Crystal Paradise Resort, Spa & Winery

We’re already missing CPR and can’t wait to come back. The food was some of the best on the island, and the staff welcomed us warmly. The owner, Tita Celeste, was especially accommodating. It was a wonderful family stay and a great place to get away from the city’s bustle. Puerto Princesa airport is about an hour and a half away by car.

The villas with private pools are worth booking. Ours was a last-minute reservation, and the staff still went above and beyond to arrange a romantic dinner for my fiancé’s proposal. Crystal River made for an amazing stay, and we’ll return the next time we’re in the Philippines. It’s a beautiful property with a full bar and restaurant on site. The location is remote, about an hour and a half from Puerto Princesa. The drive was manageable, though, since the road becomes a straight highway outside Puerto and much of it has been repaved. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a private getaway outside the city.

We spent a week here while doing fieldwork nearby, and it was a relaxing, peaceful stay. The staff were some of the friendliest and nicest I’ve come across at hotels and resorts. There’s a restaurant with good food that feels worth the price. For activities, you can kayak, play volleyball or badminton in the yard, or use the recreation center for table tennis, billiards, and sungka. There’s also a shelf of books with some good titles. I had a great time here.

A lovely place for any kind of occasion. The staff are wonderful and so accommodating. If you’re visiting Palawan, you wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else.