Fresh from nearly a
week traveling from Puerto Princesa to Aborlan and back, we hit the road for
more island hopping in the coastal town of El Nido, a place I’ve visited
several times but still couldn’t get enough of. Each visit feels increasingly
like an exploration of the best places to stay. This time, it did not
disappoint: the property that would be our temporary home for a few days
offered glimpses of a wonderful escape, something taken from the setting of the
White Lotus series, as I had seen on Google.
 |
| Lihim Resorts, El Nido |
By the time we
arrived and were fetched by Lihim El Nido’s speedboat for a ten-minute cruise
from town, I felt thankful to have finally caught sight of it.
 |
| Lots of greens and pretty art installations |
In a corner of El
Nido, Palawan, where jade waters meet emerald forest and limestone cliffs rise
like mythological guards, lies Lihim Resorts, a property that turns secrecy
into an art form. Lihim means “secret” in Filipino, and from the moment you
glimpse its hidden villas placed between rocky and forested slopes surrounded
by sweeping sea views, you understand why this is a place that doesn’t
broadcast itself but rather reveals its features slowly, beautifully, and calculatedly.
 |
| Home for a few nights |
The villas at Lihim
are architectural poems to understated elegance: low-profile structures woven
into the landscape, with thoughtful use of natural materials and expansive
glass that frames views of the forest or the bay’s horizon. Each villa dishes a
sense of own secret hideaway; spacious, meticulously appointed, and made for
lingering moments of contemplation.
 |
| Traditional Philippines woven theme dominates the interior |
One of the defining
features you’ll notice when roaming around Lihim whether it’s a during sunrise,
morning, sunny afternoon or sunset, the views can be framed beautifully under
tropical foliage or a dusk setting shot from the infinity pool. All around you is
how the natural palette of Palawan shapes the visual identity of the property.
Sunlit greens, deep ocean blues, and warm wood textures aren’t merely aesthetic
choices; they tell a story of a resort that integrates design with environment.
 |
| From here, you can view the beautiful bay |
At Lihim, luxury
isn’t flashy; it’s thoughtfully crafted. Personal butler service greets you
from the start, ensuring every need is met with Filipino warmth and precision.
A Viber group chat set up by the staff gives the impression that you have a
circle of friends ready to answer anything, just a message away. From private
check-ins that whisk you straight to your villa to curated island tours and
bespoke dining experiences, every interaction is carefully tailored and
considerate.
 |
| Henri's |
Dining here is a
journey in itself. Spots like Gana and Henri’s offer refined Filipino and
international fare accompanied by panoramic views, especially from the
floor-to-ceiling glass windows of Henri’s, whether it’s breakfast bathed in
dawn light or evening drinks on a breezy terrace.
 |
| Dine with a view |
I particularly
enjoyed our dining experience at Henri’s, a bit removed from the main property,
perched atop a hill. A 4x4 ride from Lihim takes you on a seven-minute drive
upward. Henri’s, a multi-story structure, frames sweeping ocean views of El
Nido, which perfectly complement a refined dining experience.
 |
| Chips Ahoy! |
Since opening in
March 2023, it has earned acclaim in Philippine gastronomy, with a menu curated
by Lihim’s culinary team, led by Chef RJ Garcia, showcasing expertly crafted
dishes made from Palawan’s freshest seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
 |
| Panari Spa |
Wellness is another
pillar of the Lihim experience. Panari Spa, hidden among the greenery, promises
restorative treatments that blend traditional techniques with modern massage
therapy. Whether you indulge in a massage overlooking the forest or practice
sunrise yoga with the bay at your feet, the sense of calm here is physical,
mental, and visceral.
 |
| Beachfront bar of Gana |
But perhaps the secret of Lihim lies in the way it feels: a place that doesn’t shout for attention but invites reflection, connection, and delight in the small, moving details. It’s where world‑class hospitality meets untouched natural beauty. It is definitely a sanctuary for travelers who understand that the finest getaway experiences often begin in well thought-out places.
 |
| Pool side |
