As the surfer’s paradise of Siargao gets back on its feet after a devastating typhoon, these resorts reopen their doors to the world, with the goal of promoting sustainable and responsible tourism

Siargao's hospitality industry demonstrated remarkable resilience and recovery following the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette in 2021. Through collective efforts, local businesses and communities worked tirelessly to slowly rebuild the island's infrastructure and tourist facilities. Accommodations proactively reassessed their safety measures and enhanced their facilities to welcome tourists back. With renewed determination and the allure of Siargao's natural beauty, the island regained its status as a sought-after destination. Here are four resorts in Siargao that you can check out on your next visit. A bonus: they are all advocating sustainability.

Read also: Revel in Siargao's very own Nirvana: Nay Palad Hideaway

Inara

Reopened in December 2022 (a year after typhoon Odette), Inara remains one of the gems on Siargao island. The name Inara is derived from an ancient Arabic word that means “ray of everlasting light”, which, according to its founder and owner Natalia Zobel, is the feeling she would like to incite with guests staying at the resort. “Inara is an ethos that is essential to remember on your journey. Inara speaks of the bright adventure you start today,” Zobel says. 

Read also: Inara Siargao Resort By Natalia Zobel Is A Dream Tropical Getaway

Tatler Asia
Above Bamboo reinforces the resort’s tropical feel

From Inara’s unmatched location in Malinao, home to one of the best beaches on the island, one can see three of the most popular islands in Siargao, such as Guyam, Naked and Daku, which a ten-minute boat ride can access. Likewise, the resort is just a 20-minute drive to the famous Maasin River and five minutes to the mangroves. 

 

Tatler Asia
Above The roof of Inara’s beachfront villa takes inspiration from the salakot, a traditional Filipino straw hat
Tatler Asia
Above The suites in Inara radiate a chic bahay kubo vibe

The boutique hotel has six suites inspired by a mix of the Andalusian cortijos and Filipino ancestral homes, which can be reserved individually or as an entire private villa for families and groups. “When people travel, they want to feel the culture and soul of the place, and that is what I want to provide for my guests in Inara. At Inara, you can expect Filipino hospitality at its finest,” Zobel adds. The suites are decked with locally sourced furniture that evokes a rustic feel. Some suites have wraparound balconies and bamboo flooring to give a complete treehouse or kubo experience. Everywhere is a panoply of Filipino elements from capiz lighting to solihiya weaves and inabel fabric. 

Tatler Asia
Above Guests can relax at the open living spaces of Inara

Besides Filipino showcasing Filipino craftsmanship, the resort also promotes sustainability. To reduce water usage, rainwater harvesting systems are installed, which produce recycled water for use in the garden. Solar lighting is also used as much as possible to help conserve energy. 

“We share all our island secrets with our guests. This way, they can experience Siargao like a local, and we can help to curate the perfect itinerary for their stay,” says Zobel.

inara.com.ph

Maison Bukana

Nestled in a spot where the mangroves meet the ocean, Maison Bukana is a sanctuary that allows guests to reconnect with nature and their inner selves. Anchored on sustainability, its architecture and design integrate two distinct but complementary worlds: strong Filipino aesthetics juxtaposed with contemporary flow design while maintaining a perfect symbiosis with Siargao’s rich flora and fauna. 

Read also: Designing for the Elements: Christophe Bariou Talks About Maison Bukana and Shares Lessons About Building Disaster Resilient Structures

Tatler Asia
Above The interiors blend Filipino touches with a contemporary twist
Tatler Asia
Above As a champion of sustainability, Maison Bukana uses natural light and ventilation wherever possible

The villas and the rest of the property were designed to maximise as much natural energy as possible. For example, the open space benefits from natural ventilation, inviting the breeze in while natural lighting peeks through skylights. Its signature bamboo roof, a first in Siargao, is also a gigantic rainwater collection system. It provides 100 per cent rainwater to service its guests and fill its natural stone pool. It is also the first and only structure in Siargao made entirely with Ecocast–a first-class innovative material that makes the design earthquake-proof and fireproof.

Four beautifully designed rooms, a relaxing natural pool under a canopy of coconut trees, an exquisite bar selection, and a modern kitchen with a private chef awaits guests at Maison Bukana. Guests can also marvel at the vast modern open space between the sea and the river.  Because utmost privacy is a priority at Maison Bukana, each experience is tailor-made for up to eight guests sharing the four suites. 

