18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago of unparalleled beauty, where turquoise waters meet limestone cliffs and cosmopolitan hubs blend heritage with modern luxury. This 18-day route is designed for those who seek the finer things in life—private yacht charters, exclusive island resorts, and gourmet culinary experiences—all while navigating the islands with ease and comfort.
From the bustling high-rises of Bonifacio Global City to the secluded lagoons of El Nido and the bohemian luxury of Siargao, this itinerary avoids the crowds in favor of curated, high-end experiences. Prepare to discover the heart of Southeast Asia with premium logistics and world-renowned Filipino hospitality.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Manila, Philippines - Arrival & Urban Opulence
VIP Arrival at NAIA
Avoid the chaos with a pre-arranged VIP meet-and-greet service at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, whisking you through immigration and into a private Mercedes transfer.
Check-in at The Peninsula Manila
Settle into an executive suite at 'The Pen,' a legendary landmark known for its grand lobby and impeccable service in the heart of Makati.
Fine Dining at Old Manila
Enjoy a sophisticated contemporary dinner featuring premium local ingredients and world-class wine pairings.
Cocktails at The Curator
Sip on bespoke cocktails at one of Asia's 50 Best Bars, hidden behind a nondescript door in Legaspi Village.
Day 2: Manila, Philippines - Spanish Colonial Heritage
Private Bambike Tour of Intramuros
Explore the historic 'Walled City' on hand-crafted bamboo bikes with a private guide, visiting Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
Dine on traditional Filipino-Spanish cuisine in a restored 19th-century colonial house with live cultural music.
National Museum of Fine Arts
View Juan Luna's Spoliarium and other Filipino masterpieces in a stunningly restored neoclassical building.
Sunset Dinner at Manila Bay
Experience the world-famous Manila sunset from a private table at Admiral Club Manila Bay.
Day 3: Manila, Philippines - Modern Metropolis Luxury
Personal Shopping in BGC
Head to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) for a curated shopping experience at High Street and Central Square's designer boutiques.
Lunch at Mecha Uma
Experience 'Global Japanese' cuisine in an intimate, chef-driven setting that defines BGC's culinary edge.
Spa Treatment at Okada Manila
Indulge in a signature massage at the Retreat Spa, located within the opulent Okada integrated resort.
Dinner at Toyo Eatery
Taste the future of Filipino food at this award-winning restaurant that reimagines local flavors through modern techniques.
Day 4: Boracay, Philippines - Island Flight & Sunset Sails
Private Flight to Caticlan
Board a short domestic flight from Manila to Caticlan, followed by a private speedboat transfer to your resort.
Check-in at Discovery Shores Boracay
Relax in a beachfront studio at Station 1, the island's most exclusive stretch of powdery white sand.
Private Paraw Sailing
Glide across the crystal waters on a traditional Filipino sailboat as the sun dips below the horizon.
Seafood Feast at Indigo
Enjoy a beachfront dinner featuring the freshest catch from the Sibuyan Sea prepared with creative flair.
Day 5: Boracay, Philippines - Private Yacht Charter
Private Yacht Exploration
Charter a private motor yacht to explore the hidden coves of Crystal Cove and Crocodile Island, away from the crowds.
Catered Lunch on Board
Dine on grilled lobsters and chilled champagne while anchored in a secluded turquoise bay.
Snorkeling at Puka Shell Beach
Visit the northern tip of the island, known for its pristine shells and serene, undeveloped atmosphere.
Dinner at Vintana at Shangri-La
Experience the heights of luxury dining at the cliffside Shangri-La Boracay Resort.
Day 6: Boracay, Philippines - Wellness & Serenity
Beachfront Yoga
Start your day with a private yoga session on the soft sands of White Beach as the island wakes up.
Signature Massage at CHI, The Spa
Retreat to the sanctuary of the Shangri-La for a holistic massage based on traditional Philippine healing arts.
Leisurely Lunch at Kasbah
Savor Moroccan-inspired dishes right on the sand at Station 1, perfect for people-watching and ocean views.
Cocktails at Solana
End your night at this clifftop bar, offering panoramic views of the ocean under the starlight.
Day 7: Boracay, Philippines - Helicopter Views & Transitions
Boracay Island Helicopter Tour
See the entire island and its surrounding reefs from above in a thrilling 15-minute private helicopter flight.
Lunch at Nonie's
Indulge in healthy, locally sourced Filipino fusion food that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Paddleboarding at Station 1
Rent a premium stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm, clear waters at your own pace.
Degustation Dinner at Sirena
Celebrate your final night in Boracay with a high-end seafood degustation menu.
Day 8: El Nido, Philippines - The Gateway to Paradise
Direct Flight to El Nido
Board an exclusive AirSwift flight from Caticlan directly to Lio Airport, avoiding long transit times.
Transfer to Pangulasian Island
Take a private boat transfer to 'The Island of the Sun,' a luxury eco-resort facing the South China Sea.
Private Sunset Cruise
Enjoy cocktails and appetizers on a private pontoon as you navigate the Bacuit Bay limestone karsts.
Starlight Beach Dinner
A private table set on the sand with a personalized menu under the Palawan night sky.
Day 9: El Nido, Philippines - Private Lagoon Exploration
Early Access to Big Lagoon
Beat the tourist boats with a private early morning kayak through the emerald waters of the Big Lagoon.
Secret Lagoon Discovery
Squeeze through a small opening in the rock to discover a hidden natural pool surrounded by cliffs.
Private Island Picnic Lunch
Lunch served on a deserted white sand beach with grilled meats, seafood, and tropical fruits.
Snorkeling at Shimizu Island
Explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish in some of the clearest water in the world.
