya Beach Bungalows | Corong Corong | 8,7 – Fabulous | From 170$ |
| El Nido Moringa Resort | Corong Corong | 8,8 – Fabulous | From 130$ |
| Angel Nido Resort | Calaan | 8,6 – Fabulous | From 56$ |
| RESORTS AROUND EL NIDO | |||
| Nacpan Beach Glamping | Nacpan Beach | 8,8 – Fabulous | From 130$ |
| Eco Sanctuaries Nature Lodge Nacpan Beach | Nacpan Beach | 9 – Fantastic | From 120$ |
| Dryft Darocotan Island | Darocotan | 9,2 – Fantastic | From 145$ |
In any case, at the end of each section we leave more recommendations.
Luxury resorts in El Nido
If you’re planning a honeymoon in the Philippines or you simply want to treat yourself, El Nido is your place. You’ve got spectacular resorts on the islands near El Nido. About 20–30 minutes by boat from town, you can indulge in epic overwater villas, jaw-dropping beaches, and views that are hard to find elsewhere.
El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island
El Nido Resorts is one of the country’s largest hotel groups thanks to its complexes spread across several parts of Palawan. One we like the most is the one on Miniloc Island, which might ring a bell because it’s where two of the most popular El Nido island hopping attractions are located: Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon. The resort is actually right next to the start of Big Lagoon, so you can paddle over by kayak or paddleboard whenever you like and avoid all the crowds.
Being so far from “civilization”, you’ll need to let the hotel embrace you — which is no problem, because if there’s something that defines it, it’s the 5-star service. You’ll find several restaurants and bars, a gym, clinic, shop, spa, and dive center. Of course, there’s also an infinity-style pool for a dip while you take in a one-of-a-kind Philippine landscape.
Something to keep in mind at this El Nido resort is that all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included in the price, as are transfers to and from El Nido Airport. They also include activities like island hopping. In other words, you won’t have to worry about a thing.
As for the rooms, you can choose between:
- 5 water cottages: if you came to play and you’re looking for overwater bungalows in the Philippines, book one of these. With beautiful nipa roofs, you have a huge double bed and your own balcony.
- 10 Deluxe Seaview Rooms: with direct, sweeping views of the water, which you can take in from the balcony, they fit up to 3 adults. It’s a more “eco” option since they use electricity generated by solar panels.
- 5 Seaview Rooms: this is a 2‑storey room. Downstairs you have a double bed and upstairs 2 single beds, so it’s perfect if you’re coming with family or friends.
- 2 Garden Family Cottages: if you’re after something a tad more affordable and don’t care so much about sea views from the room, these spacious bungalows for up to 3 people are cheaper but just steps from the beach.
- 3 Cliff Cottages: set at the highest point of the complex, you’ll get a gorgeous panorama. The cottages have 2 floors and sleep up to 4 people.
- 12 Beachside Cottages: with capacity for 3 people, you won’t have to walk at all to be right on the beach.
In short, one of the best resorts in El Nido, especially for its iconic location and service that measures up.
Book El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island on Booking
© El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island
Matinloc Island Resort
Matinloc Island is another wonder in Bacuit Bay. Although its name doesn’t stand out much, it will if we tell you that it’s where places like Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, and Matinloc Shrine are located. This is where another of what we consider the best El Nido resorts sits: Matinloc Resort, specifically on Culasa Beach.
While the resort is truly amazing, what we highlight most here is the setting, which will make you feel like you’re tapping into the best of El Nido. There are incredible reefs to discover by snorkeling almost right off the shore, you can grab a kayak and reach spectacular beaches like Palilo Beach, Calmung Beach, Matinloc Sandbar, or Cagbantang Beach, and, of course, join one of the island-hopping excursions. Those who want to stretch their legs can do the so‑called Matinloc Trail, from which you get wonderful views.
Among the hotel’s services: gym, spa, library, restaurant, romantic dinners by the beach, and a bar next to the infinity pool. A heads‑up: they don’t serve alcohol, so if you think you’ll miss it, you can bring what you need from town.
The rooms? Truly luxurious. You can choose from the following types:
- Beach Villas: located on the resort’s front row, so you’ll enjoy epic sea views and the islands in front from the living room and terrace. Capacity up to 3 adults.
