15-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes & Epic Journeys in the Philippines
The Philippines offers a unique brand of luxury that blends warm hospitality with some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on Earth. This 15-day epic journey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks comfort without compromising on adventure, moving from the sophisticated urban sprawl of Manila to the private island sanctuaries of Palawan and the white-sand shores of Boracay.
Expect seamless transitions via boutique airlines and private transfers, staying in world-renowned resorts that offer unparalleled privacy and service. From dining in a pre-war heritage house to cruising the limestone lagoons of El Nido on a private speed boat, every moment is crafted to provide a first-class experience of the Pearl of the Orient.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Manila, Philippines - Arrival & Urban Elegance
Chauffeur Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer to Makati, the city's financial and luxury hub. Check into your suite at The Peninsula Manila or Raffles Makati.
High Tea at The Lobby
Enjoy the legendary afternoon tea service at The Peninsula Manila's lobby, accompanied by a live orchestra under the iconic sunburst ceiling.
Fine Dining at Blackbird
Experience world-class fusion cuisine at Blackbird at the Nielson Tower, a restaurant housed in a restored 1930s aviation terminal, offering a sophisticated art deco ambiance.
Craft Cocktails at The Curator
End your first night at one of Asia’s best bars, known for its personalized service and meticulously crafted cocktails in a discreet, speakeasy setting.
Day 2: Manila, Philippines - Historic Splendor
Private Heritage Tour of Intramuros
Explore the walled city of Intramuros on a private tour. Visit Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church while traveling in a luxury 'Bambike' or a horse-drawn carriage.
Gourmet Lunch at Barbara's
Dine on traditional Filipino-Spanish cuisine in a 19th-century colonial house setting, complete with live folk music performances.
National Museum of Natural History
Visit the 'Tree of Life' architectural marvel and browse the country's most significant biological and geological collections in a private, guided setting.
Sunset Dinner Cruise at Manila Bay
Board a private yacht for a sunset cruise along Manila Bay, enjoying the skyline views as the city lights up for the evening.
Day 3: El Nido, Philippines - Flight to Paradise
Boutique Flight to El Nido
Take a premium AirSwift flight from Manila's private terminal directly to Lio Airport in El Nido, bypassing the long commercial lines.
Speedboat Transfer to Pangulasian Island
Upon arrival, a private boat will whisk you away to Pangulasian Island, the 'Island of the Sun', known for its ultra-luxury villas and pristine beach.
Snorkeling at the House Reef
Explore the marine sanctuary directly in front of the resort, home to sea turtles and vibrant coral gardens, with a private guide.
Private Beach Dinner
Enjoy a bespoke five-course meal served on a secluded stretch of white sand under the stars, curated by the resort’s executive chef.
Day 4: El Nido, Philippines - The Hidden Lagoons
Private Speedboat Lagoon Tour
Avoid the crowds with a private speedboat tour of Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Enjoy early entry to these limestone wonders before the public tours arrive.
Gourmet Picnic on Entalula Island
Relax on the private beach of Entalula Island while the resort staff prepares a luxury BBQ lunch with fresh seafood and chilled wine.
Kayaking through Small Lagoon
Paddle through the emerald waters of Small Lagoon at your own pace, exploring the narrow openings and hidden rock formations.
Spa Ritual at Pangulasian
Unwind with a signature Hilot massage, a traditional Filipino healing art, at the resort’s award-winning spa.
Day 5: El Nido, Philippines - Island Leisure
Nature Trail & Lookout Point
Take a guided hike up the resort’s nature trail to see a panoramic view of the Bacuit Bay archipelago from the island's highest peak.
Lunch at Lio Estate
Take a boat back to the mainland for a relaxed lunch at Lio Estate, an eco-friendly luxury development featuring artisanal shops and restaurants.
Private Sunset Sailing
Board a traditional Paraw sailboat for a private sunset cruise around the bay, enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
Stargazing & Cocktails
Relax at the resort bar with a signature cocktail while a local astronomer points out the constellations visible in the clear island sky.
Day 6: Coron, Philippines - The Voyage to Busuanga
Luxury Fast Ferry to Coron
Travel from El Nido to Coron via the business class cabin of a high-speed ferry, or arrange a private seaplane charter for a 45-minute scenic flight.
Check-in at Two Seasons Coron
Arrive at the Malaroyroy Peninsula and check into Two Seasons Coron Island Resort, a luxury eco-friendly sanctuary.
Bulog Dos Island Exploration
Walk along the sandbar connecting Bulog Dos to the mainland, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and white sand in total privacy.
Seafood Extravaganza
Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at the resort's Sulu Restaurant, focusing on local Palawan delicacies like the 'Curacha' crab.
Day 7: Coron, Philippines - Lakes & Shipwrecks
Kayangan Lake Private Visit
Visit the 'Cleanest Lake in Asia' before the crowds arrive. Hike to the famous viewpoint for the most iconic photo in the Philippines.
Twin Lagoons Swimming
Swim through the narrow crevice or climb the stairs to enter the Twin Lagoons, where salt and fresh water meet in a stunning turquoise blend.
Shipwreck Snorkeling at Skeleton Wreck
Snorkel over a sunken Japanese ship from WWII, which is now encrusted in coral and teeming with tropical fish.
Maquinit Hot Springs
Relax in the therapeutic saltwater hot springs of Maquinit, one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, as the sun sets.
Day 8: Coron, Philippines - Culion History
Private Tour of Culion Island
Take a private boat to Culion, a former leper colony with a fascinating and poignant history. Visit the Culion Museum and the historic church.
