Cauayan Island ResortPhilippines/Cauayan+Island+Resort

Starting price: 350 USD /night

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Beach hotels in Palawan offer some of the most unique and unforgettable escapes in Southeast Asia, but none blend raw island beauty with refined elegance quite like Cauayan Island Resort & Spa in El Nido Palawan. Perfectly located on a gorgeously secluded private island in Bacuit Bay, this luxurious hideaway is accessible only by boat, the overwater transfer immediately transporting guests to a realm where time slows down and nature takes center stage. El Nido itself is a treasure of natural beauty within the Philippines. This region is home to dramatic limestone formations, hidden lagoons, and diverse marine life, stunning beauty both above and below the waterline. Known globally as one of the last ecological frontiers, this destination draws travelers seeking serenity and relaxation, and adventure and inspiration. Cauayan El Nido, a true standout among El Nido Palawan hotels and resorts, was born out of a dream, one where two travelers fell in love with the landscape and returned to follow their dream and build something magical. And they truly succeeded against all the odds. Today, their vision has become a symbol of laid-back luxury, consistently rated among the best beachfront resorts in El Nido Palawan. The resort’s design respects its lush surroundings while offering world-class amenities that cater to discerning tastes. Solar energy powers much of the resort, and sustainability runs through every aspect of this Palawan boutique hotel’s operations, from waste management to the organic spa treatments and the garden-to-table cuisine. For those who appreciate thoughtful luxury, Cauayan represents and exemplifies the gold standard. Its commitment to personalized service, eco-conscious practices, and natural beauty positions it among the most sought-after beachfront resorts in El Nido Palawan and a top-tier entry in the best El Nido Palawan resorts for couples, families, and solo adventurers alike.

Your Host and The Team


“At Cauayan Island Resort, we envision a tranquil haven where luxury meets nature on a private island in El Nido, Palawan. Our goal is to offer guests a perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and authentic island experiences. With 30 beautifully designed villas that showcase a harmonious mix of Asian and Western styles, each space invites guests to unwind while enjoying stunning ocean or bay views. We aim to create personalized experiences, from exploring vibrant marine life and island adventures to indulging in soothing spa treatments. Cauayan is also a romantic escape, ideal for intimate celebrations like honeymoons and weddings, with tailored services to make every moment unforgettable. Committed to sustainability, we prioritize eco-friendly practices that protect the island’s natural beauty and support the local community. Our vision is to provide a luxurious yet responsible retreat where guests can connect deeply with nature and each other.”


The Pick of the Best El Nido Palawan Resorts, the Luxury Villas at Cauayan Beach Resort El Nido

Cauayan beach Resort El Nido was designed not just to house guests on their wonderful holiday in the Philippines, but to immerse them in comfort, privacy, and aesthetic pleasure. With only 30 villas, each designed to balance traditional Filipino charm with modern luxury, every stay feels intimate and exclusive. Whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway or a family seeking space and peace, there’s a villa to suit every occasion. The Lagoon Villas offer a nature-embracing retreat with views of the man-made lagoon and gentle waterfalls, while the Beachfront Villas open directly onto the powdery sands, ideal for early morning swims and sunset lounging. For a truly immersive tropical experience, the Water Villas at Cauayan Beach Resort are perched above the clear, turquoise waters and allow guests to sleep with the ocean as their lullaby. These villas elevate the stay to something much more than a holiday in El Nido, they become your private sanctuary in one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines. The Pool Villas, including the Sunrise, Bay View, and Premium Bay View variants, provide additional space, second bedrooms, and panoramic views from infinity pools. With the option for private butler service, guests enjoy the kind of attention and exclusivity that makes the Cauayan Island Resort stand out as one of the best hotel resorts in El Nido Palawan. The interiors echo the natural beauty outside, with sunken bathtubs, semi outdoor bathrooms with outdoor and indoor showers, locally sourced wooden furnishings, and expansive terraces. All villas include complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, luxurious bed linens, and thoughtfully curated amenities. Every stay includes access to floating breakfasts, in-villa dining, and personalized spa treatments. This is why Cauayan ranks among the best resorts in Palawan for family vacations, honeymoons, and solo getaways.



“A dream come true, a beautiful resort on a private island within a marine paradise, this defines the Cauayan Island Resort. The team here have redefined luxury, from the stay experience to their dedication to responsible travel and sustainability, and to the thoughtful and creative dining experiences. This is the island paradise you have always dreamed of, realized!”
Kim, the discoverer.



