Cauayan Boutique Private Island
Philippines
Cauayan Boutique Private Island
Cauayan Island, Bacuit Bay, Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines 5313
www.cauayanresort.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
N/A
Shareholders
N/A
Date of Creation
May 2016
Hotel General Manager
N/A
Hotel Positioning
Boutique private island, 5-star luxury resort, sustainable resort
Development Strategy
To curate effortless, immersive island experiences that balance refined comfort with a relaxed sense of place. We are committed to delivering personalized service, celebrating local culture and craftsmanship, and safeguarding our protected marine surroundings through responsible and sustainable practices.
Cauayan Boutique Private Island
History & Story
Cauayan Boutique Private Island formely known as Cauayan Island Resort is an intimate island sanctuary set within a protected marine reserve in El Nido, Palawan—where pristine waters, thriving marine life, and untouched natural beauty frame an experience of rare tranquility. Here, nature is not simply admired, but respectfully preserved, offering guests an authentic connection to one of the Philippines’ most extraordinary seascapes.
Cauayan Boutique Private Island made its soft opening in May 2016, with only 23 of its villas available. The rest of them, as well as many other resort facilities, were progressively finished throughout the following years.
Guided by the philosophy of the art of laid-back luxury, the resort redefines indulgence through simplicity, privacy, and a deeply relaxed sense of place. Traditional Filipino architecture is reimagined through a contemporary lens, with minimalist villas designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Barefoot elegance, intuitive service, and an unhurried island rhythm come together to create a stay that feels effortlessly refined—where luxury is felt, never forced, and every detail exists in quiet harmony with the nature.
Date Renewal
Dec 2025 – Restoration of villas due to typhoon Tino
Date added extensions
N/A
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Absolute exclusivity and privacy
• Ultra-personalized service at every “touchpoint” with our brand
• Integration with the natural environment
• Sustainability as an essential part of contemporary luxury
Location
El Nido main town, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Snake Island, Secret Beach
Key sites/activities in the area
Spa, Island hopping, fishing, diving, sunset cruise, yoga, swimming lessons, skin diving, body boarding lessons, kayaking, paddle boarding, morning trekking, and sunset trekking
Fun Facts
Cauayan Boutique Private Island dates all the way back to 2008 — the year in which the owners decided to make a trip to the Philippines that would change their lives forever. Arriving to El Nido as simple tourists, it only took them a day on an island-hopping cruise to fall in love with the place, its breath-taking landscapes, and its warm and welcoming people.
The initial idea was something small and simple, though on a search around El Nido’s beautiful surroundings, they stumbled upon Cauayan and could not resist. Disembarking on the front beach, they met Decen for the first time. Wearing nothing but a pair of briefs and accompanied by his dog Potol, he greeted them as the caretaker of the island — back then completely wild and impossible to penetrate due to the lush jungle that covered it. Without even knowing who the landowners were, they promised Decen that they will one day own that place, and that he will work for them. Today, both Decen and Potol are still here as part of the Cauayan family.
Children’s Corner
Outdoor activities such as volleyball, badminton, frisbee, board games and cards suited for both children and adults
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of suites: 30
• Lagoon Villa
Find tranquillity by staying at our lagoon villas with their earth-inspired exteriors and modern interiors. The view of the man-made lagoon and waterfalls is one of the island’s natural visual offerings.
Lagoon Villa features:
– 5 units featuring a one-bedroom
– Approx. 55 sqm.
– Sleeps two, strictly for adults and no extra person
– Queen size bed (80”x78x12”) + outdoor lounge bed
– Indoor sunken bathtub and outdoor shower
• Beach View Villa
Wake up to both views of the tranquil beach and the lush flora of the island. Enjoy ultimate relaxation on your private verandas while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves or step outside onto the sun-kissed terrace to take in the picturesque coastline.
Beach View Villa features:
– 6 units featuring a one-bedroom
– Approx. 55 sqm.
– Sleeps two, extra person allowed is only infant or toddler
– Twin beds (80”x48”x12”) convertible to king beds + outdoor lounge bed
– Outdoor shower
• Beach Front Villa
Embrace island living at its finest as you enjoy unobstructed views of the pristine white sandy beach. Take in the complementary shades of the powdery white sand and the blue waters of the ocean from your veranda’s daybed mere steps away from the shoreline.