Day 10: El Nido, Philippines - Hidden Beaches & Caves
Expedition to Hidden Beach
Visit the filming location of Survivor, a stunning beach completely concealed by towering limestone walls.
Matinloc Shrine
Climb the stairs of this abandoned shrine for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bacuit Bay islands.
Helicopter Island (Dilumacad)
Relax on the long white beach of this uniquely shaped island, famous for its underwater tunnels.
Farewell Dinner at the Resort
A final Palawan feast featuring local delicacies and international favorites.
Day 11: El Nido, Philippines - Relaxation & Lio Beach
Spa Morning
Enjoy a final morning of pampering at the resort's luxury spa overlooking the canopy.
Lunch at Lio Estate
Explore the sustainable Lio Tourism Estate for a casual yet refined lunch at one of its many boutique cafes.
Lio Beach Leisure
Walk the wide, eco-friendly beach and browse local artisan shops for premium souvenirs.
Private Villa Dining
Order a private chef to prepare a meal in the comfort of your villa for a quiet, romantic evening.
Day 12: Cebu, Philippines - The Queen City of the South
Flight to Cebu City
Fly from El Nido to Cebu, the central hub of the Visayas, and transfer via private SUV.
Magellan's Cross & Basilica del Santo Niño
Visit the historical heart of Cebu, where the Spanish first planted the seeds of Christianity in 1521.
Temple of Leah
Visit the 'Taj Mahal of Cebu,' a massive neoclassical temple built as a symbol of undying love, offering views of the city.
Dinner at Anzani
Experience award-winning New Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful hillside setting at Nivel Hills.
Day 13: Bohol, Philippines - Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers
Private Fast Ferry to Bohol
Take the business class cabin on a fast ferry for a 2-hour trip to the island of Bohol.
Chocolate Hills Private View
View the 1,200+ symmetrical brown hills from a private vantage point, followed by a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary.
Private Loboc River Cruise
Avoid the public boats; charter a private floating restaurant for a serene lunch through the jungle.
Return to Cebu
Catch the evening ferry back to Cebu and retreat to your resort on Mactan Island.
Day 14: Cebu, Philippines - Mactan Marine Luxury
Private Island Hopping (Olango)
Board a luxury speedboat to Olango Island for bird watching and snorkeling in the marine sanctuary.
Lunch at Cowrie Cove
Dine on premium seafood at Shangri-La Mactan’s signature restaurant overlooking the sea.
Watersports & Relaxation
Try jet-skiing or simply relax by the multi-level infinity pools of your resort.
Dinner at Mott 32
Visit the Cebu branch of this world-renowned luxury Chinese restaurant for their signature apple-wood smoked peking duck.
Day 15: Siargao, Philippines - Surfing & Bohemian Luxury
Flight to Siargao
Take a direct flight to the surfing capital of the Philippines, known for its laid-back yet upscale vibe.
Check-in at Nay Palad Hideaway
Enter a world of 'barefoot luxury' at this all-inclusive ultra-luxury retreat nestled between mangroves and the sea.
Cloud 9 Boardwalk
Walk the iconic wooden boardwalk to watch pro surfers tackle the world-famous Cloud 9 break.
Dinner at Alma
Enjoy upscale Spanish-Filipino tapas in a chic, open-air setting in General Luna.
Day 16: Siargao, Philippines - Private Island Hopping
Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island
Explore the three gems of Siargao via private speedboat, with a focus on the expansive white sands of Daku Island.
Bespoke Island Lunch
Your resort will set up a private lunch on Daku Island with fresh grilled fish and chilled coconut water.
Surfing Lesson with a Pro
Even if you're a beginner, take a private lesson at a secluded break with a top-tier instructor.
Cocktails at Wild
Sip artisanal spirits at this sophisticated bar that brings a touch of city class to the island jungle.
Day 17: Siargao, Philippines - Sugba Lagoon & Mangroves
Private Sugba Lagoon Trip
Take a private boat through the enchanting mangrove forests to reach the brilliant blue Sugba Lagoon.
Paddleboarding in the Mangroves
Navigate the peaceful, silent waterways of the Siargao mangroves by paddleboard.
Maasin River Palm Tree Swing
Visit the famous bent palm tree for a quick photo and a swim in the cool river waters.
Final Island Feast
A celebratory dinner at the resort, featuring the best of Siargao's farm-to-table produce.
Day 18: Manila, Philippines - Departure
Final Island Morning
Enjoy a slow breakfast and a final swim in the resort's infinity pool.
Flight to Manila
Connect back to Manila for your international departure.
Luxury Transit at Terminal 3
Relax in the premium lounge at NAIA while waiting for your flight home.
International Departure
Board your flight home, carrying memories of an epic Philippine journey.
Best Time to Visit Philippines
The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, from December to May. For the calmest waters and most sunshine, plan your trip between February and April. This avoids the typhoon season (June to November) and ensures the best visibility for diving and island hopping. The 'Amihan' or cool northeast monsoon breeze makes the weather pleasant for outdoor exploration during the luxury travel peak.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While high-end resorts, hotels, and major restaurants in Manila, Cebu, and Boracay accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), it is essential to carry cash for smaller islands like Siargao and for tips. Tipping is not strictly mandatory but highly appreciated; a 10% tip for exceptional service in luxury settings is standard if a service charge is not already included.
Getting Around Philippines
For a luxury journey, domestic flights are the primary mode of inter-island transport. Airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific connect major cities, while AirSwift offers boutique, direct services to El Nido. Within cities, private car hires and ride-sharing apps like Grab are recommended over public transport. For island hopping, always opt for private yacht or speedboat charters to ensure privacy and a tailored experience.
