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 | A Secret Worth Uncovering
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dining & Gastronomy
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.
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.
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.
Wellness Sanctuary
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.
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.
