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This is private island living at its best; whether you are after a romantic getaway with your loved one, some quality family time or alternatively have a big group of friends in need of some time in the sun; we truly believe that Ariara is the place. The concept is simple; the entire island is yours, to use as your home with a staff of almost 30 to cater to your every whim. A whole team of chefs are constantly on hand to design your perfect menu; think warm croissants for breakfast, huge freshly caught grouper for lunch and healthy organic vegetables from the island’s garden.
the main house and jungle of ariara
The interior of the island is completely untouched and covered in lush jungle. A morning hike to the top of the mountain is most certainly worth the effort for the unparalleled views of the surrounding archipelago. The main beach is a stunning strip of powder white sand lapped by crystal clear ocean and fringed by swaying palm trees (with not a bucket or spade in sight.) What’s more, the island comes complete with a choice of three boats and two jet skies that are always on hand to take you out on the water. With so many choices we really do question whether a week is enough to sample all that’s on offer; from waterskiing, snorkelling and sailing to scuba diving and kite surfing.
location
the magnificent great house
Just a quick one hour hop from Manila lies Busuanga, a tiny undeveloped island in the far north of the Palawan province. Your experience begins as soon as you step off the plane and are met by the Ariara staff who will transfer you to the docks in the town of Coron. And then it really is up to you; choose from either a leisurely afternoon cruise to Ariara aboard the Karen Joy, a traditional 100 foot long Filipino trimeran finished with the all the modern mod cons, or an exhilarating two hour speedboat ride to your private island home. Either way your first site of the 160 hectare island will conjure up images of a castaways idyll; a spot that even Robinson Crusoe would have been proud of.
your room
your airy beach villa
Choose from one of the seven expansive villas spread out along the beach and amongst the coconut trees. Each individually designed, they blend seamlessly into the island’s natural environment whilst offering every modern comfort you could imagine. Whichever room you decide on (and again the choice really is yours) you will be guaranteed incredible sea views and cooling breezes. The bathrooms are a little something special too with invitingly over-sized copper and granite bath tubs alongside outdoor rainfall showers.
why we love it
the main beach and pier
As one of our favourite spots in Asia, it is nigh on impossible to share all the things we love about Ariara but here are just a few to whet your appetite; the amazing scuba diving on the unspoilt house reef – how often is it that you can be assured you are the only people diving within 50 kilometres? A real highlight was the delicious barbeque dinner on the beach, lit up by flaming torches and a crackling fire, your team of chefs serve up the finest local fish and lobster alongside prime cuts of Aussie beef. The massages overlooking the beach from the outdoor pagoda at sunset were pretty memorable but perhaps the most satisfying moment of our stay; sitting by the infinity pool that overlooks the beach knowing full well that the only footprints in the sand are yours.