Tatler Asia
Above The inviting pool uses clean recycled rainwater

As the resort owners are half-Filipino, half-French, guests can also indulge in a well-curated wine selection stocked in its cellar at the highest standard. Everything from the French countryside to the Philippines is made to bring out the most precious pours to your table, especially with the “Vin d’Exception”, Maison’s rare bottle collection as old as 1962.

maisonbukana.com

Siago

This luxe Bohemian accommodation is just a few meters away from the pristine shores of General Luna. While it draws inspiration from Tulum, Mexico, it retains Filipino roots, as seen in its unique interiors peppered with handpicked furniture crafted by skilled Filipino artisans. Its vibrant and beautifully designed communal areas, freshwater pool and restaurant café, are created for the guests’ enjoyment during their stay in the surfers’ haven of Siargao. 

Its secluded Beach Villas command spectacular sea views and exclusive access to the beach–an ideal space for those seeking solace on the island paradise. Separated from the other rooms in the resort, the villas have private decks, sunbeds and direct rear access to the well-appointed bathrooms. Guests can have breakfast on the patio, backdropped by lush foliage or at the resort’s inviting signature bar and restaurant café.

Tatler Asia
Above Wooden touches add warmth to the room

Tucked on the second floor, the spacious King Suite radiates a minimalist aesthetic with a mix of natural surfaces and earthy tones that give it a warm, homey vibe. 

The Junior King suite, on the other hand, is a cosy space perfect for couples or a pair of friends. Surrounded by the jungle landscape and located on the first floor, it is a quiet hideaway just a few steps away from the pool and restaurant.

Tatler Asia
Above Siago’s pool beckons guests to take a dip under the Siargao sun
Tatler Asia
Above Pollo a la Brasa

As dining is integral to the Siargao experience, Siago provides a curated menu by chef Hanna Sanchez, who has trained under some of the best chefs in the Philippines and abroad. Wake up to the aromatic premium coffee blends or cap the day with Siago’s signature homemade cocktails or any thoughtfully selected liquor and wine lining the bar. Pair these with delectable dishes inspired by Central and South America infused with Filipino flavours. Whether it’s a healthy breakfast bowl, a tempting silog plate to start the day, or hearty tacos and tostadas to pair with margaritas, guests are in for an intercontinental treat any time.

Tatler Asia
Above Machuca tiles give the Siago restaurant’s dining area a Mexican character

The team at Siago can also make your Siargao trip a memorable one with tours arranged upon request–be it a day at the white beaches and coconut woodlands, surfing the world-class waves of Siargao, island hopping in Daku and Guyam Islands, or diving the spectacular underwater of the island paradise.

siagobeachresort.com

Bombora

A unique accommodation hidden in the jungle of Santa Fe–a laidback village in Siargao–Bombora is the ideal hideaway for adventurous travellers who would like to take in the beauty of nature in its unadulterated state. Just 100 steps away from white-sand beaches and the famous surf spots of Siargao, the resort features villas designed with relaxation in mind. Like entering a zen bubble, the villas open up to lush vegetation with an exclusive Balinese outdoor bathtub. It also has a relaxing al fresco living room on the deck that beckons guests to nap or chill out. The secluded space evokes the peace you need for that much-deserved break from the city’s hustle.

Tatler Asia
Above If going off the grid is not part of the agenda, working remotely at Bombora’s Villa 2 which has sweeping views is a good option
Tatler Asia
Above Bombora’s suite is situated amidst the beauty of nature

While the roads getting to the villas may be challenging, the adventurous at heart will surely enjoy the adrenaline-boosting motorcycle or scooter ride on unpaved roads. This, after all, is part of the raw experience Bombora is offering. The resort management ensures guests with the most memorable and fun experience at the property and makes sure not to be intrusive, giving guests the privacy they deserve. 

Tatler Asia
Above The canopy bed is the focal point in the bedroom
Tatler Asia
Above The Balinese outdoor tub is one of the unique features of Bombora’s villa

Whether you want to learn or improve your surfing skills, have a reinvigorating massage under the stars or while watching the sunset, have a private yoga class to free your mind and soul on your private deck, or be on an exhilarating island tour adventure, the staff at Bombora has got you covered. Have an unforgettable exclusive dining experience with your chef, who can customise a menu whipped out of the freshest ingredients on the island or a candlelit dinner for a romantic getaway. The place is also highly recommended for going off the grid and having a digital detox for a few days.  Whatever the case may be, you are sure to remember your stay in this secret haven. bomborasiargao.com

NOW READ 

Rising from the ashes: Siargao bounces back from typhoon Odette

Nadine Lustre's environmental advocacies: 5 organisations she supports 

Where to order ceviche around the Philippines

Credits

Photography  

Camille Robiou du Pont

Photography  

Liza Hechanova / Seek Studio

Topics