El Nido is arguably the most famous destination in the Philippines, known for its towering limestone islands and impossibly beautiful beaches. If El Nido is on your bucket list, then keep reading for the 15 best resorts in El Nido, from budget to boujee.
Best time to visit El Nido
El Nido is a fantastic destination year-round, but to make the most of your trip, you should aim for the dry season between December – May. Island hopping is one of the best activities to do in El Nido and is a lot nicer on a calm and sunny day.
How to get to El Nido, Palawan
There are two main routes to get to El Nido, depending on your budget.
Via Puerto Princesa
Usually the cheapest option is to fly to Puerto Princesa – the capital city of Palawan – and ride a van 6 hours to El Nido. You can arrange a private van transfer in advance online here.
Direct to Lio, El Nido
If time is of the essence and money ain’t a thang, you can fly directly from Manila to El Nido on AirSwift, with flights operating multiple times daily.
Find flights
Click here for the cheapest flights to El Nido
What to bring to El Nido
Prepare for your trip to El Nido, Philippines with our must-have travel essentials. (Click for prices)
If you’re interested in photography and/or videography this is the gear we can’t live without:
Professional camera: Sony a7iv (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO10 Black (click for price)
Drone: DJI Air 2s (click for price)
Related post: What's in our camera bag
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Best Resorts In El Nido
1. Seda Lio
The El Nido branch of the multi-awarded Seda Hotels chain in the Philippines, Seda Lio was the first resort to open to tourists at the famed Lio Tourism Estate. With its four-hectare property surrounded by flourishing plants, trees and breathtaking sea views, you’ll find yourself in literal paradise.
Experience comfortable accommodation in their three-storey hotel featuring a contemporary style paired with amazing views. If you’re a beach bum then you’ll enjoy the water activities at the sea or huge pool, or you can sweat it out with beach volleyball and football. After all the outdoor activities, fuel up at the Misto, Seda Lio’s all-day dining restaurant offering a selection of international cuisine or grab a snack and refreshments at the Pool Bar.
Seda Lio – Best Resorts in El Nido
Seda Lio – Where to Stay in El Nido
2. Frangipani
Frangipani El Nido is the perfect boutique beachfront hotel if you’re looking for an intimate getaway with your loved ones. Seven beautiful suites are surrounded by lush tropical foliage, ranging from pool views to panoramic vistas of the stunning Bacuit Bay.
Owned by the same folks as the El Nido Yachting Club, set sail around Bacuit Bay on Seacret, followed by an impeccable meal at Cala restaurant. Discover a multitude of drinks to suit any mood at Rubra Lounge as you enjoy your time spent in paradise.
BOOK: Frangipani El Nido
Frangipani Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
Frangipani Resort – Where to Stay in El Nido
3. Karuna El Nido Villas
Enjoy a private escape amongst nature at Karuna El Nido Villas. Despite its secluded location atop a hill, this boutique resort in El Nido is still conveniently located 150 metres from Corong Corong Beach. Head down to the beach and rent a kayak to explore the surrounding islands, or simply chill out and take a dip in the infinity pool.
Karuna El Nido Villas offers a unique and contemporary version of the traditional Indonesian Joglo style, unlike any other resort in El Nido. After waking up in paradise, start your day with a floating breakfast in the pool then unwind with a rejuvenating in-room massage.
BOOK: Karuna El Nido Villas
Karuna El Nido Villas – Best Resorts in El Nido
Karuna El Nido Villas – Best Resorts in El Nido
4. Mahogany Resort & Spa
Immerse yourself in nature at El Nido Mahogany Beach Resort, a picturesque property located within a 5000sqm beachfront coconut grove. Designed to be in harmony with nature, the thoughtfully crafted villas and bungalows seamlessly blend luxury living with tropical charm.
Experience utmost relaxation during your stay with the Mahogany Resort & Spa’s wellness facilities, complemented by simplicity and a peaceful ambience. Soak up some sun on the beach followed by a dip in the pristine pool to cool off, or spend a solitary moment in their gazebos reading your favourite vacation book.
