About this hotel
General information
Lagen Island sits in Bacuit Bay off El Nido, in northern Palawan. The resort fills a sheltered lagoon cove where limestone cliffs drop straight into turquoise water and the slopes above are cloaked in the tropical Napuro forest. With only 42 keys, spread between forest rooms and suites among the trees and villas over the water, the island stays quiet even when full. El Nido Resorts runs Lagen as an eco-sanctuary, with its own dive centre and a marine and biodiversity conservation centre on the island.
The buildings follow the island's contours, and the interiors were made by Filipino craftspeople in clay, carved wood, textiles and rattan. The arrival hall takes its cue from the traditional paraw sailing boat, finished in hand-carved timber and ceramic beadwork. Days revolve around the water: island-hopping by boat, kayaking and snorkelling in the bay, then ESPA treatments at the spa and dinner looking over the cove.
Location
Lagen is a private island in Bacuit Bay, a short way from the town of El Nido in northern Palawan. Scheduled flights reach El Nido's Lio airport from Clark, Cebu and Bohol, and charter flights can be arranged. The resort team meets guests at the airport for a 30-minute boat ride to the island; scheduled return transfers are part of the stay.
Spa
Lagen Spa & Gym works with ESPA and spreads over two levels around a garden with a reflection pond. Facilities include a heated pool, a cold plunge pool, a steam room, a sauna, three private treatment rooms and suites for couples. The menu pairs ESPA massages and facials with hilot, the traditional Filipino massage, followed by a dagdagay foot massage, and a coconut Buko Bath. The gym and a yoga studio share the same space.
Sports & leisure
Guided activities, island-hopping by boat and the use of kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling gear are part of every stay. Beyond that, the programme can be built to taste:
- diving from the resort's own dive centre, including Discover Scuba Diving try-dives;
- night outings in lit kayaks, watching the reef's nocturnal life below;
- Manta Tow, a glide across the water on a purpose-built wooden board towed by boat, plus Schiller water bikes, the Subnado underwater scooter and pedal boards;
- a mangrove tour and forest hiking trails to hidden viewpoints;
- a cruise on a traditional banca boat and a sunset cruise past the limestone cliffs;
- a Filipino cooking class using local produce;
- private tours, boat charters and GoPro rental.
For children
Babysitting can be arranged on request.
Restaurants & bars
The island's main restaurant is the Clubhouse Restaurant in The Lagen Clubhouse, open to views across the bay and hung with work by local artists. The resort also sets up dinners under the open sky on the sand or in a secluded corner of the island, a Filipino boodle feast laid out on banana leaves along a long table, breakfast on the room terrace and in-room dining.
Swimming
Lagen is all about the water of the lagoon and the bay: kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling gear are free for guests, and the island-hopping boats head out to the lagoons and beaches of Bacuit Bay. The island has its own sandbar, and the secluded shore of Entalula Island is among the settings for private ceremonies. The spa adds a heated pool and a cold plunge pool.
Rooms
The island has 42 keys: forest rooms and suites among the treetops with balconies or verandas, and villas set over the lagoon. Interiors combine warm timber, handwoven textiles and carving with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Every room has a balcony or veranda, air conditioning, an espresso machine with pods, a safe, a work desk, a sofa and dining table, blackout curtains, a hair dryer, a steamer, an umbrella, a buri palm bag and hat, a sungka board game, and fruit and refreshments on arrival.
Water Villa
A villa over the lagoon with a king bed, a generous bathroom and a living area that opens to the water; the private veranda and sunken lounge face the sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows; for two guests.
Forest Suite
A suite in the Napuro forest with a royal king bed, a separate lounge, a soaking tub and a private veranda over the greenery. Sleeps up to three.
Forest Deluxe
A room among the trees with a king bed or twin beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony with open forest views. For two guests.
Forest Room
A room overlooking the Napuro forest, with a king bed or two twin beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private veranda. Sleeps up to three.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.