El Nido is a dream travel destination nestled in the northern part of Palawan Island. This beautiful paradise offers incredible island-hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, and pristine beaches. It’s a great place to indulge in the sun and sea, and what better way than at one of the amazing resorts in El Nido? In this blog post, I’ll cover the 16 best resorts in El Nido, Palawan, including luxury resorts, beachfront hotels, and even the budget resorts in town.
My personal favorites are Piece Lio for its lofted rooms and Cauayan Island Resort for its idyllic private island setting.
16 Best Resorts in El Nido
After living in the Philippines and visiting Palawan numerous times, I’ve put together the 16 best resorts in El Nido. These properties make the most of the region’s beautiful sea views, sandy beaches, and soaring limestone cliffs. Additional perks include secluded private island settings, premium amenities, and outstanding service. Read on to discover the best resorts in El Nido!
QUICK PICKS: MY 3 FAVORITE RESORTS IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN
Don’t have time to read the whole guide? No worries! These are my three favorite resorts in El Nido resorts.
ACCOMMODATION COMPARISON TABLE
I’ve listed the 16 best resorts in El Nido below, with a table showing current rates. These rates reflect the price for a standard room during the high season (January – April). Prices are subject to change.
| ACCOMMODATION | Price |
|---|---|
| Pangulasian Island | $1400 |
| Miniloc Island | $790 |
| LIHIM Resorts | $760 |
| Cauayan Island Resort and Spa | $740 |
| Vellago Resort | $660 |
| Lagen Island Resort | $600 |
| ANGKLA Boutique Resort | $540 |
| Matinloc Resort | $510 |
| Panorama Beach Club and Resort | $450 |
| Piece Lio | $330 |
| Seda Lio | $330 |
| Frangipani El Nido | $260 |
| Nacpan Glamping | $240 |
| Cadlao Resort & Restaurant | $220 |
| RC Villas and Resorts | $70 |
| Corong Beach Resort | $65 |
16 Best Resorts in El Nido
El Nido is one of the most scenic island destinations in the world, let alone in the Philipines. With its warm, turquoise waters, swaying palms, and white, sandy beaches, it’s the ideal island escape. To make the most of your upcoming beach holiday, I’ve summarized the 16 best resorts in El Nido for an unforgettable stay.
Pangulasian Island by El Nido Resorts
Pangulasian Island is one of El Nido’s most famed private island resorts. A member of the El Nido Resorts group, Pangulasian is nicknamed the Island of the Sun, for its panoramic sunrise and sunset views. This eco-luxe island features 42 standalone villas spread across the island, either along the sandy beachfront or tucked away in the jungled hilltop. I recommend booking one of the Kalaw Villas, perfect for entertaining large groups.
As one of the best luxury resorts in El Nido, Pangulasian provides a wealth of amenities. Facilities include a fitness center, multiple pools, island tours, and a restaurant serving international fare. Guests are welcome to book indulgent spa treatments, explore the island with complimentary watersports, or simply unwind in the privacy of their luxury villa. With its castaway setting and luxurious suites, Pangulaisian is one of the best luxury resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of Pangulasian
Miniloc Island by El Nido Resorts
Miniloc Island is another offering from the esteemed El Nido Resorts Group. This private island is the perfect choice for you if you’re seeking an upscale resort that also offers incredible diving and unspoiled landscapes. The resort itself is carved into the cliff edge of a dramatic limestone mountain, and surrounded by a turquoise lagoon. The in-house lagoon is even home to 1.5 meter-long jackfish!
In addition to its comfortable suites and overwater bungalows, Miniloc Island offers activities and experiences to enhance your stay. Guests can partake in complimentary watersports, explore the nearby lagoons, or dine at the Miniloc Clubhouse. With its charming Filipino charm and inspiring location, Miniloc is one of the best resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of Miniloc Island
LIHIM Resorts
LIHIM Resorts is one of the newest luxury resorts in El Nido. Tucked away on a hillside between El Nido Town proper and Lio Beach, the resort enjoys a secluded setting despite being on the mainland. The accommodations here range from seaside cottages to presidential villas boasting private infinity pools. All suites are accompanied by butler service for best-in-class service.
Along with its excellent service, Lihim offers thoughtful amenities. Guests have access to a fitness center and spa, as well as privileged access to private lounges, a beach club, and culinary tastings. Highlights include farm-to-table dining at the poolside restaurant and their rooftop steakhouse. Personally, I’ve had trouble communicating with their staff regarding bookings, but that’s just my experience.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of LIHIM
Cauayan Island Resort and Spa
Cauayan Island Resort and Spa is a boutique private island resort in El Nido. This tropical island is home to towering limestone cliffs, lush gardens, and a calm, sandy beach. Accommodations include beach bungalows, overwater villas, and even a two-bedroom pool villa with sea views. All rooms include modern amenities, elegant furnishings, and incredible views.
