Private paradise Ariara Island in Palawan to boost PHL tourism

With fine white sand, enchanting coral reefs, and luxurious accommodations, it's no mystery that Ariara Island in northern Palawan is listed at the top of Vogue-UK Magazine's 100 Best Holidays. But what makes Ariara even more remarkable is its respect for the environment, and its celebration of Filipino talent.

 

For the vacationer who wants to get away from it all, what better place to do it than on a paradise island you can have all to yourself? 

 

On this private island owned by British couple Charles and Carrie McCulloch, guests can pretend they're king of the world for 295 pounds (over P19,000) per person a night. Ariara boasts of spacious bedrooms with uninterrupted views of the sea, private terraces with secluded pocket gardens, and open-air showers. 

 

"Supreme in quality from the water sports to the food and wine, it’s worth every penny of its breath-taking prices," says Vogue-UK. First published online in 2011, the list of 100 Best Holidays will be released in Vogue-UK Magazine's August 2012 issue. 

 

The 125-acre island in the Calamianes chain is also a wildlife sanctuary, and guests may spot sea eagles, several species of turtle, endangered dugong, and indigenous blue starfish. 

 

According to Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, the resort's properly planned development and low density shows the owners' respect for the environment. "We want to see more of this type of investment which supports the principles of responsible, ethical, and sustainable tourism,” Jimenez said in a press release.   

Jimenez also praised the resort for its use of local materials and traditional techniques, which he said serves as good advertising for Filipino craftsmanship and world-class products. “What is remarkable is that the entire resort is a testament to the unique artistry and skills of Filipino designers and artisans... Tourism is not just about counting tourist arrivals. More importantly, it is about building opportunities on the ground and improving lives, in communities in very real places," he said.

 

Designed by Filipino architect Jorge Yulo, Ariara's buildings can accommodate up to 18 guests. According to the resort website, the bathrooms feature either a wooden bath or a marble bath hand-carved from a block of Romblon marble. Along the pier, guests can relax under a grass-roofed sun shelter.

 

Ariara has been featured in several magazines in the United Kingdom, including Angels and Urchins, Harrods Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, The Spectator, Wine and Dine, Urbanology and Tatler, the DOT press release said.

 

In January this year, the Times Magazine named it as the "Best Private Island Resort", while The Independent mentioned it as one of 2012's most surprising holiday destinations. 

 

According to the DOT, the United Kingdom is a major source of tourists in the Philippines, with 104,466 arrivals in 2011. The figures for January to May this year show continued growth, yielding 50,237 tourist arrivals, a notch above its previous 10th place.

 

"The market’s performance is expected to be better with heightened awareness and current promotional efforts in UK via London taxicabs, double-decker buses, and posters in strategic places at the underground rail stations in time for the Queen’s Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics," the DOT said.

 

At least 75 of London's iconic black cabs and red double-decker buses are going around the British capital with the DOT's "It's more fun in the Philippines" campaign. –KG/YA, GMA News