A NEW SEASON AT AMANPULO
Pamalican island unveils spa enhancements, a new beachfront casita, kitesurfing and more
As the year draws to a close, the best season to visit the Philippines begins, where warmth and radiance endures on the remote private island resort of Amanpulo on Pamalican Island. With its surrounding coral reef, Amanpulo sits like a turquoise jewel within the darker expanse of the Cuyo Archipelago, where clear skies and the return of the celebrated Amihan breeze in December welcomes in the kitesurfing season. This December also brings with it a host of new experiences and enhancements, designed to showcase Amanpulo at its most enticing – from new watersports retreats and speedboat journeys to updates to the spa and the addition of a romantic new Casita.
Accessible only by Aman’s private twin-engine plane, Amanpulo offers a palpable feeling of seclusion, privacy and calm from the moment of landing. The spacious villas and casitas, set far apart on the shores of the island, lead to expansive swathes of empty, white sand – shared only by the Hawksbill sea turtles who swim in the clear waters of the shoreline. This sense of privacy and proximity to nature is best showcased by the resort’s newest accommodation, the Grand Beach Pool Casita. Nestled within a tranquil garden on the quiet southeastern edge of the island, the Casita offers direct access to the beach and spans 257 square metres (2,766 square feet). It features a private plunge pool and outdoor Jacuzzi, while inside, modern Filipino-inspired wooden interiors boast lofty rafters and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame prime sunrise views overlooking the lagoon and bright blue coral reefs. The bathroom is a sanctuary in itself, complete with indoor and outdoor rainfall showers, a soaking bathtub and an oversized walk-in closet. This Casita, along with the resort’s collection of five villas, includes the services of a private butler who discreetly anticipates a guest’s every need.
New enhancements have also been made to the resort’s Aman Spa – a key feature of any Aman resort. Here, at the island’s highest point amongst the forest canopy, a new Pilates Reformer Studio takes advantage of sweeping panoramas, with a central group space in addition to private training rooms. New, state-of-the-art Strength and Cardio Studios have also been completed, ensuring Amanpulo’s wellness facilities support ever-changing fitness needs. A collection of private Steam Suites with invigorating jet showers and Infrared Therapy technology completes the upgrade, each designed to aid recovery, promote detoxification and improve circulation. Taking guests through an invigorating process of renewal, from 15 January – 1 March 2026, the Fitness Restart Programme begins with a cold immersion session in the plunge pool, followed by personal training and an Inner Balance Massage.
From 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026, Amanpulo’s pristine lagoon transforms into a haven for kite surfers who enjoy the return of the northeastern Amihan wind. With its clear turquoise waters, moderate waves and steady winds, the island offers ideal conditions for both beginners and seasoned riders alike. In private sessions with expert guides, guests can launch directly from the shore and experience the freedom of gliding across the lagoon’s vast expanse of shallow waters with Pamalican Island as a spectacular backdrop.
Ideal for those new to the sport, Amanpulo has launched First Flight: An Introduction to Kitesurfing which provides a structured introduction to kitesurfing. Taking place over the course of three days, participants will enjoy two hours of guided, beginner-level instruction each day, learning wind theory, safety procedures, equipment setup and techniques. The experience culminates in the thrill of the first ‘water start’, when participants ride the board powered solely by the kite – an unforgettable achievement. To assist with the programme, this season, Amanpulo welcomes two visiting kitesurfing specialists: Jing Tabangay (10 December 2025 to 15 January 2026), a 14-year veteran and IKO-certified instructor, and Warner Janoya (23 December 2025 to 15 January 2026), a six-time champion and member of the Philippine Kite Surfing Team.
Two new Axopar speedboats – aptly named Amihan and Pawikan (meaning sea turtle) – have been introduced this season. Aboard these sleek vessels, guests can explore Amanpulo’s coral reef with accompanying snorkelling instructors or set out into the sunset for drinks and aperitifs at the floating kawayan bar. For those seeking deeper exploration, the resort will also offer freediving sessions from 20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, providing the chance to connect with the underwater world below. These watersports activities run alongside the complementary Beach Club activities – from Hobie Cat sailing and Stand Up Paddleboarding, to kayaking and snorkelling.
With additional return flight options now operating from Clark International Airport (CRK), just 116 kilometres (72 miles) from Manila, guests from across Asia are now within easier reach. A gateway to the Philippines, the airport’s new route commenced its daily scheduled flights to Pamalican Island on 26 October 2025. International carriers operating direct flights to Clark International include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Jetstar Asia, Cebu Pacific and more, now seamlessly connecting guests from across the continent and beyond.
