Where to bask in the last frontier

Astoria Palawan, the latest addition to the luxurious, exclusive and private retreats in the country’s last frontier, opened recently with a grand event with 50 select media and VIP invitees all flown in for a weekend stay. Located northeast of Puerto Princesa City in the town of San Rafael, Astoria Palawan is right on the shores of the picturesque Honda Bay and is a 75-minute drive via the resort’s private vehicles.  The latest addition to Astoria Hotels and Resorts growing portfolio of leisure and entertainment properties (Ortigas, Boracay, Bohol, and Chardonnay by Astoria) is, so far, the most green and eco-conscious property of the group.

Situated on a five-hectare mango orchard, Astoria Plaza offers unique mountain and sea views surrounding the property, and beachfront vistas of the Sulu Sea and Honda Bay right in front.  The invitees got first dibs of the resort’s current facilities that include The Canopy (reception area), The Reserve (restaurant), The Pod (swimming pool area) and 13 wood cabin-type villas that house 40 luxurious and spacious private rooms and suites named after endangered birds and mammals. Each room and suite is spacious and has every amenity one could want in an otherwise pristine getaway. 

Astoria Hotels and Resorts president Jeffrey Ng, together with COO Vivian Ng, welcomed the guests and were the gracious hosts for the weekend activities, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Senators Sonny Angara and Koko Pimentel, Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron, Tourism Undersecretary Chikoy Enerio, and Olivia Ng.  Also flown in were the Astoria Hotels and Resorts executive team, architect Ed Gallego and designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario (who designed Astoria Palawan, Astoria Boracay, Bohol and Ortigas), entertainers, DOT heads and family members.