Beyond its chic bungalows, Cauayan offers bespoke amenities. Guests can make use of the fitness center, hike the island’s natural trails, or dive into water sports. The resort also features a beachfront infinity pool, a restaurant, and a shopping boutique. For a romantic island getaway, Cauayan is one of the best luxury resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of Cauayan Island
Vellago Resort
Vellago Resort is a boutique property set on El Nido’s picturesque Seven Commando Beach. With only 6 rooms and no road access, this is one of the most intimate resorts in El Nido! Each of its suits is privy to sweeping views of Bacuit Bay, with incredible sunsets more often than not. The rooms feature large canopied beds, spacious indoor/outdoor living, and sunny private patios.
Despite its small size, Vellago offers a host of amenities. Round-trip transfers from the mainland are included in each booking, along with breakfast and a candle-lit dinner. Additionally, guests can book in-house island hopping tours, or enjoy complimentary kayaking or snorkeling. Massages are also available to book, as are tours of Nacpan Beach. With its intimate setting and spectacular sunsets, Vellago is one of the best luxury resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of Vellago Resort
Lagen Island by El Nido Resorts
Lagen Island is another of the private island El Nido Resorts. This resort offers 51 rooms and suites, with some set over the calm lagoon. All rooms are well-appointed, with spacious private patios and elegant furnishings. As with Miniloc and Cauayan, the resort is surrounded by lush limestone cliffs, creating the perfect backdrop for your stay in paradise.
This sustainable 5-star resort is popular for scuba diving, birdwatching, and hiking. The island is one of the most densely forested in the Bay, making it an ideal place for pursuits in nature. Meanwhile, resort facilities include a restaurant, spa, library, pool bar, and a marine sports center. Considering its serene setting and five-star amenities, Lagen has earned its place among the best luxury resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Lagen Island
ANGKLA Beach Club & Boutique Resort
ANGKLA Beach Club & Boutique Resort is a trendy new resort located on Nacpan Beach, a 40-minute drive north of El Nido Town proper. This boutique property boasts 30 aesthetically designed rooms, featuring a blend of modern and traditional Filipino decor. They’re among the most fresh of any resort in El Nido.
As far as amenities go, guests can enjoy lounging at the beachfront infinity pool, stroll through the tropical gardens, or opt for a workout or massage treatment. The Beach Club provides a great atmosphere, with craft cocktails and delicious bites. Additionally, guests can book island hopping tours, go snorkeling, or organize private sunset dinners on the beach. With its idyllic location and fun vibes, Angkla is one of the best resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of ANGKLA
Matinloc Resort
Matinloc Resort is one of my favorite private island resorts in El Nido. I stayed there on my first ever visit to El Nido in 2015 and it’s always been special to me! Although it’s a bit older now, the resort still offers a serene island escape. The island features spacious villas with floor-to-ceiling views, canopied beds, and oversized soaking tubs. I recommend a Beach or VIP Villa for the best sea views.
Despite its secluded setting, the island offers several amenities to enhance your stay. Guests can book spa treatments, hike along the island’s nature trails, or embark on private excursions like fishing or island hopping. I loved that the resort offers complimentary kayaks, and I spent a few afternoons kayaking to secret beaches right from the resort beach. Another highlight is the gorgeous beachfront infinity pool, one of the best in the region. All things considered, Matinloc is one of the best luxury resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to view the current rates and availability of Matinloc Resort
Panorama Beach Club and Resort
Panorama Beach Club and Resort is an oceanfront property on Corong-Corong Beach. This aesthetically designed property features 8 unique thatched roof cottages nestled within lush, tropical gardens. The rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable furnishings, perfect for unwinding between island hopping tours.
Facilities at Panorama include a resort pool, a beach club and restaurant, massages, and a garden. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, airport transfers, and concierge service to book tours and excursions. With its intimate atmosphere and prime sunset location, Panorama is one of the best resorts in El Nido for a beach getaway.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Panorama
Piece Lio
Piece Lio is the newest five-star resort in El Nido. Located just steps from Lio Beach, this boutique resort boasts elevated design and gorgeous interiors. The lofted rooms in particular are my favorite, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over tropical gardens. The resort itself is located next to Lio Beach, within walking distance of the restaurants and shops along the beach.
