Huma Island Resort & Spa

Set on a small private island north of Palawan’s main island, the Huma Island Resort and Spa feels on arrival like paradise on Earth. All of the hotel’s structures are housed in thatched bungalows facing the open sea, and many of them are built on stilts over the water. Guests are greeted at the pier with welcome drinks after their 90-minute flight from Manila, 90-minute drive to Sagrada Port, and half-hour boat ride to the resort, which sets the mood for an upmarket, intimate stay. The island, however, sustained heavy damage from a typhoon a few years ago, and repairs are slower than expected, which means maintenance is lacking in some areas, and parts of the island are still being rebuilt. Piles of rubble and construction material can be seen in spots, giving the property an unfinished feel that takes away from the relaxing, swish first impression. 

While the setting is perfect for those wanting to get away from it all, this seclusion has its downsides, namely when it comes to supplies. One of the main complaints here is that while there are five restaurants, only a couple can open at any given time, and often some menu items are not available. Unfortunately, rates do not reflect these shortcomings, so those expecting top luxury may be disappointed. The similarly priced El Nido Resorts Lagen Island is a great alternative for those seeking a truly upscale experience, while families wanting something more easily accessible may prefer the Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa, which is also cheaper. Travelers on a tighter budget seeking an intimate, relaxing getaway may want to compare rates at the eco-friendly Qi Palawan, which features beautiful stand-alone cottages, a lovely beach, and lots of on-site amenities, including a spa and a yoga pavilion. 

The resort is located on a private island, located between the larger Busuanga and Culion islands, and north of Palawan. There is nothing on the island other than the hotel, which means the only time guests leave the property is when going on day trips to other islands or on diving excursions. Getting to the resort is no easy feat: it requires a 1.5-hour flight from Manila to Busuanga, a 1.5-hour drive from the airport to Sagrada Port, and a half-hour boat ride to the island. There is also the option of renting the hotel’s own private seaplane, offering direct transfers to and from Manila Bay. 

The resort has a total of 81 rooms, including 64 thatched villas built on stilts above the water, 14 Beach Villas with direct access to the sand, and a few one- and two-bedroom suites. All are decorated in a cheerful style, with colorful throw pillows in fuchsia, lime-green, turquoise, and yellow hues, and heavy dark wood furniture that stands out against the off-white tile floors. All units are large and airy, with pitched wood-and-thatch ceilings in stand-alone villas, big windows offering panoramic sea views, and wooden decks with outdoor hot tubs. Suites are a tad simpler, but all units are comfortable, with quality king beds topped with duvets and a number of pillows, and ample storage space. 

Standard in-room amenities include Nespresso machines, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and minibars stocked with water, sodas, alcoholic drinks, and snacks. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the property, but it is generally spotty, as are TV signals. Bathrooms have indoor and outdoor areas, and feature separate soaking tubs and rainfall showers, as well as double sinks, a good array of toiletries, and hairdryers. All rooms have an additional shower either on the deck or in a small, private patio. 

The beach lacks the tropical feel and fine, white sand found in some other islands in the area, but there are plenty of loungers and space to unwind, as well as a number of water sports, including kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. Those wanting to explore the corals around the island can book a tour or a course at the hotel’s on-site diving center. The pool is lovely and relaxing, with an infinity edge, panoramic sea views, padded loungers, and a kiddy pool. The pool bar serves up snacks, desserts, and drinks, and offers live music in the evenings. Additionally, the hotel features five restaurants serving up a variety of world cuisines, from Lebanese to Filipino, Italian, and seafood. Unfortunately, only a couple are open at any given time and guests report that menu items are often not available. 

The spa is big and pleasant, with several glass-floored massage huts built on stilts directly in the water. Salon services and body treatments are available, as well as couples’ massages. The gym features a good array of cardio and strength-training machines in an air-conditioned thatched hut with panoramic sea views. The kids’ club is open to children of all ages, and babysitting services can be booked for a fee.