Having just put a ring on it, it was time for my brand new Mr LML to step up to his second wedding-related task: revealing our surprise honeymoon destination….dum, da, da, dum.
I know, I know – leaving such a crucial decision up to the Mister was risky, but while I can’t take any credit for choosing it, the Philippines ticked every box on my honeymoon wish list.
We jumped on a Singapore Airlines flight via Singapore to Manila, taking advantage of one of the many perks of the Airline: beautiful pink and frothy Singapore Slings on the drinks list!
After landing in Manila, we are swiftly whisked off to our hotel, the Dusit Thani Manila, which proves to be a rather grand spot a couple of steps away from the main shopping precinct (high-five Mr LML). Zara, Kate Spade, Top Shop…
But we all know a shopping trip doesn’t equal romantic honeymoon, so let’s move swiftly along. Before we leave the Dusit Thani, a special mention needs to go to the huge breakfast spread, multiple restaurants and lobby bar (I’ll save this for another post 😉 ).
We head to the domestic airport and hop on a one-hour flight to El Nido, Palawan, where we are ushered onto a comfy motorboat for a short cruise to the Island.
Our small plane for the flight to Palawan
We stay with El Nido Resorts, which operate eco resorts on Lagen Island, Miniloc Island, Apulit Resort and Pangulasian Island.
Before we even hit the beach, we hear singing, and someone on guitar. We feel like VIPs as we are serenaded during check-in.
That is until one minute later when I whack my head on a golf cart, which is whizzing us along a sandy track to our room. Before I can even start feeling sorry for myself, someone miraculously appears with an ice pack: crisis averted.
Sandy track leading to our bungalow
Our room/bungalow, is five metres from the edge of the ocean and I pause to admire a perfectly positioned day bed overlooking our little beachy, palm-treed paradise.
Postcard ready palm trees
We have all meals included, so we don’t need to think about a thing. Actually one thing: breakfast, lunch and dinner are three-course affairs, so I congratulate myself for packing a one-piece alongside my bikini.
The food is absolutely delicious; think freshly caught fish and a chef who is happy to indulge any and all of our food whims.
Prawn and mango in crispy nori roll
Prawn and chargrilled vegetable skewer
Our days quickly develop a routine of sorts. Sleep-in, wander along the beach to breakfast, work it off snorkeling or stand up paddle boarding, have lunch and an icy-cold beer then doze or read near the pool before sundowners and dinner.
Paddle boarding over the reef
A reef just in front of our bungalow was perfect for snorkeling
Reading by the pool
When happy-hour comes, we order G&T’s from room service and lounge on that day bed I admired when we checked-in: bliss.
After a week under crisp blue skies, our last day on the Island dawns grey and drizzly. We make the reverse trip back to the mainland for the flight back to Manila, but a fog which has been steadily closing in means our flight is cancelled, so it’s back to the Island for us: damn, another night drinking G&Ts in paradise. 😉
Ps. I hear you asking, “what was his first wedding-related task?” Answer: Photography and he nailed that too – what a keeper.
Where did you honeymoon? Tell us in the comments.