Amanpulo (which means “peaceful island”) is set on a secluded, private island. Pamalican is part of the Quiniluban group, which makes up the northern half of the Cuyo Islands and is one of nearly 1,800 islands in Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines. A low-lying coral island, Pamalican is rimmed by seven square kilometres of pristine reef. The resort’s 40 casitas (65-square-metre cottages in hillside and beachfront settings) are modelled after the Philippine bahay kubo (native dwelling). Inside, decorative details pay homage to neighboring islands: pebble-washed walls, coconut-shell tables, rustic Palawan rice and knife baskets, a king-size bed with a rattan headboard and sliding-glass doors that reveal outdoor decks with his-and-her divans. Nearly half the space in a casita is given over to a Cebu-marble bathroom, with twin vanities, separate changing areas, a shower and an elegant bathtub. All rooms have satellite TV and CD players. DVDs can be supplied upon request.  Aman Villas – For guests in need of something even more exclusive, there are two private villas on the island. The Restaurant, located in a wing at one end of the clubhouse, spills out onto a terrace, with views to Manamoc Island across the channel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here. The menu features Asian and Continental cuisine and fresh seafood is a specialty. Lunch, snacks and refreshments are also offered at the Beach Club. Barbecues at the beach may be arranged and private dining is available day and night. Amanpulo’s marble-top Bar occupies a cozy corner of the Clubhouse and extends to the outdoor terrace. A garden walkway leads down from the pool to the sand beach and the Amanpulo Beach Club. The open-air pavilion provides a tranquil escape. Half-a-dozen white mattresses with matching pillows are spread out on the deck, facing the sea. Shade umbrellas and reclining lounge chairs line the beach.  Adjacent to the Beach Club, the Beach Hut offers a variety of water sports equipment, as well as information on boat charters, water sports lessons, snorkeling and scuba diving sites and sea conditions. Amanpulo’s 30-metre swimming pool is bordered by two high bougainvillea trellises. Three large, open-air pavilions are situated beside the pool. These come with generously-sized mattresses for all-day, poolside lounging. The pool’s aqua tiles mirror the Sulu Sea.  The resort’s resident masseuses offer a range of aromatherapy treatments in the privacy of the casita or in the open-air massage pavilion. Located next to the Windsurf Hut under a canopy of trees, the sand-floored Lagoon Retreat is fitted with a shower, hammock, reclining lounge chairs and beach umbrella.

Simply sublime is the view from Amanpulo, set on a serene private island — in fact, the name Amanpulo means “peaceful island.” Lovebirds flock here for the remote feel and the lavish (yet discreet) service, hallmarks of an outstanding romantic retreat. There are 40 casitas (beach, hillside and treetop), each with a spacious wooden deck with lounge chairs, a raised Cebu marble bathtub and an iPod docking station. For the best views, ask for the deluxe hillside casita in full view of the Sulu Sea. Feeling active? The surrounding seas and fish-filled reef are a snorkeler’s and diver’s dream.

There’s a serene grotto situated on the northern part of the island — the perfect place to meditate to the sounds of the waves.Distance from Manila Airport (MNL): 60 minutes