BOOK: Mahogany Resort & Spa
Mahogany Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
Mahogany Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
5. Matinloc Resort
Matinloc Resort El Nido is located on the beautiful and isolated Matinloc Island. The resort offers an events-friendly venue such as the beach wedding of your dreams or even a work conference in paradise. Experience the ultimate island fine-dining at their main restaurant with panoramic views of the beach, or if you’re looking for something more intimate, the dedicated team can arrange for a private dinner on the beach under the stars or in the comfort of your luxury room.
After exploring all the outdoor activities available on the island like swimming, scuba diving, fishing and more, there’s no better place to relax than in your elegant yet modern villa or suite with your choice of sea, garden or forest views.
BOOK: Matinloc Resort
Matinloc Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
Matinloc Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
6. Pangulasian Island (ENR)
Pangulasian Island, also known as the “Island of the Sun”, is an eco-luxury island located within the El Nido Resorts group. Here you’ll find yourself in awe of the 750-meter long white sand beach and pristine, blue waters of Bacuit Bay.
Pangulasian Island boasts 42 luxurious accommodations that proudly displays contemporary Filipino architecture and ingenious “green” design. There are 8 canopy villas situated in the forest, as well as beach and pool villas that have a radiant view of the island resort. Enjoy a variety of outdoor water activities on the island such as island hopping, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and windsurfing. For total relaxation, visit their spa and experience world class treatments that will make your stay well-worthy.
BOOK: El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
Pangulasian Island – Best Resorts in El Nido
Pangulasian Island – Best Resorts in El Nido
7. Miniloc Island (ENR)
Miniloc Island, also known as El Nido Resorts’ Eco-Discovery island, is a splendid gateway to traverse popular attractions around Bacuit Bay, such as the big and small lagoons. True to its name, the resort offers snorkeling and diving activities where you can swim and discover a variety of marine species, including the 1.5-meter jack fish at its house reef.
Experience a Filipino coastal village vibe with the resort’s rustic elegance and native architecture. Each room has a veranda with a stunning view of the island’s sapphire waters and white sand beach. The resort also boasts a beautiful infinity pool where you can relax and watch the sunset.
BOOK: El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island
Miniloc Island – Best Resorts in El Nido
Miniloc Island – Best Resorts in El Nido
8. Lagen Island (ENR)
Lagen Island, recognized as El Nido Resorts’ Eco Sanctuary island resort, is situated between an abundant four-hectare forest and a tranquil lagoon. The island, having the densest forest out of 45 islands in Bacuit Bay, serves as a sanctuary for a variety of birds and mammals. Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the island, and discover different endemic species in their natural habitat.
The resort offers a variety of rooms, from private villas and bungalows nestled in the forest, to beachfront cottages that have a breathtaking panoramic view of the cove. Maximize your stay by experiencing enriching encounters around the resort like birdwatching, as well as mangrove exploration!
BOOK: El Nido Resorts Lagen Island
Lagen Island – Best Resorts in El Nido
Lagen Island – Best Resorts in El Nido
9. Maremegmeg Beach Club
El Nido is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush tropical forests. It’s also home to one of the best boutique beach clubs in town: Maremegmeg Beach Club.
The beach club has a 35×5 meter infinity pool that boasts a scenic view of El Nido’s turquoise waters and white sand beach, and each room has stylish, cozy interiors furnished with a balcony where you can have a cuppa while watching the sunset. Treat yourself to mouth-watering Filipino and international dishes at their alfresco dining area, and enjoy a cocktail(or two!) at their outdoor beach bar!
BOOK: Maremegmeg Beach Club
Maremegmeg Beach Club – Best Resorts in El Nido
Maremegmeg Beach Club – Best Resorts in El Nido
10. Vellago Resort
Nestled just atop the Seven Commando Beach, Vellago Resort, is a luxury boutique hotel with only 6 rooms that have balconies where you can have a stunning view of the ocean and sunset.
The resort offers a variety of outdoor activities including island hopping, snorkeling and kayaking. They also have a wide range of delicious food at their restaurant and a beach bar where you can wind down and have a couple of drinks with friends.
BOOK: Vellago Resort
Vellago Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
Vellago Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
11. Charlie’s El Nido
Nestled amidst the natural wonders of Palawan’s luxuriant landscape, Charlie’s El Nido, is the perfect place to stay without the need to travel to a different island.
