Oct 12, 2018, 12:37 pm
Amanpulo, Philippines (Consolidated/review thread)
May 16, 2016, 8:48 am
#361
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Looks like this is the right place to tap into the Amanpulo experts - I'll be heading to a wedding near Bangkok, Thailand at the end of this year, and while I had initially thought about a trip to Amanpuri, the recent lackluster reviews have me re-visiting that plan. So Amanpulo is now on my radar, and after some initial research had a few questions:
1) Suggestions on the "right" number of nights to stay? I know that's completely subjective, but I'm initially thinking 4, and definitely interested in everyone's thoughts. We'll also be attending a beach wedding in Thailand so this wouldn't be the only beach stop on this trip, which is a consideration
2) Any more feedback on the ~$350/day supplement for the "Island Escape" package? I'd already be receiving free breakfast everyday and a lunch if booking through Virtuoso, so the tradeoff really boils down to whether to go $350 fixed cost for lunch/dinner or a la carte. Based on the menu, food costs actually look surprisingly reasonable, and I'd hate to be locked into the package if there were any special meals or experiences that are worth trying
3) Related to #2, the 1BR Villa is not available with the "Island Escape" package. Thoughts on whether this would be worth it over the Beach Casita for the extra $330/night? Other than the extra square footage and the pool, the only other benefit jumping out to me is the private chef, and I'm not sure how much I'd value that. Again, I know it's a totally subjective question, but interested in hearing thoughts.
1) Suggestions on the "right" number of nights to stay? I know that's completely subjective, but I'm initially thinking 4, and definitely interested in everyone's thoughts. We'll also be attending a beach wedding in Thailand so this wouldn't be the only beach stop on this trip, which is a consideration
2) Any more feedback on the ~$350/day supplement for the "Island Escape" package? I'd already be receiving free breakfast everyday and a lunch if booking through Virtuoso, so the tradeoff really boils down to whether to go $350 fixed cost for lunch/dinner or a la carte. Based on the menu, food costs actually look surprisingly reasonable, and I'd hate to be locked into the package if there were any special meals or experiences that are worth trying
3) Related to #2, the 1BR Villa is not available with the "Island Escape" package. Thoughts on whether this would be worth it over the Beach Casita for the extra $330/night? Other than the extra square footage and the pool, the only other benefit jumping out to me is the private chef, and I'm not sure how much I'd value that. Again, I know it's a totally subjective question, but interested in hearing thoughts.
4 nights is good since you are already coming from Thailand . But if you have time , you may wish to extend your stay as it is a really lovely Aman & with the best beach .
Am still jet lagging from Puri ( am now in Seattle ) .
If you have breakfast which has always been quite a spread for me in our beach casita , lunch is not necessary , not possible !
Have always enjoyed stays in a beach casita as it is really easy beach access . The beach barbecue is also quite an experience with the sunset & your choice of seafood , etc . You know , Aman style , ask for whatever you wish
May 19, 2016, 7:28 am
#362
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: here and there
Programs: some
Posts: 3,379
Well, I am writing this from my beach casita, on for my first stay at Amanpulo and - even though this is Aman number 14 - I'm blown away. What an amazing place, and what a privilege to be here. I'll post more comments after I leave but so far it's been nothing short of magical.
I hadn't been too impressed with my Virtuoso agent (US based) lately so I decided to take chinmoylad up on his offer and he really came through. Very good communication and he was able to secure some superb benefits (including an upgrade that was confirmed the day before I checked in!). Definitely will be booking through him again.
Now back to paradise
I hadn't been too impressed with my Virtuoso agent (US based) lately so I decided to take chinmoylad up on his offer and he really came through. Very good communication and he was able to secure some superb benefits (including an upgrade that was confirmed the day before I checked in!). Definitely will be booking through him again.
