Disclosure
Jade Peak writes about places, experiences, and the people behind them, so hotels, operators, and companies come up often. We have no financial relationship with any entity named in this article. If that ever changes, we'll say so plainly, right here at the top.
The Maldives is famous for one picture: a villa over water so clear you can see the seabed below. You can find that same feeling far from the Maldives, in Bacuit Bay at the northern tip of Palawan. This is where Cauayan Island sits, a private island resort in El Nido that is only accessible by boat, around a 20-minute ride from the mainland.
Cauayan has 30 villas spread across the island, tucked between tropical forest and the sea. Every category has something to offer, but the Water Villas are the ones that feel most similar to the Maldives. Inside, the design is simple and natural, with materials inspired by the surroundings, a king-size bed, a marble bathtub, an outdoor shower, and small touches that make the room feel more like a private island home than a hotel, including details like a Nespresso coffee machine.
What makes Cauayan special is its location. El Nido is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, known for its maze of limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, coral reefs and more than 40 nearby islands. Towering rocks rise from turquoise waters, islands are covered in tropical forest, and many beaches still feel untouched.
At Cauayan, the villa is only the beginning. You can snorkel directly from the island, explore nearby reefs, go diving, kayak through lagoons or sail across Bacuit Bay at sunset. Adventure is always close and that is exactly what we love at Jade Peak. At the end of the day, you return to a quiet private island surrounded by nature.
That combination is why Palawan is attracting more luxury travellers. You get the privacy and calm people search for in the Maldives, but with the added opportunity to explore a destination that still feels wild and undiscovered.
Cauayan also works to protect the environment around it. The resort runs conservation projects focused on maintaining the health of the coral ecosystem, because the beauty of the island depends on clean, living waters.
El Nido has changed significantly in recent years. It was once mainly known as a destination for backpackers and divers. Today, it has become one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations for travellers looking for nature, adventure and a touch of boutique luxury, while still maintaining its wild character.
The comparison with other overwater villa destinations is easy to understand. The Maldives lets you disappear into the ocean, while Cauayan gives you the ocean plus tropical forests, limestone cliffs and the adventure of Palawan.
We recommend visiting between February and April, when the water visibility and marine life are at their best. However, the Jade Peak co-founders visited in December and found the experience incredible as well although it was noticeably busier due to the holiday season.
Originally published at jadepeak.com.
