Aman-azing!

Many have wanted to visit an Aman resort, but because of it's pricey rooms and exclusivity, most are hesitant to go. Ever since Amanpulo was built in 1993, and then remodeled in 2007, I have longed to visit the island as we had heard nothing but raves about the beauty of the island, not to mention it's being owned by the Aman Group, consistently rated the number one resort chain in the world. My husband and I were fortunate enough to have won the auction bid to visit Amanpulo at a fund-raising event in Manila. Thus sometime in February, we arranged for our visit to this serene and private island resort.

Amanpulo was designed by Bobby Manosa, whose renowned architectural style is traditionally Filipino combining an exotic south-seas feel. Merging all the comforts and modern technology available, the resort is one of the most beautiful in the world, in terms of unassuming elegance and setting. The landscape was left completely natural and untouched. The beauty of the resort is in the island itself, it's pristine sands, turquoise waters, tranquility, roomy yet simple casitas, and most of all, unmatched service.

Rustic setting - hammock outside our cottage & a beautiful Villa

We opted for the early afternoon flight. We were dropped off at the Soriano Hangar, where the Amanpulo Terminal is situated. From the moment we stepped into the lounge, we immediately felt the exclusivity of the resort. There were only four passengers on the flight to Amanpulo, on their 19-seat twin engine turbo prop plane. My husband is always wary of flying small aircraft, but felt better when he learned that it was only a forty minute plane ride to Pamilican (the island's name). A red carpet was laid out from the lounge to the plane, for the guests as they boarded. The ride was quick and without a ripple, and being a smaller plane, it flew low enough to enjoy seeing the myriad of tropical islands below as we flew south fromLuzon.

Aerial view of Pamilican Island & Twin engine plane coming in for landing

Soon we spotted a tiny island surrounded by pure white sands. As the plane whisked by Pamilican island, a group of people waved at us from the tarmac, and as we landed, another red carpet was laid out while the General Manager and his wife personally welcomed us. A golf cart awaited us with a receptionist, who drove us around the resort to acquaint us with all the facilities the resort had to offer. Then we were dropped off at our casita and the golf cart was left for our use throughout our stay.

Our very own golf cart & the Deck of our Casita

We felt like we were the only guests at the resort, but in reality, there were quite a number of visitors including Adrian Zecha, the CEO and owner of Amanresorts worldwide, who had flown in with some family and friends to celebrate his birthday. We were told that Amanpulo is his favorite Aman resort. We had reserved a special table at the Beach Club for dinner, only to find out that this table was usurped by Zecha himself, with some friends. Thus we sat at another table. The next evening we witnessed a display of fireworks in the distance as Zecha entertained his guests at a nearby beach for his birthday.

View of sea from Beach Club & a romantic dinner

Our days were spent exploring the island in our golf cart, walking along the beach, working out at the gym, relaxing in our cabana or out at the beach, and snorkeling. Dinners were intimate and romantic and the cuisine was superb.

Endless white sand beach & walking through natural vegetation

Upon entering our cottage, we were immediately warned that the beach is filled with sand fleas or nik-nik. Thus everywhere we went, we saw containers of insect repellant lotion, and they never ceased to stress the importance of applying the lotion everywhere we went. We would go off for breakfast every morning and return to our casita to find it all cleaned and fixed. We never got to see our chambermaids. They were that discreet and efficient. While walking down the beach, a waiter would run up to us with a refreshing cold towel and glass of ice water. It was as if the staff anticipated our every whim, our every fancy.

Our Casita

Up at the Main Lobby and pool area, there was a powerful telescope for guests to look at the stars. We saw the Milky Way from the naked eye, and with the telescope a very clear view of Saturn with it's rings. Amazing! There was a lot of land development going on in the far side of the island -- roads being built and villas being constructed. Amanpulo has sold these gorgeous private villas to investors and Aman "junkies".

Main Lobby, Restaurant & infinity pool & a Villa

There really isn't much to do in Amanpulo except relax and absorb the tranquility of the island. After three days in Paradise, both my husband and I were hesitant to return to Manila. But since all good things come to an end, we flew back to town....with the resolution that if ever we win the lottery, we shall buy a villa in Amanpulo!

What I brought back from Amanpulo were the insect bites on my stomach, as I had neglected to put lotion in that area, thinking that the nik-nik would never bite me there. Well, I can literally say the Aman bug bit me, because I so totally want to return!