12 Days - Five Star Philippines

Welcome to the Philippines! Upon arrival at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you will be met by your private transfer and taken directly to The Peninsula Manila, located in the centre of Makati. Widely regarded as one of the country’s most established luxury hotels, The Peninsula offers an immediate sense of calm and refinement. The lobby’s high ceilings, polished floors and signature grand staircase create a welcoming first impression that blends formality with warmth.

Once settled in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax. You may wish to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, including the palm-shaded swimming pool, fitness centre or spa, where a range of massages and wellness treatments are available. If you prefer to stretch your legs, the Greenbelt area nearby offers landscaped walkways, galleries, designer shops and cafes - making it a pleasant place to adjust to the local time and climate at your own pace.

Dinner tonight can be enjoyed at one of the hotel’s signature restaurants. Choose from South East Asian dishes in the courtyard garden at Spices, or modern European cuisine at Old Manila, with its refined atmosphere and seasonal menu. However you spend the evening, your stay at The Peninsula Manila sets the tone for a journey defined by considered luxury and personal comfort.

After breakfast at The Peninsula, your guide will meet you for a full-day private tour exploring Manila’s history, food and evolving cityscape. Begin in Intramuros, the oldest district in the capital, where stone walls and quiet streets enclose what was once the centre of Spanish power. Rather than touring by van or on foot, you’ll explore the walled city by Bambike: a hand-crafted bamboo bicycle made by a social enterprise supporting Filipino craftspeople and low-income communities. This gentle ride takes you to key heritage sites, including Fort Santiago and Plaza San Luis, while offering a relaxed and eco-conscious way to experience the area’s colonial charm.

From there, the tour moves to Rizal Park, where the country’s national hero, José Rizal, was executed. Your guide will share stories that provide important context for the Philippines’ independence movement and the role Rizal played in shaping national identity. After this thoughtful interlude, you’ll dive into something more vibrant - Binondo, home to the world’s oldest Chinatown. Ongpin Street is lined with restaurants serving Chinese-Filipino cuisine that reflects centuries of migration and adaptation. Lunch today is an informal but delicious walking experience, with stops to sample fresh lumpia, noodle dishes, dim sum and traditional pastries. Each tasting stop reflects the way culinary cultures have blended in this neighbourhood.

In the afternoon, your driver will take you to Makati for a rolling tour of the city’s financial district and cultural sites. You’ll visit the Yuchengco Museum, which houses both fine art and artefacts from Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco’s private collection. A stop at the Ayala Museum follows, featuring interactive exhibits on Philippine history, textile traditions and contemporary art. If time allows, the day concludes at the American Cemetery, a vast memorial garden with thousands of perfectly aligned white crosses honouring US and Filipino soldiers who died during World War II. This final visit provides a moment of quiet reflection before returning to your hotel.

Back at The Peninsula in the late afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to relax. You may wish to unwind with a swim or a massage, or enjoy the timeless experience of high tea beneath the hotel’s iconic lobby chandeliers. For dinner, stay in and enjoy modern Filipino cuisine at the hotel’s in-house restaurant, or step out into Makati to explore the city’s culinary scene at your own pace. After a full and varied day, your hotel offers both comfort and calm.

After breakfast at The Peninsula, depart with your private guide and driver for a full-day excursion to the historic town of Taal, located about two hours south of Manila. Often overlooked by visitors, Taal is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns in the Philippines. Upon arrival, stroll along its quiet streets lined with ancestral homes, some of which have been converted into museums or artist residences. These elegant houses reflect the wealth and craftsmanship of the Filipino elite during the 19th century, featuring capiz windows, hand-carved woodwork and antique furnishings.

The visit includes stops at the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, one of the largest churches in Southeast Asia, and the nearby town square, where your guide will share stories of revolutionaries, traders and clergy who once shaped this lakeside community. You'll also have the opportunity to visit a local embroidery workshop or balisong (butterfly knife) forge - two artisanal crafts for which the town is known. Lunch is arranged at a heritage home offering traditional Batangueno dishes, served in an atmospheric setting that reflects the town’s layered past.

Return to Manila in the late afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to take a swim in the hotel’s pool, relax with a massage at the spa, or enjoy a drink in the elegant surroundings of The Lobby. Dinner can be reserved at Old Manila or one of Makati’s notable restaurants nearby. After a full day immersed in history and local heritage, the contrast of Manila’s modern energy and The Peninsula’s refined service offers a satisfying close to the day.

After breakfast, check out from The Peninsula and transfer to the airport for your flight to Caticlan, the gateway to Boracay. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a Shangri-La representative who will assist with the seamless land and boat transfer to the resort. The journey to Shangri-La Boracay takes just under an hour from airport to arrival, ending with a short private speedboat ride to the resort’s private jetty. Located on the island’s northern tip, the property feels worlds away from Boracay’s main beaches while remaining easily accessible.

Shangri-La Boracay is one of the country’s most exclusive resorts, with luxurious villas and suites set on a lush hillside above two private white-sand beaches. Upon check-in, you’ll be welcomed with refreshments and escorted to your room - many with plunge pools, outdoor showers and panoramic sea views. The resort’s design blends understated elegance with tropical warmth, using local materials, soft earth tones and expansive windows that frame the surrounding sea and forest.

Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure. You may want to enjoy a cocktail beside the infinity pool, explore the resort’s beaches, or book a treatment at CHI, The Spa, which offers wellness therapies in its own hillside sanctuary. For those interested in light activity, paddleboards, snorkelling gear and kayaks are available at the beach. Dinner tonight can be enjoyed at one of the resort’s signature restaurants. Sirena serves fresh seafood on a cliffside terrace, while Rima offers refined Mediterranean cuisine nestled among the treetops. This first night in Boracay is all about slowing down and settling into the calm rhythm of island luxury.

Start your day with breakfast at Vintana, followed by a guided snorkelling excursion scheduled for 8:00am or 3:00pm, depending on sea conditions and your preference. A short 15-minute boat ride takes you to Crocodile Island, a standout spot for snorkelling in Boracay. The shallow, crystal-clear waters here reveal vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life just below the surface. If conditions are unfavourable, your guide will take you instead to Angol Point or Balinghai, both excellent alternatives known for high underwater visibility and colourful reef fish.

Return to the resort by midday and enjoy some downtime by the pool or on your private veranda. For the afternoon, consider booking a spa treatment at CHI, The Spa, or take a short nature walk through the landscaped grounds. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available if you're feeling active, or simply relax at Banyugan Beach with a cool drink in hand and nowhere to be.

As the day winds down, an optional sunset paraw sailing trip is available. These traditional bamboo catamarans glide silently along the coast and offer a unique way to take in Boracay’s famed sunset. Enjoy the hour-long ride with the sea breeze, golden light and a sweeping view of the island’s western coast. Dinner tonight is at your leisure: perhaps fresh seafood at Sirena or a relaxed grill meal by the beach.

After a quiet morning and breakfast overlooking the sea, take the opportunity to explore beyond the resort with a trip to Crystal Cove. Departing around 8:00am or 3:00pm, this half-day adventure begins with a scenic 20-minute boat ride to a private island known for its two sea-facing coves, white sand beaches and panoramic walking trails. Swim in the turquoise waters, snorkel near the shore, or explore the natural caves that give the island its name. It’s an easy, low-key outing ideal for guests who want light activity without sacrificing comfort or setting.

Return to the resort in time for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. You might spend it stretched out by the pool, sipping a cold drink in a shaded lounger, or taking a short kayak around the edges of Punta Bunga Beach. Those seeking quiet indulgence may prefer a massage or steam session at CHI, The Spa, where each treatment room is its own standalone pavilion surrounded by tropical garden.

As the sun begins to dip, you could opt for another sunset paraw experience, or simply stay put and watch the colours shift from your balcony. Dinner can be as elegant or casual as you prefer. After a day shaped by exploration and stillness, you'll find yourself perfectly attuned to the rhythm of island life.

Enjoy a final breakfast at Shangri-La Boracay before checking out and beginning your journey to Siargao. A private transfer will take you from the resort to Caticlan Airport by land and boat, allowing for a smooth and scenic departure from the island. You’ll board a domestic flight to Manila on Philippine Airlines Flight PR 2040. Upon arrival in Manila, you will be met and privately transferred to the Amanpulo Hangar and Lounge, where you can relax in a quiet setting while awaiting your connecting flight.

Continue your journey to Siargao with a flight on Philippine Airlines PR 2973. On arrival, resort representatives from Nay Palad Hideaway will meet you at the airport and escort you on the final leg, a short drive through coconut-lined roads and fishing villages to the resort. The journey from Manila to Siargao is several hours end to end, but each step is smoothly managed to ensure your comfort throughout. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, with check-in already arranged in advance.

Nay Palad Hideaway is one of the most exclusive properties in the Philippines, set between mangrove forest and the sea on a quiet stretch of coastline. The resort operates on a fully inclusive basis, with all meals, drinks and experiences tailored to your preferences. After a welcome drink and orientation, you’ll settle into your private villa - designed in a mix of natural materials and contemporary style, with open-air living areas and secluded garden spaces. Tonight, enjoy dinner prepared just for you, either on the beach, by the pool or in your villa.

Your first full day at Nay Palad begins slowly and without schedule. Wake when ready and enjoy breakfast served in your villa or under the palms at the open-air restaurant. Meals here are unhurried and tailored to your tastes, prepared using fresh local produce, seafood and tropical fruit. You’ll notice the ease of being at a property where everything is designed for you - there are no menus, no checklists, only conversation and careful attention to what you enjoy. The goal at Nay Palad is to move at your own pace, to let each moment unfold naturally.

Spend the morning familiarising yourself with the property. Explore the mangrove boardwalk, cycle barefoot along the white-sand paths, or simply stretch out on a daybed by the pool with a chilled drink. Paddleboards and kayaks are available for use in the calm lagoon, or you might try a yoga or meditation session arranged in the resort’s open-air pavilion. The surrounding waters are calm and clear, ideal for a gentle swim or floating quietly while listening to the ocean.

