White Lotus may have Thailand on all our minds, but I just returned from my first trip to the Philippines, and I think I found the perfect place to go if you want to avoid the crowds. After an exciting week in Manila, we set off on a short 1.5-hour flight via Philippine Airlines to Siargao—an island that looks like the far-flung paradise we have all dreamed of. The island is covered in (almost) exclusively palm trees, making for the most picturesque jungle landscape I have ever seen.
While destinations like Thailand have long been at the top of luxury traveler’s lists, Nay Palad Hideaway on Siargao offers all the magic of a luxurious island retreat without the crowds or over-commercialization. It’s the perfect White Lotus swap, with secluded beaches and world-class hospitality, making this resort a truly well-kept secret.
Nay Palad is a barefoot escape
Tucked between the glassy blue Pacific Ocean and an ancient mangrove forest, Nay Palad offers a barefoot luxury experience that feels effortless and immersive. There are no check-in desks, no set itineraries—just pure relaxation at your own pace. Whether you want to spend the day kayaking through untouched waterways, hopping between neighboring islands, or lounging by the picture-perfect pool with a cocktail, everything is tailored to your own version of paradise. Oh and guess what, everything is all inclusive! So there is no need to worry about your wallet once your plane lands on Siargao.
Unlike the crowded resorts of Phuket or Koh Samui, Nay Palad is intimate, exclusive, and untouched by mass tourism. It’s a place where you won’t be competing for a beach chair or waiting for a table come dinner time. Instead, the staff anticipates your every need, ensuring that your stay feels deeply personalized and truly a trip to remember.
Daily massages and island hopping around Siargao
One of my favorite parts of the trip? The daily massages, which quickly became a non-negotiable part of the day. After a morning of swimming or sailing to deserted beaches, we’d return to the spa for a deep, restorative treatment. The therapists seemed to know exactly what our bodies needed—whether it was a traditional Filipino hilot massage to cure any lingering jetlag or a cooling aloe vera treatment to soothe our sun-drenched day.
We also set off on a private island-hopping adventure, where we spent the day snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, feasting on freshly grilled seafood, and relaxing on untouched white-sand beaches. Unlike the packed boat tours I’ve been on in Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, we had entire islands to ourselves, making the experience feel even more special.
The magic of Nay Palad
At Nay Palad, every meal is an experience. Mornings started with tropical fruits, homemade pastries, and freshly squeezed juices, while evenings featured grilled seafood, vibrant vegetable dishes, and Filipino-inspired specialties. And like the rest of the trip, the service was impeccable by the entire staff ensuring all guests had complete privacy for each meal—every night we dined in a different area of the property, whether in a tree top or ocean view open air studio.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like old friends, and by the time we left, we felt like we were saying goodbye to a second home. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from nightly treehouse dinners under the stars to private island-hopping boat tour to the daily massages.
If you’ve been dreaming of a luxurious island escape but want to skip the crowded hotspots, Nay Palad is the answer. It’s the perfect White Lotus alternative—tropical villas, top-tier hospitality, and a sense of privacy that’s so rare to find. As we packed our bags to leave, one thing was certain: we were already planning when to return.
If you are planning a spring getaway as well, check out our guide to the ultimate spring packing list.