- Mountain Villas: the effort of climbing the stairs comes with the reward of wonderful views. You can choose between the sea panorama (the most expensive) or the mountain one, but in any case you’ll have a room of more than 100 square meters with a luxurious bathtub. Capacity is up to 3 people, but if you’re traveling as a family there’s also the family villa, which includes a jacuzzi on the terrace.
- VIP Villas: also up high, from them you’ll enjoy wonderful sea views and El Nido’s typical karst rock formations. The luxurious room is paired with a spectacular terrace where you can enjoy private romantic dinners.
- Junior Suites with Garden View: some of the most affordable rooms at this El Nido resort. Although they don’t have sea views, they’ll give you a very pleasant stay. If you’re traveling with family or friends, there’s also a family junior suite that can comfortably accommodate up to 6 adults and 4 children.
- Signature Suite: while not as large as the villas, these rooms have direct sea views and a small, very pleasant terrace to take it in.
- Terrace Suites: they have partial sea views from their small terrace. You can choose between the smaller one or the family one. In the latter up to 4 adults and 2 children can stay.
As you can see, this El Nido resort lacks absolutely nothing. Plus, they have rooms with a wide price range and the ability to add more beds if you’re planning a family trip to the Philippines.
Book your room at Matinloc Resort here
El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
As soon as you see the photos of this El Nido resort, you’ll fall hopelessly in love. Also part of the El Nido Resorts group, beyond its outrageously beautiful location, the décor, which has taken into account the typical Philippine materials, will give you that Asian luxury experience you were looking for. Not only that: in 2025 it was completely renovated and it’s safe to say it’s now one of the most exclusive resorts in El Nido.
Let’s start with the location: Pangulasian Island, a wonderful island in the south of Bacuit Bay where you can enjoy 750 meters of white‑sand beach washed by turquoise waters with a beautiful marine sanctuary. Known as the “Island of the Sun,” you can watch magical sunsets from here.
You may spend all your time on the beach or doing one of the tours included in the room rate, but you’ll be glad to know the resort also includes a gym, spa, dive center, games room, and a water‑sports center where you can take kayaks, paddleboards, windsurf, or snorkeling gear. Of course, there’s also a restaurant, a beach bar, and a bar next to the fabulous pool.
Breakfast, transfers to and from El Nido Airport, and island‑hopping activities are included in the room rate.
This El Nido resort has 42 rooms with capacity for up to 3 people. The types are:
- 8 canopy villas: accessible by buggy or by climbing some steep stairs, they’re the ones that offer the prettiest views of the vegetation.
- 24 beach villas: gorgeous cottages of almost 90 square meters with direct access to the beach.
- 6 pool villas: a step up, here, in addition to wonderful views of Bacuit Bay, you have your own 22‑square‑meter private pool.
- 4 Kalaw villas: set in a more secluded area of the resort, it’s a group of 4 villas that share a huge pool and a room for private dinners or other events.
In short, a resort in El Nido ideal for couples seeking great beaches, easy access to the archipelago’s main attractions, and service worthy of a 5‑star.
Book El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island here
© El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
Other luxury resorts in El Nido
If, for whatever reason, the above don’t suit you, here are other luxury resorts in El Nido you might like:
- Lihim Resorts: located in Calaan, with incredible views of Cadlao Island and even a private area for guests at Cadlao Lagoon, one of El Nido’s most beautiful lagoons. Prices around 460$ per night.
- Cauayan Island Resort and Spa: also set on a private island, it’s one of the most spectacular if you’re after a special El Nido resort. Prices are around 570$ with breakfast and transfers to/from the airport.
- The Funny Lion El Nido: if you want to be in El Nido Town (central) but with all the comforts, including a fabulous pool. Prices from 245$ per night.
