Want to have a taste of paradise on Earth? It may sound like a cheap cliché but that’s what the plush Amanpulo Resort offers to its visitors. Amanpulo is a luxury resort in Palawan, Philippines. It is a wonderful place where the waters and the sky seem to converge. Situated in the small private island of Pamalican, Amanpulo is surrounded by crystal clear waters that reflect the bright blue sky. Anyone who wants a quiet vacation can find exactly what they are looking for in this isolated place. That is, anyone who can afford it.

Amanpulo Resort is an exclusive white sand island resort. It generally caters to wealthy and privileged clientele. As such, the management always makes an effort to make all the resort’s guests feel as though they have the island for themselves. Surely, those who are looking for a much-needed privacy will appreciate the isolation that Amanpulo offers.

Beach front accommodation is consisted of 29 separate rooms, referred to as "casitas." The casistas are all air conditioned and fully-furnished. Each are made out of indigenous materials (even the furnitures) complete with floor-to-ceiling glass window installations – perfect for viewing the gorgeous scenery outside. Staying at a casista assures you of absolute privacy from other guests. In addition to the beach-front casitas, four more are constructed on the higher ground of the island among the treetops. If you prefer to have a more magnificent view of the sea and the whole island (as well as the sunrise and sunset), you may choose to stay at one of the seven more casistas situated on the hillside.

The main building in the resort is called The Clubhouse, which houses The Restaurant as well as The Lobby and the Bar. While the resort offers a 24-hour private dining experience, guests may also choose to enjoy a wide choice of delectable Asian and Continental cuisines at the restaurant.

For some quiet reading, guests may visit the Library, also at The Clubhouse (which has an art gallery and boutique as well). Located several steps away from the Clubhouse is Amanpulo’s Beach Club, where anyone can avail of water sport equipments.

Since the island is surrounded by breathtaking coral reefs, a wide variety of aquatic life thrives under the island’s clear waters – perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving activities. Windsurfing is also a favored activity, as well as sailing. Guests may also choose to go island-hopping as the surrounding islands not far away are also beautiful. But before you go exploring other islands, take the time to go round Pamalican itself. Measuring five and a half kilometers at its farthest point and only 500 meters across, you can finish a tour on foot in less than a day. If you don’t feel like walking, there’s a golf cart assigned for each casita that you may use to travel around.

If you prefer to stay indoors, there are several activities that you can do within the island, like sample Amanpulo Resort’s excellent spa services. You may choose to enjoy a nice massage and other aromatherapy treatments from the resort’s resident masseuses in the privacy of your rented casita or in the Spa Casita (you may also get a massage while in the Garden or Beach Sala). Or if you are a fitness buff, feel free to use the fully-equipped gym or play in any of the tennis courts (there are two) in front of the Clubhouse.

As it’s an exclusive Philippine travel destination, Amanpulo is only accessible through chartered flights from Manila (prepare US$400 for a roundtrip package). Guests are flown directly to Pamalican, where they will land at the island’s own private airstrip. If you are concerned that the place might be too isolated for its own good, there’s no need to worry. Amanpulo Resort is fairly self-sufficient (it even has its own doctor and nurse in residence). Cellular phone signal is strong while the Internet is accessible thanks to the complimentary island-wide 2MB Wi-Fi connection.