Nestled between the limestone cliffs and azure waters of El Nido in the Philippines, Lagen Island is undergoing a transformation that will position it as a beacon of Filipino design on the international stage.
Tucked away between El Nido’s limestone cliffs and vibrant turquoise waters, Lagen Island is embarking on a transformation set to redefine it as a standard-bearer of Filipino design worldwide. Its reopening, slated for the third quarter of 2025, signals a new era for Ayala Land Hospitality—one that celebrates local craftsmanship, champions sustainability, and reimagines barefoot luxury through a deeply cultural lens. Born from a multidisciplinary collaboration between Watg, Wimberly Interiors Studio, and Henning Larsen—working alongside Ayala Land Hospitality’s creative team—this project showcases design shaped by history and culture. The goal? To forge a deep connection between the location and the traveler’s experience, where every architectural feature and interior detail pays homage to the rich aesthetic heritage of the Philippines.
“Our highest priority was to design something that not only honors the region and offers visitors an immersive experience, but also instills a deep sense of pride among Filipinos,” says Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, creative director at Ayala Land Hospitality.
A tribute to local craftsmanship and traditions
Lagen Island’s transformation is rooted in authenticity. Artisans from across the archipelago have been enlisted to help shape the resort’s new identity: terracotta brick makers from Olongapo, wood carvers from Cavite, and the women of Lake Sebu, whose intricate weaving and embroidery techniques inspired the design of the new staff uniforms. The result? A setting where craftsmanship takes precedence over ornamentation, and where every surface tells a story of tradition and excellence. The resort’s new dive center draws inspiration from the nipa hut—the traditional stilt house iconic to the Philippine coastline. Its design combines woven rattan and carved wood to create a light-filled space where the boundary between indoor and outdoor fades away.
A deep dive into nature
Beyond its aesthetics, Lagen Island’s transformation places nature at the heart of its philosophy. Here, luxury is not measured by opulence, but by precious moments. With a thoughtful approach to design and preservation, Lagen Island is more than just a resort—it’s a living narrative, celebrating the past while charting a new course for Filipino hospitality. The resort’s new wellness sanctuary, aptly named “El Nido,” reflects this commitment to harmony and renewal. It features a spa garden, a reflection pool, and a thermal circuit with a watsu pool and hot and cold baths, inviting each guest to a journey of deep rejuvenation.
Ethical and responsible design
Nature is fully integrated into the renovation of Lagen Island, with a strong focus on restoring and enhancing the surrounding environment. The number of rooms has been reduced from 51 to 42 to allow for a larger beach area and unobstructed views of the surrounding cliffs. This change has also made space for a new sunset bar and a jetty. Landscaping and paving materials are carefully chosen to blend seamlessly into the environment, while asphalt shingles are being replaced with synthetic thatch, echoing traditional natural materials. The wooden jetty is also being redesigned to offer a more immersive nature experience. Environmental commitment is at the core of the project, with initiatives such as mangrove restoration and reforestation efforts to protect the shoreline and local biodiversity. A new sustainable drainage system will replace old outlets with a retention basin to better manage water flow. Furthermore, the new spa sanctuary has been designed to preserve existing trees, minimizing its ecological impact.
Rates:
Starting at €1,170 / €1,209 per night with breakfast included (other meals available à la carte). Rates include transfers from Lio Airport to the El Nido Resorts lounge, followed by a 30–45 minute boat ride to Lagen Island. Price is based on double occupancy.
About Lagen Island, El Nido
Part of the prestigious El Nido Resorts, Lagen Island is a serene sanctuary in the heart of the Philippines. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, the island offers a discreet luxury retreat for travelers seeking both nature and peace. Its upcoming transformation in the third quarter of 2025 aims to redefine barefoot luxury while honoring Filipino heritage. With its eco-conscious architecture, integrated wellness sanctuary, beach club, marine discovery center, and children’s exploration club, Lagen Island invites guests to explore the unspoiled beauty of the Philippines through an authentic and immersive lens.
Since its opening in 1998, Lagen Island has been a trailblazer in responsible travel, offering immersive community experiences and actively promoting environmental conservation through its dedicated sustainability team. And in 2025, this mission remains unchanged. Every aspect of the redesign is guided by a deep commitment to preservation—from protecting fragile marine ecosystems to minimizing environmental impact. Lagen Island is more than a destination: it’s an experience. A place to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the true joy of meaningful travel.