Beach resorts in El Nido
As you can see, all the El Nido resorts we’ve talked about already have direct beach access, but what if you don’t want to pay that much or be so far from El Nido Town because you think you’ll want more restaurant action? Then we suggest booking one of these 3 options:
Maremegmeg Beach Club
This is one of the few resorts located on Las Cabañas, also known as Maremegmeg Beach or Vanilla Beach. If you’ve read our article about El Nido best beaches, you’ll see this is one of the prettiest and most accessible, since it’s set about 20 minutes from El Nido Town and 10 from Corong Corong by tricycle. This beach has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, so you’ll already find an open mall with several restaurants, as well as several beach shacks on the sand if you don’t want to move much to look for food.
Maremegmeg Beach Club is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive El Nido resorts. Perched on a hillside, from all its rooms and its wonderful infinity-style pool, you have wonderful views of Las Cabañas Beach and the islets of Bacuit Bay. Plus, movie‑worthy sunsets are almost guaranteed.
All rooms are decorated with modern furniture but without clashing with the local materials used for its construction. They’re spotless, spacious, have a private terrace and, most importantly, sea views. You’ll enjoy your own Nespresso coffee maker and a safe. The room types you can choose from are:
- Suite with sea view: has a King size bed. These are the ones located higher up. Capacity for 2 adults and 2 children.
- Deluxe Suite with sea view: in this case you have a Queen size bed and another single‑size bed. Capacity for 2 adults and 2 children.
- Large bed room with sea view: 2 double beds, Queen size. They’re the lowest ones, so the views are a bit worse.
Whether you’re looking for a couples’ experience or a family one, this El Nido resort is a good choice. Its location is convenient, the beach is gorgeous and, on top of that, there’s a bar right on the sand with fairly accessible prices.
Take a look at Maremegmeg Beach Club on Booking
Book your room at this El Nido resort on Agoda
© Maremegmeg Beach Club
Mahogany Resort & Spa
We’re heading to a beach closer to El Nido Town: Corong Corong. Just 5 minutes by tricycle or a 20‑minute walk from the town center, this neighborhood or barangay has seen the most tourism development in recent years, basically becoming an extension of El Nido Town. The difference? It’s a much more pleasant and quieter area where you have the option to stay by the sea. While it’s true that Corong Corong Beach isn’t a paradisiacal beach, it’s a pleasant place to relax after a day of adventures and watch a wonderful sunset.
Right in the heart of Corong Corong, on the beachfront, is one of the El Nido resorts we recommend. Mahogany Resort & Spa has a beautiful tropical garden where you’ll find a relaxing pool and one of the area’s most pleasant bars/restaurants, where there’s live music on most afternoons.
The rooms blend perfectly with the surroundings, are spacious, and feature local furniture and décor. You won’t be missing a safe, electric kettle, and minibar to enjoy a cold drink. You can choose between:
- Bungalows with sea or garden view: luxurious 50‑square‑meter cottages with a pleasant terrace.
- Deluxe bungalows with garden view: superior furniture and a larger terrace.
- Villa with garden view: a 60‑square‑meter room with details including a small bar for serving drinks.
- Superior double room: the most economical rooms at this El Nido resort.
In summary, Mahogany Resort & Spa is one of the most interesting mid‑range El Nido resorts (rooms from 140$ per night) where you may enjoy a more tropical by‑the‑sea experience. Although it’s true that Corong Corong Beach isn’t the prettiest of them all, it’s a pleasant place to stay and lets you enjoy El Nido’s restaurants, bars, and shops without much effort. Plus, boats for island hopping also depart from here at a considerably cheaper price than if you stay at the luxury resorts we mentioned above.
Compare prices for this resort on Agoda
© Mahogany Resort & Spa
Seda Lio
We already told you above that Lio Beach is, in our opinion, one of the best places to stay. The reason? In addition to its fantastic beach, located 10–15 minutes by car from El Nido Town, it also has several restaurants and shops built with exquisite taste. Plus, it is next to El Nido’s small airport, so you’ll get there in no time if you’re thinking of flying in.
Lio Beach only has resorts and, to be exact, rather posh ones. Our favorite is Seda Lio, which features wonderful beachfront pools, sun loungers under palm trees and, of course, rooms that don’t lack a thing.
The resort has 150 modern rooms for 2 adults and 2 children, so it’s a great alternative for both families and couples. All have a minibar, kettle, safe, and TV with cable channels. You can choose between:
- Deluxe Forest Double Room: spacious 45-square-meter room with a double and a single bed or one large double bed, with views of the greenery.
