Iris Island Eco Resort

The villa gave us a real sense of privacy, with a comfortable bed and a balcony overlooking a spectacular view. Down below, we had a small beach with benches and hammocks, and there were other spots around the island to relax. We kayaked around the island and a little farther out. The sea was calm and so clear we could see marine life from the kayak, and snorkelling is another option. We booked three nights midway through our travels around the Philippines to escape the crowds, and got all that and more. The warm, smiling staff made us feel welcome and were ready to help throughout. The eco-resort put a smile on our faces as soon as we approached by boat, and that feeling stayed with us even after leaving. Its sustainable approach really impressed me. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were included as a buffet, with a good range of food, including vegetarian choices. Everything was delicious, cooked in a solar oven. I also had a 75-minute massage at Shanti spa, one of the best I’ve had, with a very relaxing treatment, music, and setting. Iris Island Eco resort became the highlight of our trip. I’ve never felt so relaxed, and all with a minimal footprint on the environment.

The hot lava shell massage was wonderful, and I loved the resort’s focus on ecology, spirituality, and natural health spa treatments. I spent three nights at Iris Island Eco Resort and really enjoyed it. The reef is lovely for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The buffet meals were delicious, and the boutique villas had comfortable king-size beds and perfect panoramic views. I’d highly recommend it.

We spent six nights here and hope to return someday. The reef right in front of the island is exceptional, with barramundi, nudibranchs, barracuda, and all kinds of corals. We didn’t get to try yoga, but meditation was a good experience, and the massages were perfect after snorkelling or meditation. The view is wonderful, and the food is very good. The staff were great and really helpful. Frank arranged everything for us, including scuba diving and island hopping. Don’t let the eco label put you off, it’s a real experience. The sun charges the lodge batteries and provides hot water. A pool was under construction while we were there. Thanks again for a wonderful holiday!

A lovely place to slow down and spend time in nature. You can snorkel right off the dock and see so many fish, and the island itself is gorgeous and grounding. We loved swimming around the island, relaxing in the hammocks, and sitting on our hut’s porch overlooking the sea. The owners lead a guided meditation each evening, and there’s morning yoga after sunrise. The solar-oven food was healthy and delicious. The eco-friendly setup felt easy to live with. I barely thought about the composting toilets, we always had hot shower water, and the balcony caught a nice breeze during the day. Nights did get a little warm even with a fan, and we didn’t miss air conditioning in the daytime. It might be hard for anyone with mobility issues, since there are dirt paths and lots of stairs. We didn’t mind them and felt they kept us active. It’s also a quiet place, not one I’d pick for a party with my girlfriends. And if you expect all the usual resort conveniences, like plastic water bottles, air conditioning, or TV, this may not suit you. For us, it was a real gem.