From July to September this year, El Nido Resorts —a group of high-end accommodations scattered around the world’s best island—reopened through a “travel bubble” scheme where three-night vacations inclusive of direct flights from Metro Manila are scheduled twice a month. The next trip is from September 25 to 28 at El Nido Resorts on Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan.
This coming October, El Nido Resorts’ Pangulasian Island in Palawan will also reopen with a “travel bubble” scheme for guests coming from Metro Manila. The next trips are from October 16 to 19 and from October 23 to 26.
This scheme is expected to continue until December.
PHOTO courtesy of El Nido Resorts
El Nido Resorts was the first to receive the Department of Tourism’s Certificate to Operate with the condition that leisure bookings are only at 50% capacity. Guests from Metro Manila are also flown in direct from a private hangar near Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 4 to Lio Airport within Lio Tourism Estate, where roundtrip transfers await.
PHOTO Courtesy of El Nido Resorts
Both Miniloc and Pangulasian are requiring travel and health declarations and negative results from RT-PCR testing taken 72 hours prior to departure from guests. They’re implementing low-contact check-in and check-out via QR codes, e-mail, and cashless payment options; regular disinfection and cleaning of rooms; and installation of protective barriers in all reception areas.
Guests are also encouraged to wear PPEs (face masks, shields, et cetera), avail of in-room dining, and follow physical distancing measures (seat markers). Use of spa, main pools, and gyms is restricted.
El Nido Resorts’ Pangulasian Island was cited as one of Condé Nast Traveler‘s Favorite Hotels in the World and Favorite Beach Resorts in the World in 2017, ranked ninth for Top Resorts in Asia in the magazine’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, and named top 16 in the same list for 2019. It is also frequently recognized with Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award in the World Travel Awards.
All four of El Nido Resorts properties as well as accommodations along Lio Beach employ mostly local residents.
El Nido Resorts can also be found on Apulit Island and Lagen Island; but only Miniloc Island and Pangulasian Island are open for leisure travel. Guests are required to book all three nights during the “travel bubble” schedule. For more information, visit El Nido Resorts’ website.