- Suite: very large room with a small lounge-style area, bathroom with bathtub, and a lovely terrace facing the pool and beach area.
- Deluxe Garden Double Room: similar to the first, but at garden level, so it has a terrace with garden views.
What convinces us most about this El Nido resort? Besides its location, we really value its facilities: pool, gym, games room and playground. Plus, the room rate includes a varied breakfast buffet included in the room price.
Have a look at the rooms at Seda Lio here
Other beachfront resorts in El Nido
If you want other suggestions for beachfront resorts in El Nido, take a look at the following:
- Cadlao Resort: located on Calaan Beach, with a spectacular pool and an even better restaurant. It’s a wonderful option, but bear in mind that Calaan Beach isn’t the best for swimming. Prices start at about 145$ per night.
- Mua Tala El Nido: another of the resorts on Las Cabañas Beach in El Nido. Authentic Asian luxury with a gorgeous infinity pool. Prices from 200$ per night.
- Corong Beach Resort: it’s one of our favorite places to stay in El Nido, but it’s almost never available. Don’t expect a luxury resort, but this lodging in Corong Corong has rooms right by the sea from just 55$ a night.
Mid-range resorts in El Nido
Accommodation in this part of Palawan isn’t known for being very cheap. Because of its popularity, prices are a bit higher than in the rest of the Philippines and, of course, if we’re talking about resorts in El Nido, they go up even more. Still, those looking for a pleasant experience without breaking the bank will also find options in the 54$ to 240$ per night range. Here are some options (we leave a few more below):
Last Frontier Beach Resort – Adults Only
They say Palawan is the “Last Frontier,” so the name of this resort won’t sound so strange, and it’s one of our favorite resorts in El Nido. Why? First, its location, right on Corong Corong Beach, in a super quiet area with fabulous views of Bacuit Bay.
Then, its price. If you book in advance (we stress this because it’s one of the most in‑demand), you can get a very pleasant and spacious room (35 square meters) with breakfast included for a little over 120$, which is almost a miracle given what things cost in El Nido. Even so, if you want prettier rooms and even sea views and the budget allows, you also have alternatives like suites and cabanas.
Finally, its facilities. The pool facing the beach, the entire complex full of greenery, and a very pleasant bar/restaurant make you forget that El Nido is, in reality, one of the most touristic places in the country. You’re inside a real bubble.
Keep in mind that, as the name indicates, this El Nido resort only accepts children from 15 years old.
Book your room at Last Frontier Beach Resort
© Last Frontier Beach Resort
Maligaya Beach Bungalows
As soon as we saw this resort’s decor, we fell head over heels. Located in the part of Corong Corong closest to El Nido Town, it’s a great alternative if you want a resort in El Nido that’s pleasant but not expensive at all.
Maligaya means “joy” or “happiness,” and that’s what we’re sure you’ll feel when you wake up every morning gazing at the sea from your own terrace by the beach while you have breakfast. Every detail has been taken into account in its construction and all have great views and an extra‑large double bed. You can choose between:
- Beachfront Bungalow: located on the ground floor, they have a small, intimate terrace next to Corong Corong Beach.
- Bungalow with sea and garden views: set a little further back from the beach, but you’ll still see the sea and a bit of garden.
- Deluxe Bungalow with sea views: more than a bungalow, it’s a room on the second floor, which gives you even more stunning views of Bacuit Bay.
In short, this El Nido resort is for you if you’re looking for a couples’ getaway in a place with exquisite decor and you want to be by the sea without going too far over budget. You won’t have other resorts’ ammenities like a pool or a big restaurant, but who cares with the sea next door and the huge variety of spots all along the beach?
© Maligaya Beach Bungalows
El Nido Moringa Resort
Very close to the previous one, this is another resort in Corong Corong that we recommend. Although you won’t see the sea from the rooms, the beach is just 200 meters away and, best of all, it has a 160-square-meter pool.