Lunch at a Floating Restaurant
Enjoy lunch at one of Coron's unique floating platforms, surrounded by nothing but blue water and limestone cliffs.
Siete Pecados Marine Park
Explore the best snorkeling spot near Coron town, known for its seven limestone islets and incredibly dense coral formations.
Dinner at The View
Dine at a hilltop restaurant overlooking Coron Bay, offering the best vantage point for watching the harbor lights.
Day 9: Boracay, Philippines - The White Beach
Flight to Caticlan
Fly from Busuanga (Coron) to Caticlan, the gateway to Boracay. Use the resort's private speedboat for a seamless transfer to the island.
Check-in at Discovery Shores
Arrive at Station 1, the most exclusive part of White Beach, and check into Discovery Shores Boracay, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
Station 1 Lounge & Beach Time
Relax on the softest white sand in the world. Station 1 offers the widest beach and the most space away from the island's bustling center.
Sunset Cocktails at Spider House
Enjoy a drink at a unique bar built into the cliffs of Diniwid Beach, offering a perfect view of the sun dipping into the horizon.
Day 10: Boracay, Philippines - Island Adventure
Private Yacht Island Hopping
Charter a private yacht to explore the lesser-known beaches of Boracay, including Puka Shell Beach and Ilig-Iligan Beach.
Lunch at Shangri-La’s Sirena
Dine at the clifftop seafood restaurant at the Shangri-La Boracay, enjoying fresh catches and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Try paddleboarding in the calm waters of Station 1, a great way to enjoy the scenery while getting a light workout.
Indigo Fine Dining
Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Indigo at Discovery Shores, specializing in creative seafood and premium steaks.
Day 11: Boracay, Philippines - Wellness & Rejuvenation
Mandala Spa Experience
Visit the multi-award-winning Mandala Spa for a day of holistic wellness treatments in a lush, tropical garden setting.
Healthy Lunch at Sunny Side Café
Enjoy gourmet breakfast and brunch items at this famous beachfront cafe, known for its specialty coffee and inventive Filipino dishes.
Private Yoga Session
Book a private yoga session on the beach or in the resort's garden to align your body and mind before the next leg of your journey.
Dinner at Vintana Oceanview
Savor international cuisine at this elegant restaurant while enjoying the breeze and the sound of the waves.
Day 12: Cebu, Philippines - The Queen City of the South
Flight to Cebu City
Take a direct morning flight from Caticlan to Cebu. Your private transfer will meet you at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Lechon Tasting at House of Lechon
You cannot visit Cebu without trying its world-famous roasted pig. Enjoy a premium dining experience featuring this local culinary icon.
Magellan’s Cross & Basilica Minore
Visit the historical heart of the Philippines where Spanish explorers first arrived, including the oldest church in the country.
Modern Chinese at Mott 32
Dine at the world-renowned Mott 32 located at NUSTAR Resort, offering the highest level of contemporary Chinese cuisine in the country.
Day 13: Bohol, Philippines - Hills & Tarsiers
OceanJet Business Class to Bohol
Take the fast ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran in the luxury business class cabin, arriving in just under two hours.
Chocolate Hills Private Tour
Witness the 1,200+ symmetrical brown hills from a private viewing deck, followed by a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary to see the world's smallest primates.
Private Loboc River Lunch Cruise
Instead of the public boats, charter a private raft for a lunch cruise down the Loboc River, complete with a personal musician and chef.
Check-in at Amorita Resort
Retreat to your private pool villa at Amorita Resort, perched on a limestone cliff at the edge of Alona Beach in Panglao.
Day 14: Bohol, Philippines - Coastal Charm
Pamilacan Island Dolphin Watching
Board a private boat for a trip to Pamilacan Island to spot wild dolphins and enjoy a quiet morning of snorkeling in a marine sanctuary.
Organic Lunch at Bohol Bee Farm
Enjoy farm-to-table dining with stunning sea views, featuring organic ingredients grown right on the property.
Hinagdanan Cave Visit
Explore this naturally lit cavern with a deep lagoon, perfect for a quick, refreshing swim in a unique geological setting.
Farewell Dinner at Saffron
Enjoy your final island dinner at Amorita’s Saffron restaurant, which highlights the best of Boholano flavors with a modern twist.
Day 15: Manila, Philippines - Departure
Morning Swim & Relax
Enjoy one last swim in your private pool or a final walk along the shores of Alona Beach before your journey home.
Flight to Manila
Take a short flight from Panglao (Bohol) back to Manila. Your private transfer will ensure you move smoothly between terminals.
Luxury Shopping at Greenbelt
If time permits, visit Greenbelt 4 and 5 in Makati for luxury international brands and high-end Filipino designers.
International Departure
Arrive at the airport via private chauffeur for your international flight home, carrying memories of an epic Philippine journey.
Best Time to Visit Philippines
The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During these months, the weather is perfect for island hopping and diving, with clear blue skies and calm seas. For the ultimate luxury experience, aim for the 'shoulder' months of November or May to avoid the peak Christmas and Easter crowds while still enjoying excellent weather.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants in Manila, Boracay, and Cebu widely accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), cash is still essential for smaller islands and tips. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; a 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but adding an extra 5-10% for exceptional service is common in luxury settings.
Getting Around Philippines
Intercity travel in the Philippines is best done via domestic flights to save time and ensure comfort. Boutique airlines like AirSwift offer a more premium experience for routes to Palawan. For travel between Cebu and Bohol, the OceanJet fast ferry in Business Class is the preferred method. Within cities, private car services or app-based rides like Grab are the safest and most reliable options for luxury travelers.