The 55-room boutique hotel has a variety of modern and stylish accommodations, including a private villa. Each room either has instant access to the pool or to a terrace, so take your pick! Charlie’s El Nido also boasts a lot of exciting amenities including an invigorating plunge pool, a relaxing spa, an alfresco lounge and restaurant, a cocktail bar, a fitness center and its very own yoga studio.
BOOK: Charlie's El Nido
Charlie’s – Best Resorts in El Nido
Charlie’s – Best Resorts in El Nido
12. Nacpan Beach Glamping
Looking for an exciting yet unique vacation trip? Then Nacpan Beach Glamping might be the place for you to go on. In case you don’t know what glamping is, it is the combination word of “glamorous” and “camping”. There are 9 pretty glamping tents that lie in front of the beach along the foliage and palm trees. Inside the glamping tent gives you a furnished spacious and elegant style with a high ceiling. Each glamping tent also is air-conditioned and has 2 queen size beds that would definitely make you feel a relaxing stay. Meanwhile, the restrooms are shared. It has 8 toilets and shower spaces that are near to different places of the tents but you don’t have to worry when nature is calling at night since it has lights in the walkway that safely leads you to it.
From the term itself, “glamping” is basically glammed up camping and Nacpan Beach Glamping has taken the game up a notch! Inspired by Mongolian yurts, the resort boasts 9 huge tents situated just in front of the beach with a foliage of beautiful palm trees. Each tent has 2 queen sized beds, air conditioning and a high ceiling – most of which you can’t get in traditional camping!
Note that bath and restrooms are shared, but the place has 8 toilets and shower spaces so no need to worry about “traffic!”
BOOK: Nacpan Beach Glamping
Nacpan Beach Glamping – Best Resorts in El Nido
Nacpan Beach Glamping – Where To Stay El Nido
13. Cadlao Resort
Solar powered and surrounded with nature, Cadlao resort, is one of the best eco-friendly resorts in El Nido. This 25-room resort boasts a mix of traditional and modern Filipino-inspired bungalows that have their own outdoor patio with a view of the lush garden or El Nido bay.
Other amenities include two swimming pools, one of which is an infinity pool with a stunning view of beach. The resort also offers outdoor water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and lagoon hopping. Their spa offers Swedish Shiatsu massage treatment that uses organic products in a traditional private therapy room setting.
BOOK: Cadlao Resort
Cadlao Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
Cadlao Resort – Where To Stay El Nido
14. Panorama Resort
El Nido is home to a lot of stunning resorts, and that includes Panorama Resort. The boutique resort boasts 8 cozy coconut-like huts in a natural environment with instant access to the pool and pool bar. The resort also has direct access to the open-air beach club and restaurant where you get a stunning, panoramic view of Corong-Corong beach and a dose of Palawan’s spectacular sunsets. At night, the resort livens up with energetic music, care of their in-house DJ while you enjoy a couple of drinks with friends.
Panorama Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
Panorama Resort – Where To Stay El Nido
14. Cauayan Island Resort
Take a break from reality and escape to Cauayan Island Resort, a luxury private island resort in El Nido that promises to be the vacation of your dreams. Experience the finer things in life with a stay in a Filipino crafted villa overlooking the beach or pool. Before diving into the abundance of outdoor activities, be sure to fuel up at Cauayan Restaurant, serving first-class meals.
Discover your surroundings with island hopping, diving, trekking, kayaking, snorkelling and baby shark-watching. Freshen up and relax in the infinity pool featuring an amazing view of the pristine beach then settle in to watch the sunset with a refreshing drink in hand.
BOOK: Cauayan Island Resort
Cauayan Island Resort – Best Resorts in El Nido
Cauayan Island Resort – Where To Stay El Nido
Book El Nido Tours
Continue planning your trip to El Nido with these popular tours on GetYourGuide, a convenient way to book the best tours online.
- El Nido Island Hopping – Tour A
- El Nido Island Hopping – Tour B
- El Nido Island Hopping – Tour C
- El Nido Island Hopping – Tour D
Things To Do In El Nido
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