The rooms, while not lavishly decorated, are spacious and pleasant. All have a fridge, kettle, safe, TV, and fiber‑optic internet, which is hard to find in El Nido. With capacity for up to 3 people, the price sometimes includes a good breakfast served at the restaurant next to the pool. Your options are:
- Double Room with balcony: these are the rooms on the 2nd or 3rd floor of the building, so they have a small terrace overlooking the pool and greenery.
- Deluxe Double Room with patio: located on the ground floor and, therefore, with direct access to the pool. They have a small patio sheltered from the sun. It has a bathtub.
- Deluxe Double Room with hot tub: a little more elegant than the previous ones, the difference lies in the hot tub and a larger TV.
In short, Moringa Resort is a good alternative for those who want a resort in El Nido that isn’t very expensive (prices from 120$ per night), that has a pool and isn’t far from restaurants, agencies and shops.
Book at El Nido Moringa Resort
Click here and take a look on Agoda
© El Nido Moringa Resort
Angel Nido Resort
Calaan Beach is one of the areas of El Nido that is gradually gaining prominence. This beach is about 10 minutes’ walk north from town (5’ by tricycle), so it will hardly cost you anything to have all the services of the town without sacrificing the peace and quiet you’re looking for. Although it’s not a comfortable beach for swimming, the panorama from it is wonderful, with foreground views of Cadlao Island.
Those who aren’t looking for much luxury but do want a pleasant place to stay for under 54$ a night will find it at AngelNido Resort. It’s a family-run lodging with simple rooms and bungalows, some of them with direct sea views. They have a small restaurant where they prepare breakfast (you can choose to have it served on your terrace) and a selection of Filipino and Italian dishes, since the owner, Matteo, is from our neighboring European country.
In short, a quiet place where you won’t find exquisite decor, but you will find good service.
Click here and book on Booking
Compare prices for AngelNido Resort on Agoda
© Angel Nido Resort
More budget resorts in El Nido
If you want more options under 120–170$ a night, which is about as cheap as a resort in El Nido usually gets, here you go:
- El Nido Coco Resort: in low season, this El Nido resort can be had from just 66$ with breakfast included and is a real bargain because it’s very pretty and is located in a very good area of Corong Corong.
- Corong Beach Resort: we already mentioned it above, but we don’t want to stop suggesting it for its price, as it’s on the beachfront and, if you’re quick, you can book a room for less than 54$ a night.
- RC Villas and Resort: the location isn’t the most convenient because it’s a bit farther than Las Cabañas and you’ll need transport for anything, but its price (from 68$ for a villa with sea views) and the incredible views from the infinity pool won us over.
Resorts around El Nido
We wrap up this list of the best resorts in El Nido with two hotels located north of town, which will delight those who want a more secluded experience. Just keep in mind that you’ll need about 45 minutes to get to the area with more restaurants and shops and to the point from which boats depart for the excursions.
Nacpan Beach Glamping
Nacpan is a real gem for a few days, as it’s a very long beach without crowds, with golden sand and good depth for swimming without having to pay attention to the tides. Although it’s becoming popular with backpackers, true luxury lodgings have also sprung up, such as Nacpan Beach Glamping.
This is a fantastic hotel that has joined the glamping trend—tents, but with a lot of glamour. So don’t expect to sleep on the floor or die of heat—nothing like that. Each room has two double beds, simple yet modern furnishings and, look, air conditioning! They’re tremendously spacious and, in addition, you have a small terrace with a couple of hammocks, perfect for relaxing when the sun goes down. The bathroom is shared with 3 other tents, but it’s so well equipped and clean that it doesn’t seem to matter much, as it has a rating of 8.8.
Nacpan Beach Glamping is right on the beach and has a lovely pool, so it won’t take you any effort to go for a dip whenever you feel like it. You can choose between the tents that face directly to the sea and those with views of the lush vegetation. The former, of course, are more expensive.
The glamping experience becomes perfect thanks to its restaurant/bar (which is fantastic), with happy hour included, and the variety of activities this El Nido resort offers. One of them is the possibility of hopping on their boat for free to watch the sunset and another is, with luck, seeing sea turtles hatch and being released. What a plan!
