Summary

Imagine the Maldives. Then, add limestone karsts, lush forests and lagoons, impeccable service and tastefully furnished bungalows, all on a small island just a 20 minute speedboat ride from the El Nido town. Worth a splurge!  

Cauayan Resort is one of the most exclusive resorts in the whole of Palawan.  We took the Cauayan speedboat from El Nido pier at 9am. It was Valentine’s Day, and I’d thought it the perfect place to spend it.  The boat whisked us to Bacuit Bay, past stunning, towering limestone karsts, and to the back of the resort, where we were met by a friendly member of the Cauayan team called Fau.  He walked us to the reception area, past beautifully integrated dark wood villas, over a green lagoon teaming with tropical fish, through the large bar area, around the shining infinity pool, past the restaurant and on to the reception.  We were given a welcome drink, then briefed by Fau on meal times and island activities. He also informed us that it was turtle nesting season, and eggs had already been laid on the beach and would probably hatch in April. The small group we had come with consisted of a young guy who I found out was a violinist who would be providing the entertainment that evening, playing his acoustic violin to backing tracks.  You’d have never guessed his instrument of choice – his case had stickers of hip hop stars and he was covered in tattoos – more rock star than classical musician. He told us he’d been flown in from Manila by the resort, and that his own Valentines Day would be spent on the evening of the 15th with his girlfriend, who was also busy tonight working in the hotel industry. 

Fau showed us to our beach villa.  It was beautiful, spacious, with a great rain shower and a small outdoor garden at the back.  There was an ample terrace out front with a huge day bed that invited lots of lots of lounging on.  

Not quite believing our luck, we explored our new 5-star resort world.  The resort is in a small bay ringed by verdant forest-covered karsts full of hornbills I suspected upon hearing the screeching coming from the trees that that sounded like a fan belt had gone on the car.  Clinging to the bottom of the cliffs, is a wooden boardwalk. At one end sits a spa boasting massage beds with a view of the natural aquarium below; at the other end are over-water bungalows. On a level built above the boardwalk to the spa are some of the super-exclusive private villas with private plunge pools.  

We had a delicious lunch.  In ordered lychee and ginger juice blend, and nasi goreng, Vero a beef salad.  Cooked to perfection We then lounged, as one is inclined to do on such an island.  Sunset time was close, and we joined a guided walk up through steep forest to a wooden viewing platform.  With us were a rich mix of international clientele – a group of young Japanese who were staying in the luxury villas (YouTube stars or pop stars, perhaps?); a middle-aged couple – the guy from the UK, the girl from Iran (I guessed he might have been a lottery winner or a jet-setter of some kind – or perhaps a travel show host – he spoke of his upcoming trips as though he were reading off the daily tasks he needed to do); a couple from Oman here for the weekend who would rather nobody spoke to them (I quickly gathered); some Spanish girls who had just been on a tour of Singapore with a Spanish travel agency specialising in such things, and some well-heeled locals, probably on a weekend from Manila.  The sunset was nothing special – certainly not befitting of the location. The view of the resort below, however, was very impressive.  

We half scrambled back down, using the support provided by nature to help us -vines, roots, that kind of thing.  

After this excitement and work out we chilled a little in the room before heading out for a couples massage at the spa, and then for our Valentine’s Day dinner.  They had a special Valentine’s Day meal set, but it was steep at P4000 per person. We opted instead for the regular menu – croquettes de jamon and garlic prawns on sizzling hot plate as an appetizer, seafood with tomato base and mash potatoes and spring chicken as the mains, washed down with a delicious glass of French rose for me and a cosmopolitan for Vero.  We were serenaded by the violin player from Manila. The service was impeccable, the ambience superb. It was a truly 5-star experience.

The breakfast the next day was fit for a king and queen.    Menus were given to us. No buffet here.  Individually prepared, made to order. We could order absolutely anything.  At first, we were not sure. “Can I get the Cauayan Special breakfast and a muffin and banana bread?” I ventured.  “Of course sir. And would you care for a fruit platter to start?”  Unbelievable. They served different kinds of tea by the pot. And all kinds of coffee.  What a breakfast!

We chilled out by the beautiful pool after this, strolled around, took photos.  Then, all too soon, at 2:30, it was time to get the speedboat back to the mainland.  What an experience. What a Valentine’s Day.

OUR 🔥TIPS😘:
💫 Get the first available speedboat from El Nido. Your room might not be ready, but who cares? You get more time to spend soaking in the luxurious surrounds!
💫 Go on the guided hike to the viewpoint to see the sunset. 🌅You won’t be disappointed. But bring shoes as it’s a rugged and steep forest trail!
💫 Order the fruit platter with breakfast. Simply devine!