Now back to paradise
May 19, 2016, 9:46 am
#363
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
thanks Fliar, great to hear 
pulo owner annual report >
47.2% occupancy 2015
901 villa nights 2015
707 villa nights 2014
american guests up 69%
phillipines guests up 49%
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post24608135
www.flyertalk.com/forum/22607265-post17.html
pulo owner annual report >
47.2% occupancy 2015
901 villa nights 2015
707 villa nights 2014
american guests up 69%
phillipines guests up 49%
Amanpulo committed to increasing flights throughout the low season to allow two flights daily, year-round for the first time. This resulted in a considerable increase in air charter costs
completed the renovation of the beach club in 2015. For 2016, the purchase of a new generator, a desalination plant and new roofing for the beach and the lagoon clubs are scheduled. The upgrade of back-of-house facilities for the staff, namely bathrooms, canteen, recreation area and cottages are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2016.
villa sale. Four villas under construction last year were turned over during the first half of 2015. Two villas remain under construction and are slated for completion within the third quarter of 2016.
completed the renovation of the beach club in 2015. For 2016, the purchase of a new generator, a desalination plant and new roofing for the beach and the lagoon clubs are scheduled. The upgrade of back-of-house facilities for the staff, namely bathrooms, canteen, recreation area and cottages are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2016.
villa sale. Four villas under construction last year were turned over during the first half of 2015. Two villas remain under construction and are slated for completion within the third quarter of 2016.
www.flyertalk.com/forum/22607265-post17.html
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 19, 2016 at 10:14 am
May 20, 2016, 8:31 am
#364
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Looks like this is the right place to tap into the Amanpulo experts - I'll be heading to a wedding near Bangkok, Thailand at the end of this year, and while I had initially thought about a trip to Amanpuri, the recent lackluster reviews have me re-visiting that plan. So Amanpulo is now on my radar, and after some initial research had a few questions:
1) Suggestions on the "right" number of nights to stay? I know that's completely subjective, but I'm initially thinking 4, and definitely interested in everyone's thoughts. We'll also be attending a beach wedding in Thailand so this wouldn't be the only beach stop on this trip, which is a consideration
2) Any more feedback on the ~$350/day supplement for the "Island Escape" package? I'd already be receiving free breakfast everyday and a lunch if booking through Virtuoso, so the tradeoff really boils down to whether to go $350 fixed cost for lunch/dinner or a la carte. Based on the menu, food costs actually look surprisingly reasonable, and I'd hate to be locked into the package if there were any special meals or experiences that are worth trying
3) Related to #2, the 1BR Villa is not available with the "Island Escape" package. Thoughts on whether this would be worth it over the Beach Casita for the extra $330/night? Other than the extra square footage and the pool, the only other benefit jumping out to me is the private chef, and I'm not sure how much I'd value that. Again, I know it's a totally subjective question, but interested in hearing thoughts.
1) Suggestions on the "right" number of nights to stay? I know that's completely subjective, but I'm initially thinking 4, and definitely interested in everyone's thoughts. We'll also be attending a beach wedding in Thailand so this wouldn't be the only beach stop on this trip, which is a consideration
2) Any more feedback on the ~$350/day supplement for the "Island Escape" package? I'd already be receiving free breakfast everyday and a lunch if booking through Virtuoso, so the tradeoff really boils down to whether to go $350 fixed cost for lunch/dinner or a la carte. Based on the menu, food costs actually look surprisingly reasonable, and I'd hate to be locked into the package if there were any special meals or experiences that are worth trying
3) Related to #2, the 1BR Villa is not available with the "Island Escape" package. Thoughts on whether this would be worth it over the Beach Casita for the extra $330/night? Other than the extra square footage and the pool, the only other benefit jumping out to me is the private chef, and I'm not sure how much I'd value that. Again, I know it's a totally subjective question, but interested in hearing thoughts.
2. Food is very reasonably priced. The USD 350 fixed cost might make sense if there are two people and you tend to order a few things though (e.g. appetiser, main, desert each - though I've found Aman's portions very plentiful). If you're ordering a bit less than that, might be better to forgo the additional charge and just pay as you go.
3. I'd skip it unless a private pool and that extra space is a must. Plenty of dining options in any case.
Jun 9, 2016, 10:59 pm
#365
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 16
BBQ dinner
I'm very excited to be visiting Amanpulo, and I was hoping to get some advice on where on the island to have a private beach BBQ dinner.
I'm not staying in a beach villa (I'm staying in a hillside villa), so my options are more limited (no dinner on the beach outside my villa).
I had been hoping to get a sunset view, but the hotel recommended against that since I'll be visiting in August when it's windy on that side of the island. They suggested either the Island Cave or Lagoon Sala.
I'm curious if anyone who's been to Amanpulo would recommend one over the other location for a private dinner.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
I'm not staying in a beach villa (I'm staying in a hillside villa), so my options are more limited (no dinner on the beach outside my villa).