Beach Front Villa features:
– 8 units featuring a one-bedroom
– Approx. 70 sqm.
– Sleeps two and one child
– King-sized beds (80”x80”x12”), sofa set (convertible as sofa bed or extra bed 80”x37”x5”) + outdoor lounge bed
– Indoor sunken bathtub and outdoor shower
– Exclusive outdoor day bed
• Water Villa
Tucked away in a secluded corner of the resort lies the water villas, each offering an intimate sanctuary amidst the natural beauty of El Nido. Let the ocean breeze wake you up and have the waves as your lullaby at this villa raised on stilts amidst the turquoise waters.
Water Villa features:
– 4 units featuring a one-bedroom
– Approx. 60 sqm.
– Sleeps two, strictly for adults and no extra person
– King sized-bed (80”x80”x12”) + overwater drop-lounge bed
– Indoor sunken bathtub and outdoor shower
• Cauayan Pool Villas
Our seven Cauayan Pool Villas offers a more elevated island retreat, each designed for privacy, comfort, showcase distinct and breathtaking surroundings.
Villa Categories:
• Resort View – Feel renewed by the breeze from this villa perched on top of a hill. With a spacious outdoor deck and comfortable lounging area, you can bask in the sun or enjoy a romantic evening under the starlit sky.
Pool Depth: Villa 106 & 107 – 1.2 meters
• Bay View – Add another meaning to the word tranquility by staying in this villa overlooking the bay. Lounge on your private outdoor deck and watch how the horizon changes colors throughout the day.
Pool Depth: Villa 103 – 1.27 meters
• Premium Bay View – As part of the Premium Bay View Cauayan Pool Villa experience, we have thoughtfully crafted a selection of exclusive perks to elevate your stay.
– A complimentary bottle of wine to toast to your unforgettable getaway.
– A one-time 30-minute in-room Thai massage, offering the ultimate relaxation experience.
– A one-time floating breakfast, allowing you to savor a delightful morning meal as you enjoy the pool and overlooking view.
– Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) for a seamless arrival and departure.
Pool Depth: Villa 102 – 1.27 meters
Pool Depth: Villa 104 – 1.1 meters
Cauayan Pool Villa features:
– 7 units featuring two separate bedrooms in each villas
– Approx. 185 sqm.
– Sleeps 4 adults and 2 child per villa
– Master’s Bedroom – King-sized bed (80”x80”x12”)
– Indoor sunken bathtub and shower + vanity area
– Flat screen TV
– Bluetooth Speakers
– Guest Room – Queen-sized bed (80”x78”x12”)
– Personal butler, with an additional charge (optional)
– In-villa check-in
Number of Luxury rooms:
Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 37
Restaurants & Bars
• Cauayan Restaurant – 3 meal plan options available: Full-board, All Inclusive, Premium All Inclusive. Ala carte option is available
• Cauayan Infinity Bar
Wellness
• Spa
• Infinity Pool
• Gym
Corporate & Celebration Events
• Wedding (Intimate and Grand Wedding max of 80 pax)
• Proposals
• Company Outing (Buy Out max of 80 pax)
• Renewal of Vows
Extra Notable Features
• Snorkelling
• Paddle Boarding
• Kayaking
• Trekking
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2026
Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2026
Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2026 – Best for Romance – Asia, Africa, and Middle East
2025
2025 KAYAK Travel Awards
• Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort – Continent Winner
• Best Luxury Romantic Beach Resort – Continent Winner
• Best Luxury Private Island Resort Worldwide (Global Win)
• Best Luxury Sustainable Resort in Philippines (Country Win)
2023
World Travel Award 2023
• Philippines’ Leading Private Island Resort 2023: Cauayan Island Resort
World Luxury Hotel Awards 2023 Winner
• Best Luxury Island Resort in Southern Asia (Regional Win)
• Best Luxury Island Villa – Worldwide (Global Win)
• Best Luxury Resort in Asia (Continent Win)
2022-2021
• TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner 2021
• Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2020
• TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner 2020
Number of employees
172