Adventures and Attractions in Palawan’s Paradise while staying at Cauayan El Nido

Cauayan El Nido is not just a luxurious retreat, it is a gateway to exploring the unparalleled natural wonders of Palawan. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful part of Asia is on a Secret Retreats Philippine’s travel itinerary, these can be off the shelf travel plans that showcase the best of the Philippines and take care of every detail to maximize pleasure times and minimize travel times, and tailormade travel itineraries for the Palawan and the Philippines, with travel plans designed just for you by Secret Retreats, the Asia experts. Guests at Cauayan El Nido can embark on curated adventures straight from this stunning Palawan resort. Your adventure can begin just minutes from the resort’s shores. First on most travelers’ lists is the Secret Lagoon, accessible only through a narrow limestone opening, where emerald water and serenity await you. Equally captivating is the Big Lagoon, an iconic El Nido site where one can kayak through soaring rock formations and into crystal-clear waters that mirror the sky. These are not just Instagram-able spots, they are unmissable experiences that will share the majesty of nature in this breathtakingly beautiful part of Asia with you. For those willing to venture farther, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park shares a rare opportunity for you to serenely cruise a navigable underground river, taking you through stunning rock formations of this underground world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, giving guests yet another reason to extend their Palawan stay. Another gem is Nacpan Beach, 4ms of soft golden sands fringed by turquoise waters, peaceful and unspoiled, the perfect beach for those who prefer beachside relaxation to exploration. Back at Cauayan, the resort’s Activities Center also arranges guided excursions for guests, including SCUBA diving, snorkeling, island hopping, and sunset sailing. For land-based activities, guests can enjoy guided yoga at sunrise, take treks through to enjoy the local nature along nearby forested trails, or unwind between adventures with a relaxing beachfront massage. The team at Cauayan Beach Resort and Spa also provide a delicious variety of culinary experiences for guests, with beachside dinners and secluded candlelit dinners a regular guest favourite, Boodle Fights (a traditional dining style with a table loaded with delicious local fare all served to share family style), and smokehouse feasts elevate the stay into a celebration of the senses, especially the taste buds! Children are warmly catered for too at Cauayan with tailored activities and family-friendly villa spaces all cementing Cauayan’s reputation among the best resorts in Palawan for family travel. The perfect harmony of adventure and peace, nature and luxury, is what truly sets this Palawan, El Nido luxury resort apart. With every moment offering either a thrill or a breath of calm and relaxation, Cauayan proves itself to be one of the ultimate Cauayan Island Resort and Spa Philippines destinations for all kinds of travelers.


Rooms


Lagoon Villa (5 units)

The Lagoon Villas at 55sqm are the perfect choice for couples and solo travellers alike. Set with a comfy queen-sized bed, these villas comfortably sleep up to two guests. The private en-suite semi-outdoor bathroom includes a luxurious sunken tub within the bathroom and an outdoor walk-in rain shower. The villa’s terrace is set with a day bed and positioned to share relaxing views of the man-made lagoon and waterfall. Other features of the Lagoon Villas include air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi, minibar, in-room safe, coffee machine and kettle, hairdryer, complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers, TV, and writing desk.

Beach View Villa (6 units)

The Beach View Villas are perfectly positioned to share views of the beach with guests. Set with either a king bed or twin single beds, these vials very comfortably sleep up to 2 guests. The private en-suite bathroom features an outdoor walk-in rain shower, and complimentary bathroom amenities. The terrace is set with a day bed, the perfect spot to enjoy the beach views. Other features include air-conditioning, complimentary WiFi, minibar, in-room safe, coffee machine and kettle, hairdryer, complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers, TV, and writing desk.

Beach Front Villa (8 units)

At 70sqm and set with a king bed the Beach Front Villas very comfortably sleep up to two guests or a maximum of 3 guests (2 adults and 1 child, additional charges apply). The private en-suite bathroom features a luxurious sunken marble bathtub and an outdoor walk-in rain shower in a private garden. The verandah is set with a day bed, positioned to enjoy the beach and ocean views. Other features include complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, coffee machine and kettle, in-room safe, hairdryer, complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers, TV, and writing desk.

Water Villa (4 units)

Raised over the water in the traditional way on stilts, the Water Villas are a very spacious 60sqm and comfortably sleep up to 2 guests on the fitted king bed. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean and the island from the Villa’s deck and day bed. The private en-suite bathroom features a luxurious sunken marble bathtub and an outdoor walk-in rain shower. These overwater villas also feature complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, coffee machine and kettle, in-room safe, hairdryer, complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers, TV, and writing desk.

Resort View Cauayan Pool Villa (2 units)

The 2-bedroom Resort View Cauayan Pool Villa shares 220sqm of luxury space with guests. Sleeping up to 4 guests as standard in the 2 bedrooms, the villa can sleep a maximum of 6 guests with the addition of an extra bed 9charges apply). The Master Bedroom is set with a king bed and its own oversized bathroom that features a sunken marble bathtub and vanity unit. The second bedroom can be converted into a living room and also has its own bathroom with shower attached. To up the luxury level, guests staying in the Resort View Cauayan Pool Villa can also book a private butler service to make their stay extra special. The highlight of these villas has to be the private pool set on the villas terrace, along with sun loungers and a day bed. Additional features include complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, coffee machine and kettle, in-room safe, hairdryer, complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers, TV, and writing desk.

