Your luxurious stay begins with an exclusive arrival by private jet, helicopter, or seaplane from Manila or Puerta Princesa. Once you arrive, kick off your shoes and give into a sumptuous stay on this 7-hectare island.
Banwa features six opulent beachfront villas catering to 22 guests. The one and two-bedroom villas fit two to four guests respectively, while the sprawling South West Villa caters to eight guests across four bedrooms. Whichever villa you choose, you’ll be immersed in a bright, modern oasis with a contemporary white and blue color scheme – each villa also has its own private pool and Jacuzzi, and 24-hour butler service. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow plenty of natural light and clear views over the lush greenery in which each villa is set.
UNFETTERED LUXURY
The arrival and luxe villas are just the start of the extravagant experience at Banwa Private Island. Book a single villa or opt for the exclusive Island Charter option, where the whole island can be completely yours. With no other guests around, you’ll enjoy a thoroughly relaxing stay with total tranquility, absolute privacy, and exceptional bespoke service, including full-board villa accommodation catering to 22 guests, spa treatments, non-motorised water sports, laundry and pressing, as well as access to ‘Axis facilities’ on a full-board basis (accommodating maximum 12 persons), comprising six standard garden view rooms, including the Axis 360 suite with separate lounge, kitchen, dining, BBQ deck and pool (suitable for entourage/support team).
Treat yourself to pampering massages at the spa, embark on private tennis coaching sessions on the all-weather court, play a quiet round of golf on the island’s short-game golf course, or challenge your family and friends to a competitive game on the soccer pitch.
There’s also a fully-loaded gym featuring Technogym equipment and a Unica multigym, along with a peaceful Pilates studio boasting a Merrithew V2Max Reformer. Personal training is available – just make sure to get a fresh tipple from the juice bar to refuel afterward. Prefer to get a workout on the water? Banwa’s dive center offers myriads of watersports, from snorkeling and scuba-diving to kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Even food is given a luxurious, bespoke touch at Banwa Private Island. At Latitude Restaurant, you’ll eat exactly what you want, with dishes and menus tailored to your specific preferences – you can even get a nutritionist to plan your meals. Described as ‘world cuisine with a local flair’, dishes take a particular inspiration from the Mediterranean region. Chef’s creations are served with elements of Filipino classics and traditional local cooking methods, passed on from generation to generation. Locally sourced fish and seafood, farm-fresh vegetables and herbs, harvested from the organic garden and carefully selected imported meat are staple elements in the gastronomic creations. Banwa focuses on a healthy and balanced cuisine with the freshest available ingredients, and can also create bespoke vegetarian, vegan and ketogenic dishes with a twist. Apart from a daily rotating menu which is adaptable based on preferences, dietary restrictions, and cravings, guests can enjoy dining at Latitude Restaurant or the comfort of their villa.
Feel like eating al fresco? No problem. Banwa’s “Dining by Design” concept offers plenty of bespoke, elegant and unique private dining locations that immerse guests in the island’s incredible surrounds. Try having your dinner by starlight on the jetty, immersed in romance in the coconut grove or spa gardens, or in total isolation on the Sulu sandbars.
In recent years, sustainability has become a big part of the luxury experience, and Banwa Private Island acknowledges this with a commitment to sustainable practices. Much of the produce used at the Latitude Restaurant and Terrace Bar is ethically cultivated at Banwa’s organic farm, located in the nearby village of Tumarbong. The village is also a training center that provides education for the surrounding villages. In addition, an artesian well 500-feet below Banwa provides fresh spring water for the island, while an onsite bee colony produces honey and helps maintain the balance of the local ecosystem. Banwa also works with the Aquos Foundation to protect the local environment.
TRANQUILITY IN NATURE
Set amidst the unspoiled nature of Palawan, Banwa offers guests the chance to explore incredible natural sights in opulent style. Go on day-trips and overnight adventures to explore isolated beaches, crystal-clear waters and reefs in the area.
Enjoy an easy day of snorkeling in the island’s marine protected area, or venture further afield to scuba-dive in the incredible Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, often called one of the world’s top 10 dive sites. The reef consists of two massive atolls harboring a marine and bird sanctuary and thanks to its rich biodiversity, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Take a day boat out on the Barbacan River, Asia’s answer to the Amazon, to check out the mangroves, tributaries, fireflies, and flying foxes for a journey that’s straight out of National Geographic, or check out the Saint Paul mountain range, where you can explore the awe-inspiring Subterranean River National Park, a protected site that was discovered in 2010 and named one of UNESCO’s New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. You can also head to El Nido to discover the area’s famous limestone cliffs and white sand coves.
EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
For guests seeking to unwind in sumptuous style and complete privacy, Banwa Private Island is an idyllic retreat. Add to this the island’s personalized service and stunning natural environment, and it’s a truly indulgent escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
