The journey to Lagen begins well before guests step onto the island.
Flying from Clark International Airport to El Nido’s Lio Airport feels like gradually leaving behind the pace of everyday life. But it was arriving in Lio that made me realize the experience does not begin at the resort—it begins with the community that welcomes you.
Spread across 320 hectares on El Nido’s northeastern coast, Lio Estate was envisioned as more than a tourism destination. Designed by Ayala Land as a mixed-use estate where nature, community, and responsible development coexist, more than half of the property has been preserved as open spaces, forests, wetlands, mangroves, and ecological corridors.
Our time in Lio was brief—a quick drive and walk before heading to the jetty—but it was enough to leave an impression. There is a quiet rhythm to the estate. Art, cafés, local shops, open spaces, and the beach come together naturally, creating a destination that feels designed not only for visitors, but for a community. More than a gateway to El Nido, Lio already feels like a destination in its own right—one I found myself wanting to return to.
From Lio, the journey continues by boat across Bacuit Bay. As the limestone cliffs slowly come into view, the scenery begins to speak for itself. By the time Lagen appears along the shoreline, it feels less like arriving at a resort and more like entering a different world.
Where filipino craftsmanship and care meet nature
Our introduction to the island was led by Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land creative director, together with her team, whose passion for Lagen and El Nido was immediately evident.
Following its extensive transformation, Lagen has reopened as a 42-key eco-sanctuary with thoughtfully reimagined Forest Rooms, Forest Suites, and Water Villas. Every space celebrates Filipino craftsmanship, from indigenous weaving patterns and handcrafted woodwork to locally made ceramics and architectural details inspired by the traditional bahay kubo and paraw. The redesign, created through a collaboration between international designers and Ayala Land’s creative team, is rooted in heritage, sustainability, and a strong sense of place.
As Paloma shared, “The new era of Lagen is designed to be rooted in authenticity. Local artisans from across the archipelago have answered the call to bring Lagen reimagined to life, where enduring traditional craftsmanship outweighs easy ornamentation.”
Beautiful design may be what first captures your attention, but it is the thoughtfulness behind every experience that ultimately defines Lagen. Throughout the stay, it became clear that the transformation was never just about creating beautiful spaces. It was about creating a place where guests could feel genuinely cared for while remaining deeply connected to their surroundings.
Throughout our stay, the concierge team remained in constant communication, sharing helpful reminders, coordinating activities, and even sending alternative suggestions whenever the weather changed. It was a small detail, but one that reflected a culture of genuine hospitality and attentiveness.
Photo by Pamela Imperial
That same attention extends into every room. Raincoats, umbrellas, woven bags, hats, waterproof phone pouches, charging cables, and everyday travel essentials are quietly provided— as thoughtful details that allow guests to focus entirely on the experience.
The same philosophy carries throughout the resort. Dining at the Clubhouse Restaurant, sunset cocktails at The Boathouse, and relaxed afternoons at The Beach Club celebrate local flavors and warm Filipino hospitality, while the Wellness Sanctuary offers treatment rooms, yoga spaces, plunge pools, a sauna, steam room, and quiet gardens designed for rest and reflection. Beyond the resort, guests can kayak through calm waters, paddleboard, hike, stargaze, visit local communities, experience traditional Pangangawil fishing, and explore Kalye Artisano.
None of these experiences, however, feel designed simply to entertain. Instead, they encourage visitors to look beyond the resort and discover Palawan through its people, culture, artistry, and extraordinary natural heritage.
As Paloma put it, “I don’t want the resort to be the protagonist. The protagonist is out there. It’s the lagoons. It’s the wonderful limestone cliffs. We’re just facilitating people to explore all of that.”
She also described Lagen as “where connections blossom,” explaining that every experience—from dining and wellness to outdoor exploration—is designed to foster a deeper connection with nature, with the local community, and with one another.
When nature becomes the main character
Lagen is best appreciated during the quiet moments in between. It is when you pause, look around, and simply take in where you are that you begin to appreciate not only the beauty surrounding you, but also the remarkable work that has made it possible to preserve a place like this.
Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, forests, white sand, and crystal-clear waters, you realize the greatest luxury is not found inside the villas but outside them. Nature quietly sets the pace of every day, reminding visitors that they are guests in an ecosystem that has existed long before them.
That perspective is reinforced by the resort’s commitment to stewardship.
During a media briefing, Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala spoke about what makes responsible tourism possible. She shared the story of Ten Knots, the pioneering group of divers who first fell in love with El Nido and believed tourism could become a force for conservation. When the time came to steward the destination’s next chapter, they chose Ayala Land because they believed it would uphold those same values.
“We’re always stewards of these islands and these places. We need to take care of them,” she said. “A lot of the investment went into infrastructure to ensure we weren’t putting stress on this island and weren’t using its natural resources unnecessarily.”
Beyond protecting the island, Paloma hopes the experience also inspires a sense of national pride. “I want Filipinos to feel proud that we’re able to do something like this with local knowledge, local creativity, and local talent,” she said.
Perhaps that is why Lagen feels different. Its beauty comes not only from what has been built, but from everything that has been intentionally preserved.
When nature reveals what truly matters
Looking back, I realize that what stayed with me was not simply the scenery.
Lagen offers thoughtful hospitality and unforgettable experiences. But what makes it memorable is that it never asks to be the center of attention. Instead, it quietly directs your attention outward—to the limestone cliffs, the sea, the forests, and the people who have spent decades ensuring they endure.
As a first-time visitor to El Nido, I arrived looking forward to beautiful waters and unforgettable adventures. I left with something far more meaningful: a renewed appreciation for God’s creation, a deeper sense of pride in being Filipino, and an even greater respect for the people whose stewardship has made this extraordinary place possible.
Perhaps that is Lagen’s greatest achievement.
It reminds us that the most extraordinary destinations are not simply built—they are cared for. And in caring for them, they remind us not only why El Nido is worth experiencing, but why the Philippines is worth being proud of.
Rather than treating sustainability as a separate initiative, Lagen weaves it into nearly every aspect of the guest experience:
- A Marine and Biodiversity Conservation Center that introduces guests to El Nido’s unique ecosystems and the importance of responsible tourism.
- Thoughtful, low-impact development, with buildings carefully integrated into the island’s natural landscape to preserve forests and biodiversity.
- Sustainable operations, from eco-sensitive infrastructure and water management to responsible resource use throughout the resort.
- Strong community partnerships, supporting local suppliers, fishermen, schools, environmental organizations, and a workforce largely made up of residents from El Nido and nearby communities.
- Meaningful cultural and conservation experiences, including guided nature walks, biodiversity talks, traditional weaving and incense-making workshops, and other activities that deepen appreciation for Palawan’s heritage, artistry, and natural environment.
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