INTRODUCING THE NEW LAGEN ISLAND: A BOLD NEW CHAPTER IN FILIPINO DESIGN
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INTRODUCING THE NEW LAGEN ISLAND:
A BOLD NEW CHAPTER IN FILIPINO DESIGN
Renderings and high-res imagery available to download here
Images of new bedrooms here
Set against the limestone cliffs and cerulean waters of El Nido in Palawan, Philippines, Lagen Island is undergoing a transformation that will position it as a beacon of Filipino design on the global stage. Scheduled to reopen in Q3 of 2025, the resort's renovation signals a new era for Ayala Land Hospitality—one that honours local artistry, champions sustainability, and redefines barefoot luxury with a distinctly cultural perspective.
A multi-disciplinary collaboration between WATG, Wimberly Interiors Studio, and Henning Larsen, working together with Ayala Land Hospitality’s in-house creative team, the project is an exemplar in narrative-driven design. The goal? To forge a deep connection between place and guest experience, where every architectural element and interior gesture pays homage to the Philippines’ rich aesthetic heritage.
"Our foremost priority was crafting a design narrative that not only honours the region and provides guests with a true sense of place but also instills a deep sense of pride among Filipinos,” says Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, Creative Director of Ayala Land Hospitality.
HONOURING LOCAL ARTISTRY & TRADITION THROUGH DESIGN
Lagen Island’s reimagining is rooted in material authenticity. Local artisans from across the archipelago have been enlisted to shape the resort’s new identity—clay brick makers from Olongapo, wood carvers from Cavite, and the women of Lake Sebu, whose intricate weaving and embroidery were integral to designing new staff uniforms. The result is an environment where craftsmanship speaks louder than ornamentation, and every surface tells a story of heritage and skill.
The resort’s new Dive Centre takes inspiration from the nipa hut, a traditional stilt house emblematic of the Philippines’ coastal vernacular. Here, woven rattan and carved wood converge in a light-filled space where the boundaries between indoors and out blur.
PLACING NATURE AT ITS CORE
Beyond aesthetics, Lagen Island’s redesign places nature at its core.
In its new incarnation, Lagen Island offers a totally different perspective of conventional luxury. There are no gilded embellishments or grand gestures. Instead, luxury is distilled into moments. With its thoughtful approach to place-making and preservation, Lagen Island is more than a resort; it is a living narrative—one that celebrates the past while setting a bold new precedent for the future of Filipino hospitality.
The new wellness sanctuary, aptly named The Nest, embodies the island’s commitment to harmony and restoration. Featuring a spa garden, a reflection pond, and a suite of thermal experiences—including a watsu pool and hot-and-cold plunge pools—The Nest is conceived as a place where guests can recalibrate.
CONSCIOUS CONSIDERATION
The renovation of Lagen Island thoughtfully integrates nature, with a focus on restoring and enhancing its natural surroundings. Guest rooms have been reduced in number—42 instead of 51—allowing for reclamation for a more expansive beach and uninterrupted sightlines to the surrounding cliffs. This decision also made way for a new Sunset Bar and Pier.
Landscape and paving materials are being refined to harmonise with the environment, while roofing is transitioning from asphalt shingles to synthetic thatch, echoing traditional natural elements. The boardwalk is also being upgraded to create a more immersive connection with nature.
Environmental sustainability is at the heart of the project, with mangrove enhancement and reforestation efforts forming a key part of the planting strategy to protect the coastline and local biodiversity. A sustainable drainage system is being introduced, replacing outdated outlets with a detention pond to better manage water flow. Additionally, the new Spa Sanctuary is designed to work around existing trees, ensuring minimal disruption to the island’s natural beauty.
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Rates at Lagen Island start from £1,000 / $1,300 per night on a bed and breakfast basis (all other meals are a la carte), inclusive of transfer from Lio Airport to the El Nido Resorts Jetty Lounge and the 30-45 minute boat ride to Lagen Island. The rate is based on double occupancy.
For more information, visit www.elnidoresorts.com/lagen-island/
About Lagen Island, El Nido
Lagen Island, part of the El Nido Resorts portfolio, is a secluded resort in the heart of the Philippines. Located amidst the limestone cliffs and still waters of Palawan, the island is a sanctuary for travellers seeking connection with nature and quiet luxury. The island’s thoughtful transformation, set to debut in Q3 2025, will redefine barefoot luxury while honouring Filipino heritage. From its eco-conscious design, fully integrated spa and wellness space, and beach club, to its state-of-the-art Marine & Biodiversity Discovery Centre and new Kids Exploration Club, Lagen Island will invite guests to explore the unspoiled beauty of the Philippines while experiencing a true sense of place.
Since its opening in 1998, Lagen Island has been a pioneer in responsible travel, championing immersive experiences with local communities and environmental preservation through the voices of its own dedicated sustainability team. And now, in 2025, that remains very much the same. Every aspect of the redesign has been guided by a deep commitment to preservation – from protecting fragile marine ecosystems to minimising environmental impact.
Lagen Island isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience—an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of travel with purpose.
UK Press Enquiries:
Emily Falkner, Kristie Crozier & Elinor Fresson at Lemongrass Travel PR
E: elnidoresorts@lemongrassmarketing.com
T: +44 (0)1865 237 990
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