White lotus may have Thailand in our minds, but I just returned from my first trip to the Philippines and I think if you want to avoid the crowds, I find that I have found the ideal place to go. After an exciting week in Manila, we set off on the short 1.5-hour flight from Philippine Airlines to Siargao, which looks like a distant paradise we all dream about. The island is covered with (almost) exclusive palm trees, making for the most beautiful jungle landscape I have ever seen.
While destinations like Thailand have long been at the top of the luxury traveler list, Nay Palad Hideaway on Siargao offers all the magic of a luxury island resort without crowds or over-commercialization. This is the perfect white lotus exchange with secluded beaches and world-class hospitality that makes this resort a truly good secret.
nay palad is barefoot escape
Hidden between the glassy blue Pacific Ocean and the ancient mangroves, Nay Palad offers a barefoot luxury experience that feels effortless and immersive. No desk, no set itinerary – just pure relaxation at your own pace. Whether you want to spend a full day kayaking on an untouched waterway, jumping between nearby islands, or hanging out in cocktails, hanging out by the picture-perfect swimming pool, everything is tailored to your own version of paradise. Oh, guess what, everything is included! So once your plane lands on Siargao, you don’t need to worry about your wallet.
Unlike crowded resorts in Phuket or Koh Samui, Nay Palad is intimate, exclusive, and has no influence from mass tourism. Here you won’t be fighting for beach chairs or waiting for tables to come for dinner time. Instead, the staff can foresee everything you need, making sure your stay feels very personal and really remembered.
Daily massage and around the island
One of my favorite journeys? Daily massages quickly become an unnegotiable part of the day. After a swimming or sailing to an empty beach, we will return to the spa for in-depth restorative treatment. The therapist seems to know exactly what our body needs – whether it’s a traditional Filipino Hilot massage, it can heal any lingering jet or cooled aloe treatment to soothe our sunny day.
We also set out on a private island jump adventure where we spent a day snorkeling, snorkeling in the clear waters, feasting on freshly grilled seafood, and relaxing on untouched white sand. The packed boat tour with me in the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, we have the entire island that makes the experience even more special.
The Magic of Nay Palad
At Nay Palad, every meal is an experience. Morning starts with tropical fruits, homemade pastries and freshly squeezed juices, while the nights feature grilled seafood, vibrant vegetable dishes and Filipino-style specialties. Just like the rest of the trip, the entire staff can be impeccable, ensuring all guests have complete privacy in every meal – each evening we dine in different areas of the property, whether it’s in a treetop or an open-air studio with sea views.
From the moment we arrived we were welcomed like old friends, and by the time we left we felt like saying goodbye at the second home. Every detail is carefully curated, from nightly treehouse dinners under the stars to private island boat tours to daily massages.
If you’ve been dreaming of a luxurious island escape but want to skip crowded hot spots, then no. This is the perfect alternative to white lotus – tropical villas, top-notch hospitality and a very rare sense of privacy. When we packed our luggage and left, one thing is certain: we were already planning when we would return.
If you are also planning a spring resort, check out our guide to the final spring packing list.
