Amanpulo

Amanpulo makes its home on the private island of Pamalican, one of thousands of islands in the oft-overlooked Philippines. Surrounded by a coral reef, this tiny island rises just a few meters above sea level, and there’s nothing here aside from the resort — and, of course, the airfield upon which your charter flight from Manila, arranged by Amanpulo, will land.

As is the Aman custom, this resort strives to blend in with its natural and cultural surroundings as much as possible. Here the 42 casitas and 18 villas are built in the style of the native Philippine bathay kubo dwellings, with thatched roofs and pebble-washed walls alongside luxe touches like king beds with rattan headboards and ornate indigenous-style furnishings. The bathroom, nearly as large as the bedroom, features dual vanities, a separate shower, and a freestanding tub. Satellite television is standard.

Most of the casitas lie directly along the beach for easy access, but the four Treetop Casitas climb with the trees above the island and the Hillside Casitas have elevated sea views. And if you need something a bit more private, there are always the villas, private residences each with up to four bedrooms and as many personal golf carts to connect guests with the main resort.

Massage and wellness treatments are available at the Aman Spa. Perhaps more than most Aman resorts, Amanpulo provides a wealth of physical activities, from diving and snorkeling along the reef to windsurfing, fishing, or exploring the island by bicycle. There’s no pressure, though, to turn your stay into some sort of extreme-sports challenge — living the quiet life will always be the most popular pastime at any Aman resort.

How to get there: Amanpulo is accessed by scheduled charter flight from Manila. Guests are met at Manila's international airport and taken to the Amanpulo lounge, located at a nearby hangar. Guests fly directly to Pamalican Island. Flight time is one hour. The cost of the roundtrip air transfer, Manila-Amanpulo-Manila, is $520+ USD per adult and $310+ per child aged 2–11. Baggage is limited to 20kg per adult, including carry-on luggage.