In the afternoon, consider a visit to the nearby tidal sandbar, which appears only at low tide. Staff will arrange a short boat ride to take you out with a picnic and drinks in tow - perfect for a few hours of complete seclusion. Back at the resort, enjoy a massage or foot scrub at the spa, then watch the sunset from the hanging beds along the shore. For dinner, you might request a seafood barbecue or a Filipino tasting menu served under lanterns. With every detail handled for you, the rhythm of island life quickly becomes second nature.

Begin your day with coffee delivered to your villa, followed by a long breakfast set beneath the coconut palms. If you’re in the mood to explore, today is ideal for a boat trip to nearby Guyam and Daku islands - two postcard-perfect islets just off the coast. The staff can pack a gourmet picnic and refreshments, allowing you to spend the morning snorkelling, beachcombing or simply lounging on the sand with no one else around. These islands are small, uninhabited and remarkably peaceful, offering a feeling of tropical escape without any fuss or overplanning.

Return to Nay Palad by early afternoon with time to unwind. You might book a signature spa ritual in the resort’s open-air treatment hut or relax in one of the beachside hanging pods, gently swaying with the breeze. The all-inclusive nature of the resort means snacks and drinks are always available—freshly made juices, delicate pastries or a crisp cocktail if you feel inclined. The team is always nearby, anticipating what you may want before you have to ask.

As evening sets in, join a sunset bonfire on the beach, complete with music and cocktails if the mood is festive. Or opt for a quieter evening with a candlelit dinner in your villa or on a floating bamboo raft anchored just offshore. At Nay Palad, no two dinners are alike and no two days are repeated. Your preferences guide everything, allowing each moment to feel fresh, considered and completely yours.

After breakfast, consider venturing inland to explore more of Siargao’s landscape. A private guided tour can take you to the famous Magpupungko Rock Pools - natural tidal pools surrounded by smooth boulders, perfect for swimming when the tide is low. Or head inland to the Maasin River, where you can paddle through lush tropical scenery by kayak or ride a traditional wooden raft beneath arching palm trees. These light excursions take just a few hours, balancing exploration with plenty of time to return to the resort for rest and indulgence.

Alternatively, choose to remain within the sanctuary of Nay Palad, where slow days are deeply satisfying. Read a book in a hammock beneath the mangroves, request a guided forest walk, or drift in the calm lagoon near your villa. The resort also offers creative workshops: learn the basics of Filipino cooking, try your hand at palm weaving, or enjoy a casual wine tasting curated by the chef. There’s always something to do, but never any pressure to do it.

As the day draws to a close, consider a soak in your outdoor tub or a sundown cocktail on the overwater deck. Dinner tonight could be a private teppanyaki-style experience, a Filipino kamayan feast served on banana leaves, or a simple grilled lobster enjoyed with your feet in the sand. With no dress code and no set menus, everything is about comfort, preference and presence.

On your final full day, allow yourself to fully settle into the relaxed rhythm that defines Nay Palad. Begin with a yoga session by the sea or sleep in and enjoy a slow breakfast in your villa. If you're feeling active, consider taking a surf lesson at nearby Cloud 9, one of the Philippines' most iconic surf breaks. Nay Palad offers private transfers and instruction tailored to all levels, and even non-surfers enjoy watching the early morning action from the pier. For a gentler option, a boat ride through the surrounding mangroves reveals another side of Siargao: one of still water, birdsong and natural silence.

The middle of the day is ideal for spa time. Choose a combination of body scrubs, massages or healing rituals using locally sourced ingredients like coconut, ginger and sea salt. Lunch can be light and nourishing - grilled fish, tropical fruit and crisp vegetables - followed by a short rest in your garden hammock or shaded cabana. Staff will offer fresh juices or local delicacies at just the right moment, always anticipating your needs without intrusion.

As the sun begins to set on your final evening, enjoy one last tailored dinner experience. It might be a floating supper aboard a traditional banca, or a long table set for you alone beneath a canopy of stars. The magic of Nay Palad lies in its ability to make each day feel effortless yet special. This final evening is not a goodbye, but a quiet celebration of everything you've experienced.

Wake to your final morning at Nay Palad Hideaway. Enjoy a slow breakfast in your villa or by the sea, savouring the last few hours in this rare and peaceful setting. There’s time for a final walk along the beach, a dip in the pool or a quiet coffee in one of the hanging daybeds, taking in the morning light across the water. The staff will ensure your departure feels as smooth and considered as your arrival, with every detail handled seamlessly behind the scenes.

Once you're ready, a private transfer will take you from the resort to Siargao airport, typically a 45-minute drive through coconut groves and coastal villages. The journey offers one last glimpse of the island’s natural beauty and laid-back charm. Upon arrival at the airport, your luggage will already be arranged, allowing you to check in for your domestic flight with minimal effort.

Depending on your international connection, you will fly back to Manila where your onward journey continues. After nearly two weeks of rest, discovery and refined simplicity, you leave the Philippines not just having stayed in exceptional places, but having truly experienced the rhythm and richness of island life.