The facilities at Piece Lio include a beautiful outdoor pool and garden, as well as a great restaurant on site. Transfers to and from the airport (a 5-minute drive) are included with your stay. Finally, this new resort has rave reviews, making it a solid contender for the best resort in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Piece Lio
Seda Lio
Seda Lio is the largest luxury resort in El Nido. Tucked away at the end of Lio Beach, this sprawling estate offers a serene setting just minutes from the airport and town proper. Seda offers 153 guest rooms ranging from deluxe forest rooms all the way up to the spacious Seda Suite. I recommend booking a standard suite for direct access to the grassy lawn and pool area.
In terms of amenities, the hotel boasts several ballrooms, a restaurant and beach bar, a spa, and a fitness center. Its beachfront location is also a huge draw, and it’s the reason I’m getting married at Seda! Other highlights include the buffet breakfast, proximity to the shops and restaurants of Lio Beach, and its 4-minute travel time to the airport. For all these reasons, Seda Lio is one of the top luxury resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Seda Lio
Frangipani El Nido
Frangipani El Nido is a boutique 4-star property on Corong Corong Beach. This cozy beachfront resort offers just 7 suites, making it ideal for a relaxing beach holiday or a buyout with friends. The suites offer beautiful views, plenty of light, and soothing natural decor. Rooms include en-suite baths, a king-size bed, a sofa, a Nespresso machine, and a flat-screen TV.
Guests at Frangipani can enjoy thoughtful amenities like a delicious daily breakfast, the ambient Rubra lounge (perfect for sundowners), and private dining experiences. For those who want to enjoy an upscale hotel without the crowds, Frangipani is one of the best resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Frangipani
Cadlao Resort and Restaurant
Cadlao Resort and Restaurant is a 3-star hotel just outside of El Nido Town proper. I loved staying here and feel it’s one of the best value resorts in El Nido. The property features 37 rooms, ranging from standard cottages to sea-view suites with panoramic views of El Nido Bay. Of course, I’d recommend the Seafront Cottage or a Poolside Family Cottage for the best vantage point.
The resort features amenities including 3 outdoor pools, an oceanfront restaurant and bar, a boutique shop, and a spa. The resort provides a daily free tricycle ride to and from the main beach in town and can assist in booking island hopping tours and excursions in town. With one of the best infinity pools in town and warm hospitality, Cadlao Resort is one of my favorite resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Cadlao Resort
Nacpan Beach Glamping
Nacpan Beach Glamping provides a luxurious and exotic way to experience El Nido. Located on Nacpan Beach, 40 minutes north of El Nido Town, this glamping resort is a unique way to experience Palawan. The resort offers 9 large Mongolian-style yurts, with clean, aesthetic interiors and 2 comfortable queen beds. The tents include air-conditioning, and additional seating, and can accommodate guests over 6 feet tall.
The real draw of Nacpan Beach Glamping is its beautiful grounds. The tents are spread across tropical gardens, with over 300 coconut trees. A relaxing outdoor pool with a poolside bar are on-site, with the neighboring Nacpan Sunmai Restaurant providing delicious international cuisine and an included buffet breakfast. For travelers looking for an insta-worthy escape, Nacpan Beach Glamping is one of the most aesthetic resorts in El Nido!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Nacpan Glamping
RC Villas and Resorts
RC Villas and Resorts is a secluded hilltop resort just above Marimegmeg Beach, 15 minutes south of El Nido Town. RC Villas is unique because it offers both dorm-style accommodations and private suites with stunning sea views. I recommend the premium dormitory room for groups of friends or the Top Villa for couples or solo travelers. Each room features an en-suite bath, mini-fridge, balcony, and a flat-screen TV.
Amenities at RC Villas include an outdoor infinity pool with amazing views, a restaurant and bar, and a shared lounge. There are also shaded sun loungers on the pool deck and an included breakfast. Guests rave about the great food, beautiful location, and excellent service. Considering all of the above, RC Villas is one of the best value resorts in El Nido.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for RC Villas
Corong Beach Resort
Corong Beach Resort is a 2-star resort on Corong Corong Beach. This cozy property features beachfront bungalows with beautiful views of Bacuit Bay. Each room offers a private patio, a desk, and a private bath. There’s a restaurant on-site serving Asian cuisine with a breakfast available to purchase. The front desk can also assist with making tour bookings and recommendations. Guests can enjoy the nightlife of Corong Beach within a short walk, while also enjoying their quiet corner of the beach.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Corong Beach Resort
Conclusion: Best Resorts in El Nido
That’s it for my complete guide to the best resorts in El Nido! Hopefully, you found the perfect place for your upcoming travels. With such an incredible setting, it’s hard not to have a great time! But if you didn’t find what you were looking for, try my Best Hostels in El Nido guide, or my Where to Stay in El Nido guide. And as always, happy travels!
ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY EL NIDO SERIES?
You want to go island-hopping in El Nido but aren’t sure whether TOUR A,B,C or D will be better? Take a look at my El Nido Island Hopping Guide that compares all of the four tours to help you pick the best one for you. One of the best ways to explore Palawan is with Big Dream Boat Man on their 3-night Island-Hopping Tour to avoid the crowds and visit all the best spots between El Nido and Coron. I’ve done it and loved it!
Wondering what there is to do in El Nido? I’ve been twice and spent almost 30 days in El Nido so I’ve got some great recommendations for you in my Travel Guide to El Nido: 20 Awesome Things To Do
Which region will you choose for your accommodation in El Nido? I’ve broken each region down and given you suggestions for budget, value and luxury in El Nido Town, Lio Beach and Las Cabanas Beach in this guide: Where to stay in El Nido or check out my Guide to the 16 Best El Nido Resorts or for some luxury the 13 Best Overwater Bungalows in The Philippines.
Of course, everyone loves the island hopping in El Nido, but it can be hard to figure out which tour is best for you. I’ve done a full review about each tour.
- My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour A
- My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour B
- My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour C
- My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour D
If you are considering which island to visit in Palawan, here is a helpful Guide Comparing El Nido vs Coron or you can visit El Nido and then take the ferry to Coron.
ISLAND HOPPING ‘OPTIONS’ IN EL NIDO
I was lucky enough to experience Tour A, Tour B and Tour C and Tour D. However, don’t stress about which ‘letter tour’ will be the best. It’s El Nido, you are going to be visiting lagoons and beaches that will blow your mind no matter what tour you are on.
- BIG DREAM BOAT MAN TRIP: 3-NIGHT Island Hopping Expedition to all of the top spots on a crossing from El Nido to Coron! I did it and it’s my favorite Palawan experience BY FAR!
- EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Miniloc Island, Shimizu Island, Snorkel with turtles at Seven Commando Beach, BBQ Lunch
- EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, BBQ Lunch
- EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR C: Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach, BBQ Lunch
- EL NIDO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR D: Island, Pasandingan Beach, Small Lagoon, Natnat Beach, BBQ Lunch
3 BEST EL NIDO TOURS
- Island Hopping Tour D: Hidden Beaches, Lagoons and Snorkeling (Less busy than the other island-hopping tours)
- Island Hopping Tour A: Big Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon and other POPULAR but AWESOME locations. Most booked tour in El Nido for a reason.
- Luxury Speed boat Island Hopping Tour: – A day of luxury with your own group on a speedboat as you visit the top locations in El Nido.
MY ACCOMMODATION GUIDES FOR THE PHILIPPINES
- Luxury in South Cebu: 18 BEST SOUTH CEBU RESORTS
- Bucketlist: 13 BEST PHILIPPINES OVERWATER BUNGALOWS
- Beach Resorts in North Cebu: BEST RESORTS IN CEBU
- El Nido Resorts: 12 BEST RESORTS IN EL NIDO
- Moalboal Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
- Panglao Resorts: 13 BEST LUXURY RESORTS IN PANGLAO
- Siargao Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
- Hostels in Cebu: 10 BEST HOSTELS IN CEBU
- Sustainable Resorts: 12 BEST ECO RESORTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
- Coron Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY IN CORON
MORE OF MY PHILIPPINES GUIDES
- The Ultimate Philippines Itinerary: 3-4 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
- Best Island Hopping Trip: BIG DREAM BOAT MAN IN CORON
- The Backpacker’s Guide to the Philippines: 1 MONTH FOR $800
- Ultimate Guide to Coron: 22 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN CORON
- Ultimate Guide to Siargao: 40 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
- Ultimate Guide to Romblon: 17 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN ROMBLON
- Ultimate Guide to El Nido: 20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO
- Ultimate Guide to Bohol: 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL
- Ultimate Guide to Sibuyan: 9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SIBUYAN
Monica
Wednesday 20th of April 2022
I believe several of these hotels are out of business (especially the budget resorts). I cannot find any booking info for many of them. Panoramo --only a phone # but reviews are several years old. I found your site helpful but unable to find something to book.