Book Nacpan Beach Glamping here
© Nacpan Beach Glamping
Eco Sanctuaries Nature Lodge Nacpan Beach
Another wonderful option to stay in Nacpan is Eco Sanctuaries Nature Lodge Nacpan Beach, which we don’t know if we can categorize as a resort because it doesn’t have a pool or very elegant facilities, but it will give you the peace that we believe a resort provides. In fact, here you can, if you want, enjoy yoga classes or massages.
We’ve been lucky enough to stay in one of its 3 cabins for several nights and we can tell you it’s an incredible experience, where you’ll have the good fortune to enjoy a Nacpan Beach far from the crowds. The concept is lodging that impacts nature as little as possible and, for that reason, its cabins don’t have air conditioning, although, to be honest, we didn’t miss it at all. All materials are local and even the toiletries are made by them with ingredients from the area such as sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines.
As for the rooms, you can choose cabins for couples or families and between being right on the beach (with full sea views) or a little farther back (with partial sea views). All have a private bathroom, mosquito nets both on the windows and on the bed, and a fan.
In short, a resort where you’ll live a 100% rural Filipino experience, but without lacking comforts like Wi‑Fi (satellite) and a restaurant with all kinds of cuisine. The only thing to consider is that it’s about 45 minutes from El Nido Town. Transfers aren’t included, but you can arrive by motorbike or ask the resort to arrange them for you. If you want to go to El Nido at any time, you’ll have to pay the price set by the hotel, as there’s no public transport.
Book here at Eco Sanctuaries Nature Lodge Nacpan Inn
Dryft Darocotan Island
We finish our selection of resorts in El Nido with a very special place, located on one of our favorite islands in all of Palawan: Darocotan. If you read the guide about it, you’ll see that we love it and that it’s a spot still far from the crowds, and, moreover, if you decide to stay a few nights at Dryft, you’ll thank us for the recommendation—truly!
The place is incredible, not only because of the beach it’s on (one of the best on the island), but because of the concept. It’s a kind of glamping, but with a lot of style and well organized. They have glamping tents, but also larger cabins made with local materials that are true works of art. It’s true that none have air conditioning and that the bathrooms are shared (they keep them super clean), but you only have to read its reviews (travelers give it over 9 out of 10) to realize you won’t miss any comforts.
Depending on size and location, prices vary, but in low season you can get them from only 80$, which we think is great considering where they are and that breakfast is included.
The complex also has a spectacular bamboo building where the restaurant (the food is homemade and exquisite), the common areas and the yoga shala are located. They organize many activities with guests, including massages and other spa treatments, and the staff are lovely. In addition, if you want to forget about the logistics, they can also plan the transfer to the island from El Nido.
Take a look at Dryft Darocotan Island
© Dryft Darocotan Island
Map of the best resorts in El Nido
Get a clearer idea of the area where your resort in El Nido is located with this map we made:
Frequently asked questions about resorts in El Nido
To finish, we want to answer the most common questions travelers ask us when deciding which resort in El Nido to book:
Which resorts in El Nido are ideal for couples?
If you want a romantic treat, we would choose between El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island, Mantiloc Resort, El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island, and Seda Lio.
Which resorts in El Nido are ideal for families?
You’ll be more comfortable in resorts in Corong Corong or Lio Beach. Therefore, we recommend Seda Lio, Mahogany Resort & Spa, or El Nido Moringa Resort.
What are the best areas to stay in a resort in El Nido?
This depends a lot on what you want to have nearby. If you want exclusivity, the best thing is to go to neighboring islands. To be closer to restaurants and shops and for price, you might prefer Corong Corong or Lio Beach.
Which resorts in El Nido have good views?
To wake up in the morning and enjoy epic views, it’s best to book at Maregmegmeg Beach Club, Maligaya Beach Bungalows, or El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island.
How much does it cost to stay in a resort in El Nido?
Above you have a table where we break down usual prices, but you could find from 60$ up to 1,200$ per room per night. An average price could be 240$. Keep in mind the season as well. At times like Christmas, Chinese New Year, or Easter, prices skyrocket.
More information
We hope this selection of resorts in El Nido has helped you choose your accommodation for this adventure. This is just a small part of all the information we have about this destination in Palawan on our website. Remember to consult these articles to plan your trip:
We’ll be reading the comments if you have any questions or suggestions!