I had been hoping to get a sunset view, but the hotel recommended against that since I'll be visiting in August when it's windy on that side of the island. They suggested either the Island Cave or Lagoon Sala.
I'm curious if anyone who's been to Amanpulo would recommend one over the other location for a private dinner.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Jun 15, 2016, 10:56 am
#366
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I'm very excited to be visiting Amanpulo, and I was hoping to get some advice on where on the island to have a private beach BBQ dinner.
I'm not staying in a beach villa (I'm staying in a hillside villa), so my options are more limited (no dinner on the beach outside my villa).
I had been hoping to get a sunset view, but the hotel recommended against that since I'll be visiting in August when it's windy on that side of the island. They suggested either the Island Cave or Lagoon Sala.
I'm curious if anyone who's been to Amanpulo would recommend one over the other location for a private dinner.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
I'm not staying in a beach villa (I'm staying in a hillside villa), so my options are more limited (no dinner on the beach outside my villa).
I had been hoping to get a sunset view, but the hotel recommended against that since I'll be visiting in August when it's windy on that side of the island. They suggested either the Island Cave or Lagoon Sala.
I'm curious if anyone who's been to Amanpulo would recommend one over the other location for a private dinner.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Jun 16, 2016, 11:21 am
#367
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Combining Amanpulo with luxury diving resort/experience in Philippines?
I'm searching for a possible luxury add-on in the Philippines to supplement an Amanpulo stay. We are advanced scuba divers, and Amanpulo diving is beginner level at best, so optimally we'd want to combine Amanpulo with another diving experience at a luxury resort somewhere (or a charter yacht that is diving capable). Any suggestions?
Important edit: air con is extremely important!
Important edit: air con is extremely important!
Last edited by bhrubin; Jun 16, 2016 at 11:55 am
Jun 16, 2016, 11:52 am
#368
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Europe
Posts: 82
I'm searching for a possible luxury add-on in the Philippines to supplement an Amanpulo stay. We are advanced scuba divers, and Amanpulo diving is beginner level at best, so optimally we'd want to combine Amanpulo with another diving experience at a luxury resort somewhere (or a charter yacht that is diving capable). Any suggestions?
Jun 16, 2016, 1:36 pm
#369
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: JFK
Programs: -
Posts: 178
I can't speak for the quality of diving (I wasn't certified when I went) but I'd recommend Pangulasian Island.
The snorkeling on the resort reef was great (lots of reef sharks and turtles if that interests you). The resort itself is nice but not luxurious.I would suspect the service doesn't compare to amanpulo (I'm scheduled to go to pulo next year so can't really compare yet). That said, you can expect to pay ~50% less so may be a good compromise.
The only annoying part (and if you have the means there's probably ways to arrange something better) is that you will have to fly back to MNL to get to El Nido airport (and then a ~20 min boat to the resort) even though El Nido and Amanpulo are probably <100 miles apart.
The snorkeling on the resort reef was great (lots of reef sharks and turtles if that interests you). The resort itself is nice but not luxurious.I would suspect the service doesn't compare to amanpulo (I'm scheduled to go to pulo next year so can't really compare yet). That said, you can expect to pay ~50% less so may be a good compromise.
The only annoying part (and if you have the means there's probably ways to arrange something better) is that you will have to fly back to MNL to get to El Nido airport (and then a ~20 min boat to the resort) even though El Nido and Amanpulo are probably <100 miles apart.
Last edited by jfkcnf; Jun 16, 2016 at 2:58 pm Reason: *not* whale sharks (thinking too much about Maldives...)
Jun 17, 2016, 3:45 am
#371
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
I'm searching for a possible luxury add-on in the Philippines to supplement an Amanpulo stay. We are advanced scuba divers, and Amanpulo diving is beginner level at best, so optimally we'd want to combine Amanpulo with another diving experience at a luxury resort somewhere (or a charter yacht that is diving capable). Any suggestions?
Important edit: air con is extremely important!
Important edit: air con is extremely important!
I'm dying to see the mandarin fish. http://atmosphereresorts.com
Jun 18, 2016, 3:57 am
#372
formerly vienna-resident
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Montepulciano, Tuscany
Posts: 1,065
So who is the new GM? An Aman veteran or somebody external?
Jun 20, 2016, 4:55 am
#374
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096