4/10
With its incredible looking socials and promise of glamping style accommodation, for the price point we really wanted to like Isla experience more. This is more of a base camp feel rather than a relaxing couples escape. Socialising is encouraged, communal dinner etc. Whilst for some this may be attractive for others this may feel too much. We really wanted a couples rest and relax escape before heading back to the UK but found it difficult to find solitude.
Pros
- The location is fantastic with a great beach.
- The staff were great.
- The couples massage by two locals ladies from the village was perhaps the best we’ve ever had. Ask for Gedalyn and Emma.
Cons
- After paying PHP2600 for a return van transfer for two from El Nido it felt unacceptable to have to wait nearly an hour at the port for the boat to arrive to take us across to the island on both the outward and return journey.
- Food and drinks are expensive, as in expensive. This isn’t Boracay.
- A big one for us…the showers are salt water. This wasn’t mentioned anywhere on the Hotels.com listing. You will remain sticky for the entire duration of your stay. There literally is no point in showering after being in the sea.
- There is a constant subtle smell in the air. We couldn’t pinpoint what the smell was, possibly drains, possibly seaweed, possibly a nearly piggery, who knows.
- The cleanliness of the shared toilets and showers varied. The toilets do not allow you to flush toilet tissue, it should be placed in a
David
2-night trip