Bay View Cauayan Pool Villa (3 units)

The Bay View Cauayan Pool Villas are a very spacious 220sqm and comfortably sleep up to 4 guests in the 2 bedrooms, or a maximum of 6 guests with the addition of an extra bed (charges apply). The Master Bedroom is set with a king bed and an en-suite private bathroom with a sunken marble bathtub with views to the ocean from the bath. The second bedroom is set with a large double bed and its own private ensuite bathroom with walk-in rain shower. The villa also features a living room and a large terrace with private plunge poo, sun loungers and a day bed. Guests can also book the services of a private butler service while staying in the Bay View Cauayan Pool Villas (additional charges apply). These villas also include complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, coffee machine and kettle, in-room safe, hairdryer, complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers, TV, and writing desk.

Sunrise Cauayan Pool Villa (1 unit)

The two-bedroom Sunrise Cauayan Pool Villa will comfortably sleep up to 4 guests or a maximum of 6 guests with the addition of an extra bed (charges apply). At 220sqm this villa is very spacious, perfect for a family holiday. The Master Bedroom is set with a king bed and the en-suite private bathroom features a luxury sunken marble bathtub, shower and vanity unit. The second bedroom features a large double bed and a private ensuite bathroom set with a walk-in shower. The living room is set with comfy seating and the large terrace has sun loungers, a day bed and a private plunge pool. To make your stay extra luxurious, why not book the private butler service (additional charges apply). Other features include complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, coffee machine and kettle, in-room safe, hairdryer, complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers, TV, and writing desk.

Premium Bay View Cauayan Pool Villa (2 units)

The two Premium Bay View Cauayan Pool Villas are set perfectly to share wonderful views of the bay. With two bedrooms and a lounge the villas can comfortably sleep up to 4 guests in the 2 bedrooms, and a maximum of 6 guests with the addition of an extra bed (charges apply). The Master Bedroom is set with a king bed and its private en-suite bathroom features a luxurious sunken marble bathtub and shower. The second bedroom is set with a large queen bed and a private en-suite bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. The terrace features a private infinity edged swimming pool that shares uninterrupted views of the bay with bathers. The terrace also features sun loungers and a day bed. The Premium Bay View Cauayan Pool Villas also feature complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, coffee machine and kettle, in-room safe, hairdryer, complimentary bathroom amenities, bathrobes and slippers, TV, and writing desk.

Hotel Facilities and Highlights

Cauayan Island Resort highlight
  • 24h Reception24h Reception
    Concierge/Tour DeskConcierge/Tour Desk
    WifiWifi
    BoutiqueBoutique
    Air ConditioningAir Conditioning
    Wedding/EventWedding/Event
    Eco FriendlyEco Friendly
    NatureNature
    GardenGarden
    Swimming PoolSwimming Pool

Useful Information

GENERAL
Total number of rooms: 30
Annual closing:
Open all year

Time zone: (GMT+08:00) Singapore
Currency accepted: PHP
Credit cards accepted: Visa, American Express
Electricity voltage: 220V
Electricity plug type:
ACCESS
Cauayan Island Resort is accessible via El Nido’s Lio Airport (ENI), which is served by Cebu Pacific flights from Manila (MNL), Boracay [Caticlan] (MPH), Cebu (CEB), and Coron (USU). It’s a 20-minute van ride to El Nido Pier from the airport, followed by a 30-minute speed boat transfer to the resort, depending on tides. Please note that flights arriving after 4:00 PM are not recommended as your arival will be too late for the boat transfer. You can also travel by sea from Coron to El Nido. For guests arriving in El Nido town, private transfers can also be arranged. El Nido can also be reached by land from Puerto Princesa City, which is a scenic 4-5 hour drive.
Airport: Lio Airport (ENI) - 9.5 km
Pier or Port: El Nido Pier - 8 km

CONTACT
Cauayan Island, Bacuit Bay, Barangay, Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan , Philippines
CONTACT HERE



CONCIERGE
Your concierge is ready to assist you with planning and completing your reservation,
contact them on dream@secret-retreats.com

We Care

The Cauayan Island Resort redefines the meaning of eco-luxury, blending indulgence with a deep commitment to sustainability. Every detail of the hotel’s operations has been carefully curated to consider the environment. Powered predominantly by solar energy, the resort champions efficiency through measures like LED lighting and smart air conditioning systems. It boasts an on-site desalination plant for clean drinking water and recycles wastewater for irrigation, ensuring minimal impact on natural resources. Waste management at Cauayan is a gold standard in eco-consciousness. Composting plays a central role, while single-use plastics are practically non-existent, replaced by reusable bottles, biodegradable straws, and wooden utensils. The resort is also deeply invested in marine and wildlife conservation, spearheading initiatives such as coral reef protection and fostering awareness through responsible tourism education. Guests are invited to roll up their sleeves and join beach clean-ups, turning a getaway into a purposeful experience. Cauayan’s farm-to-table dining philosophy elevates gastronomic delights with a sustainable touch. Fresh ingredients grown in the resort’s gardens take center stage, complemented by goods sourced from local farmers and artisans. Beyond this, the resort actively uplifts the local community through employment opportunities and partnerships, ensuring an authentic connection to the island’s heritage. At Cauayan Island Resort, every stay is more than just luxurious, it’s a journey of conscious living. Visitors leave not only with cherished memories but also knowing they’ve contributed to preserving the breathtaking beauty and the rich culture of this pristine haven.

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