Lagen reimagined: Luxury redefined through Filipino craftsmanship

Insider Spotlight 

• Rebirth of a classic – Lagen Island, after two decades, reopens with just 42 villas and suites designed for intimacy and exclusivity.
• Cultural immersion – Architecture and interiors draw from Filipino craftsmanship, weaving indigenous artistry into every corner.
• Artisan-led storytelling – Partnerships with artisans across the archipelago put local communities at the center of the design.
• Sustainability at core – From biodiversity centers to eco-conscious construction, the resort champions Palawan’s natural heritage.

In September 2025, Palawan’s iconic Lagen Island is reintroducing itself after a dramatic transformation, unveiling a 42-key private island retreat that unites culture, sustainability, and design.

Nestled in El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, the new Lagen blends quiet luxury with Filipino artistry, positioning itself as a benchmark for conscious hospitality.

 By the numbers

• 42 villas and suites: A mix of Forest Rooms and Water Villas

• 20+ years of Ayala Land Hospitality’s conservation efforts in Palawan

• Dozens of artisans engaged across the Philippines to create bespoke details

• Three core spaces dedicated to wellness, diving, and biodiversity research

• One renewed vision: Culture-led, story-driven luxury

Heritage in design

Lagen’s redesign brings Filipino tradition to the forefront. Guests are welcomed in an arrival hall inspired by the paraw sailing boat, adorned with hand-carved wood and ceramic beadwork crafted by local artisans. 

Interiors feature woven patterns, fine woodwork, and indigenous motifs from the Batak, Tagbanua, Tausug, and Maranao, turning each suite into a narrative-rich sanctuary.

“Every surface presents an opportunity to celebrate Filipino aesthetics and cultural heritage,” says Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, creative director of Ayala Land Hospitality.

Crafted by many hands

The transformation results from a multidisciplinary collaboration between WATG, Wimberly Interiors Studio, Henning Larsen, and Ayala Land Hospitality’s Creative Team. Beyond design, it’s powered by purposeful partnerships with Filipino artisans:

• Artisano Kabalan – clay brickmakers from Olongapo

• Create Industrial Corp. – woodcarvers from Cavite

• Niño Franco’s Wilson Limon, Jenny Mann, T’boli and Marabatuan weavers – weaving soulful patterns into modern interiors

This approach redefines resort luxury as community-rooted and story-led, moving away from globalized templates.

Spaces for renewal

The resort integrates architecture with nature, offering Forest Rooms with balconies overlooking coastal vistas and Water Villas with sunken lounges close to the sea. Guests can explore:

• A Dive Centre that doubles as a conservation hub

• A Marine & Biodiversity Conservation Center for eco-learning

• A two-level Wellness Sanctuary with spa gardens, yoga studios, and healing pools

Each element reflects Ayala Land Hospitality’s philosophy: that luxury must serve both people and the planet.

Why It Matters

For more than two decades, Lagen has been synonymous with sustainable tourism in Palawan. With its relaunch, it demonstrates how Filipino hospitality can compete on the global stage by leaning into what makes it distinct: authenticity, cultural artistry, and deep respect for nature.

What’s Next

As global travelers seek experiences that are authentic yet responsible, Lagen positions itself as the archetype for the new wave of conscious luxury. Whether returning or visiting for the first time, guests are invited to become part of Lagen’s continuing legacy: where beauty is preserved, stories are told, and craftsmanship thrives. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma