Isla Amara Resort

The beachfront setting at ISLA Amara is beautiful, with plenty of greenery, and the staff were warm and helpful. When we told them about the millipedes, they promptly offered us a second-floor room at no extra cost, which we really appreciated. We stayed in a ground-floor room, where my girlfriend woke up one morning with a millipede on her head. One evening we came back to find five in the room. We know they’re generally harmless, and the resort is surrounded by nature, but having insects inside was really uncomfortable. For what it costs, the upkeep fell short. The furniture and fixtures looked very worn, and even after housekeeping the room didn’t feel properly clean. We expected more attention to maintenance and cleaning at this price. Breakfast was okay, though the selection was limited. The place has a lovely setting and a kind team, but it needs a refresh and stronger housekeeping. It could be amazing.

The staff at Isla Amara made us feel looked after with kind, attentive service that never felt intrusive. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and lovely, with a calm style that fits in with the natural surroundings. It’s a peaceful, thoughtfully designed boutique hotel where it’s easy to slow down and enjoy El Nido. It’s quiet and refined while still close to everything, and I’d happily return. I love boutique hotels, and this one really is a hidden gem.

The pool was the main concern for us. The chlorine was very strong, and my nephew had an allergic reaction and had to be taken to the hospital. Breakfast also got picked over quickly, as staff seemed eager to clear up. If you don’t get there early, there isn’t much food left. Aside from that, it was a very clean, family-friendly hotel. The rooms were spacious and nice, the amenities were great, and the service was excellent. Free ice cream and afternoon drinks were a nice extra, and the pool table, billiards, beer pong, and Jenga kept the kids entertained.

Kate at the Front Office deserves a special mention. She was warm, professional, and attentive, and made our stay more memorable. We loved the natural finishes and light colors throughout Isla Amara. The whole place felt refreshing and relaxing, enough to make us want to stay longer. The food was great, the room was awesome, and we had an amazing time. We’d gladly come back.