Jewels in the sea
I have witnessed a hundred sunsets, but the one viewed from this luxurious tropical resort called Setir in Culion, Palawan is simply the most glorious and unforgettable. The reflection of the sunset on the most glass-bottom panels I have ever seen made all the difference.
Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort, popularly known as Setir, is a luxurious 18-hectare enclave dotted with impressive villas surrounded by immaculate white sands, and brimming with verdant forests as well.
Embark on a journey beyond the ordinary. The sun-kissed shores of this amazing luxurious resort beckon with a promise of unparalleled luxury. Nestled in the embrace of its turquoise waters, the newly unveiled Salepan Villa emerges as the crown jewel, a testament to opulence and tranquility.
Setir unveils its latest masterpiece, a symphony of elegance suspended over the crystal-clear lagoon. The Salepan Villa stands as a haven for those seeking refuge from the chaos of everyday life. It is a gateway to serenity, where each sunrise paints the sky in hues of peach and coral, and each sunset whispers tales of a day well-spent.
A special media trip in the rambunctious company of Marianne Go, Vanessa Hidalgo, Edwin Galvez, together with Tricia Matalog and Mike Mina, was an immersive preview into the lap of luxury that awaited exploration. After a family holiday in the past, I returned to witness the unveiling of the newest luxurious addition to Setir — the impressive Salepan villas.
Charming Pia Xenia de Villa, corporate marketing head, welcomed us to Setir and gave us a special tour of the magical island resort, which seems to rest on a bed of immaculate froth when viewed from above.
As I stepped onto the private terrace of the new villas, I was greeted by panoramic views that echoed the indulgent luxury of Bora Bora. Each sunrise painted the sky in hues reminiscent of a Maldivian dreamscape, while the vibrant marine life beneath mirrored the underwater wonders of our azure seas.
Resort manager Craig Ronquillo shared that the beautiful Salepan Villas will surely attract more discriminating guests who want to enjoy paradise in luxury and pampered style. They have 16 impressive Salepan villas and 12 are being constructed right now.
At the new 244-square-meter Salepan Villas, your personal butler awaits as you step onto the island, catering to your needs while a buggy service ensures effortless island exploration.
Delight in culinary curations from your resort chef meticulously preparing unique dining experiences.
Bask in tranquil amenities such as a plunge pool and roof deck boasting panoramic mountain and water views. With direct water access, you can immerse yourself in the rich marine biodiversity from the comforts of your villa.
They also have the honeymoon Sirakan villas, family and studio-type accommodations all perched on stilts surrounded by preserved coral reefs or adorned with forest trails behind.
The Poolside Patio offered an exclusive vantage point where we witnessed the sun dip below the horizon, casting hues of gold and crimson across the water.
Many honeymoon proposals and celebrations can be hosted in the resort’s many locations. Each sunrise and sunset connotes life and laughter, and is a testament to all that is beautiful and bountiful.
Aquatic sports will enthrall water sports lovers while diving, glass-bottom boats, swimming, and guided snorkeling, or perhaps even cruising, are other options. By the swimming pool, you can spot an occasional lizard or gecko wandering in the perimeter to the delight of young ones and the “young once.”
Sustainability is one mission here, and they have resorted to measures to protect the environment.
At Setir, each step you take is a brushstroke of care and preservation for Mother Nature. Bask in its serenity and solace. Enjoy God’s presence and the resilience of nature captured in luxury and rustic bliss. The company we shared elevated every moment, turning a luxurious escape into a cherished memory. We reveled in the opulent surroundings, celebrated the culinary delights, and marveled at the natural beauty, all while sharing laughter and creating bonds that will linger like a sweet melody.
From the moment your feet touch the soft sands, you’ll be enveloped in an embrace of tropical magic, where time slows and worries dissipate like morning mist.
Their fine dining outlets, like Hikari, Xiang Kbbq Hotpot, Island Garden and Rare Steakhouse restaurants, serve gastronomic meals. One can stargaze on the romantic private beach diner as you can luckily spot a falling star from near or far. The Cellar offers the finest wines, spirits, and light bar chow. If you wish, you can hang out here until dusk turns to dawn.
One of my favorite meals was the hearty breakfast of the most delicious Jack rabbit fish, longanisa, tapa, champorado, crab congee, dimsum and the freshest fruits that can be enjoyed here. We also had the chance to dine at the new Hikari Japanese restaurant, which offers a lively and immersive dining experience with a focus on traditional Japanese cuisine. The blue crab fried to perfection with herbs and spices, sea grapes salad of lato in spicy vinegar were delightful as well. Tropical juices freshly squeezed added that much-desired refreshment that complemented our last dinner at Setir. Definitely, there is so much reason to return here.
We also had a sumptuous meal of tender steak perfectly seasoned and cooked, succulent prawns in butter and soy sauce, fried rice cooked hibachi style. Our charming chef Edward Buensuceno, who once worked in Switzerland, Cyprus and Maldives, certainly entertained us with impressive cooking antics which he performed at the hibachi table.
As if that wasn’t enough, we savored their seafood hotpot at VIP Hotpot, where all the freshest meat, seafood, and vegetables are mixed with your choice sauces of sweet, spicy, garlicky, and all the flavors that match the best hotpot.
As you step on the shores of Setir, prepare to be enveloped not only by the timeless beauty of the island but also by the spirit of innovation that propels it forward. Each new addition is a brushstroke on the canvas of your tropical getaway, promising an experience that transcends the ordinary.
It is high time to tick off places in your bucket list, like Setir, and explore the destinations you dream of.
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Sunlight Air, owned by Setir, flies daily from Clark Airport to Busuanga. A deluxe bus will take you to the Sunlight Hotel in Coron. Setir is a 40-minute speedboat ride.
For inquiries call +6328657191, 09175176638 and for reservations, email reservations@sunlighthotelsandresorts.com
