‘‘NESTLED BETWEEN THE ANCIENT MANGROVE FORESTS AND THE SOFT WHITE SANDS OF SIARGAO AND WITHIN EASY REACH OF TROPICAL JUNGLE, HIDDEN WATERFALLS, UNTOUCHED BEACHES AND THE FAMOUS CLOUD 9 SURFING SPOT; NAY PALAD HIDEAWAY HAS IT ALL.”
and onto the floor. Lifting a finger isn’t the done thing here, not when there’s a butler and flock of friendly staff to call on. Situated in the heart of Manila’s financial district, Raffles Makati is within walking distance of the Ayala Museum which gives a glimpse of the Philippines’ thriving art and literature scene. Also worth a visit is Casa Manila – a stone-andwood structure designed to depict the Filipino lifestyle during the Spanish colonial era. For those seeking something a little more bouji, the likes of Hermès and Gucci lie on the hotel’s doorstep. With one of the most prestigious addresses in cosmopolitan Makati, Raffles is the ultimate stopover en route to the Philippines’ incredible islands. The secluded island of Siargao is just a twohour flight from Manila. Recently voted the Best Island in the World by Condé Nast Traveller, Siargao is home to one of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious hotels: Nay Palad Hideaway. Nestled between the ancient mangrove forests and the soft white sands of Siargao and within easy reach of tropical jungle, hidden waterfalls, untouched beaches and the famous Cloud 9 surfing spot; Nay Palad Hideaway has it all. The Hideaway has just ten villas, so each feels delightfully secluded. Most notable of all is the Perlah Villa, which has two master bedrooms, one double bedroom, an indoor lounge with a movie projector and fireplace, an outdoor terrace with private pool, a stretch of beach to call your own and even a treetop platform accessed by a spiral staircase, so you can gaze at the stars all night long in your very own little corner of paradise. At Nay Palad Hideaway there is no such thing as a restaurant or a menu. Instead, the hotel’s resident chef, Marc Silvestre Carbó, creates memorable tailormade dishes for each guest, depending on what they would like and what fresh local produce is available on the day. Hidden among lush palms and greenery lie wooden spa pods where expert therapists are on hand to pamper you into a near Nirvanic state. With its soothing full-body massages, transformative facials and even a romantic bathing suite designed especially for couples, the Nay Palad Hideaway Spa can be counted among the best in the world. Whether you choose to laze by the ocean-view infinity pool, practice yoga in the sea pagoda, stand-up paddle board beside ancient mangroves or take a boat out to the crystal-clear waters of the Philippines and visit the many beautiful islands surrounding Siargao; there’s no place quite like Nay Palad Hideaway. Raffles Makati, Manila Suites from around £280 a night depending on the season. www.raffles.com/makati Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao Villas from £515 a person, each night based on two people sharing. www.naypaladhideaway.com