Cauayan Island Resort dates all the way back to 2008 -- the year in which the owners decided to make a trip to the Philippines that would change their lives forever.
Arriving to El Nido as simple tourists, it only took them a day on an island-hopping cruise to fall in love with the place, its breathtaking landscapes, and its warm and welcoming people. Despite not having any local contacts nor any knowledge regarding hospitality or construction, both of them went back to Spain with a single idea in mind: "We are going to buy an island, and we will build a resort in El Nido."
Needless to say, everyone’s reaction back home was at the very least, discouraging: "What are you talking about? Are you out of your mind? You would never be able to make it!" Yet, and against every single advice, the owners came back a year later to start looking for a place.
The initial idea was something small and simple, though on a search around El Nido’s beautiful surroundings, they stumbled upon Cauayan and could not resist. Disembarking on the front beach, they met Decen for the first time.
Wearing nothing but a pair of briefs and accompanied by his dog Potol, he greeted them as the caretaker of the island -- back then completely wild and impossible to penetrate due to the lush jungle that covered it. Without even knowing who the landowners were, they promised Decen that they will one day own that place, and that he will work for them. Today, both Decen and Potol are still here as part of the Cauayan family.
After 9 months of research, the landowners were finally found, and by 2010, Cauayan was bought. Spending everything they had, and against all possible odds, they started to build what they would years later be able to call their second home.
The road was not easy, and the opening took a little longer than expected. The sometimes unfavorable weather conditions or materials being scarce due to the resort being on a private island were just a few of the challenges they faced in order to finish their project. In fact, not being able to bring any heavy machinery, such as excavators, cranes, or trucks, meant that everything had to be brought in "bangkas" (the typical local boats of El Nido) and had to be built by hand.
Cauayan Island Resort made its soft opening in May 2016, with only 23 of its villas available. The rest of them, as well as many other hotel facilities, were progressively finished throughout the following years. In the absence of any kind of previous hospitality knowledge, the initial philosophy was no other than "putting ourselves in our guest’s shoes," and trying to give them everything we would love to have if we were in their place.
With time, came experience, and don’t get us wrong -- we had many things to amend! However, if there is anything we have learned throughout these years, it's that despite all luxuries and commodities, it is only by remaining humble and close to our customers and staff where true happiness relies.
Today, our commitment is to keep improving everyday in the aims of giving our guests a magical and unforgettable experience -- hopefully awakening in them the desire to visit us sometime in the near future to enjoy the art of laid back luxury.
Cauayan Island is a luxury resort that embodies the pristine beauty of its natural surroundings and first-class personalized services.
Escape to a paradise of tranquility and haven of comfort. Indulge yourself in a perfect serene lifestyle vacation.
Our resort has: