Set foot at the most beautiful island on Earth at El Nido, Palawan. And there, witness a place that is absolutely stunning – you wouldn’t want to leave.
Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan | Source: Shutterstock | Photo ID: 1628566375
El Nido is an island that offers a good combination of nature and adventure thus making it an idyllic tropical getaway. Be in awe by its powdery white sand beaches, turquoise clear water, limestone formations perfectly carved by nature, beautiful landscapes, wide blue sky, lagoons both big and small, and extraordinary underwater world – all these (and more), make El Nido one of the best islands in the world.
As more and more people discover the beauty of this paradise, we can expect that it will only get busier each year. It is integral to balance tourism activities, one that does well to the economy without destroying the environment.
Certainly, we must safeguard the beauty of El Nido and protect the very reason that attracted people in the first place – the natural environment. Moreover, as we transcend to a new travel era brought about by the pandemic, we are challenged to re-think and redefine how we do things.
Tourism Certificate as 2020’s World’s First Sea Turtle Friendly | Source: El Nido Resorts
Ayala Land’s Stake on Sustainable Tourism
Ayala Land, Inc., a trusted estate developer in the country, manages a conglomerate of estate hotels and resorts in premier destinations in the country, including El Nido. Guided by their vision, “enhance land and enrich lives of more Filipinos”, Ayala Land, Inc. champions sustainability by incorporating care for nature and communities at the core of their business psyche.
Ten Knots Development Corporation (TKDC), a subsidiary of Ayala Land, Inc. operates two estate properties in El Nido – Lio Estate Resorts (LER) and El Nido Resorts (ENR). These eco-resorts are nestled in different scenic locations and are all designed and operated to respect the natural beauty of the island.
Lio Estate Resorts (LER) is Ayala Land’s first tourism estate. It is a beachside enclave of ecological resorts located in mainland El Nido. LER manages a group of boutique hotels such as Casa Kalaw, Balai Adlao, Hotel Covo and Huni Lio, as well as a 5-star resort that is, Seda Lio.
On the other hand, El Nido Resorts (ENR) is a group of sustainable island resorts that operates low-dense, luxury, exclusive resorts in Miniloc Island, Apulit Island, Lagen Island and Pangulasian Island.
All these properties are set in different scenic locations, all with a background of jaw-dropping scenery that is, El Nido. All resorts are operated with sustainability in mind – utilizing native, indigenous materials and are designed according to contemporary and tropical architecture. They also offer nature-based activities and tour activities that only aim to share the sheer abundance of the place while minimizing environmental impacts.
Be GREEN (Guard, Respect, Educate El Nido), Be Clean: Enhanced Care Program
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, both Lio Estate Resorts and El Nido Resorts have leveled up their operations by adapting an enhanced care program called “Be GREEN, Be Clean”. The acronym G.R.E.E.N stands for Guard, Respect, Educate El Nido.
Under this program, they have streamlined hotel processes to adapt to the changing needs of the “new normal”. They set up stringent guidelines that abide by national and global safety standards set forth by the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines and the World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, both ENR and LER will sell rooms up to a maximum capacity of 50% only.
Its four (4) pillars– Safe Facilities, Enhanced Housekeeping, Healthy Community, and GREEN & Clean Experience – serve to ensure the welfare of our employees and guests alike.
The 4 Pillars of Be GREEN, Be Clean| Source: El Nido Resorts
VIDEO: Lio Resorts’ Commitment to Be GREEN, Be Clean Commitment
Under Be GREEN, Be Clean Program, enhanced care attention is given on the following aspects:
- Bookings and reservations are done through contactless transactions. Travel and health declaration forms are likewise required (Downloadable forms are provided below)
- Safe and responsible journey. From the moment a guest arrives at the airport until departure, a well-thought seamless safety procedures are put in place. Hygiene essentials such as sanitizers, foot baths, foot markers, protective equipment and barriers as well poster reminders are sufficiently provided by the resorts
- Low-contact check-in and check-out using a QR Code. The check-out process will be via email where a digital folio will be sent to the guests the evening prior departure.Cashless payments are likewise emphasized
- Worry-free comfort implementing the highest standards of health and sanitation. A resident doctor is also available in all of its resorts
- Personalized dining experience through in-room dining with a dedicated F&B staff per room
- Private and low-density Island Tour Activities with a maximum of 4-5 guest per boat
El Nido Island Hopping Tours in the New Normal: Private and Low-Density Activities
Island hopping tours are still operated as part of the resorts’ complimentary activities and offered tour packages. The following measures are implemented to ensure everyone’s safety:
- Dedicated Marine Sports Guide per boat is assigned
- There is a maximum capacity of 4-5 per boat
- Life jackets, boats and non-motorized water sports equipment like kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling and diving gears, etc. are regularly sanitized
- Guests are encouraged to use their own snorkel and diving equipment (like regulator). Complimentary snorkeling gears are regularly sanitized. Guests may also purchase from the resort boutiques to avoid use of common equipment between guests.
The following areas are temporarily closed to eliminate communal experiences:
- Restaurant dining and buffet offerings. Instead, it shall be replaced by pre-set ala carte meals to be served in pre-set boxes. In-room dining is highly encouraged.
- Spa and massage services
- Pools
- Gym-use will be by appointment only. That is, one guest booking at a time, on a pre-reservation basis.
Travel and Health Declaration Form: El Nido Resorts and Hotels
Upon reservation, guests are required to submit a travel and health declaration form that will reflect their travel history and current health condition. The following are the required documents with links to downloadable forms:
- Prearrival Form 1 – Travel Declaration History and Plans must be submitted on or before option date to guarantee
- Prearrival Form 2 – Travel Declaration 15 days must be submitted 15 days prior check-in date
- Prearrival Form 3 – Health Declaration must be submitted 15 days prior, or at the very least, 3 days prior check-in date
Downloadable Pre-arrival Forms:
For Lio Estate Resorts (LER)
https://www.lio.ph/forms/LER-Prearrival-Form-1—Travel-Declaration-History-and-Plans.pdf
https://www.lio.ph/forms/LER-Prearrival-Form-2—Travel-Declaration-15-days.pdf
https://www.lio.ph/forms/LER-Prearrival-Form-3—Health-Declaration.pdf
El Nido Resorts (ENR)
https://www.elnidoresorts.com/forms/ENR-Prearrival-Form-1—Travel-Declaration-History-and-Plans.pdf
https://www.elnidoresorts.com/forms/ENR-Prearrival-Form-2—Travel-Declaration-15-days.pdf
https://www.elnidoresorts.com/forms/ENR-Prearrival-Form-3—Health-Declaration.pdf
Have a Safe Stay at El Nido, Philippines
With the motivation to innovate and champion best practices, Ayala Land, Inc has taken a proactive stance to level up their eco-estate resorts. Their consistent efforts to be a bastion of sustainability matched with the highest level of safety standards make them a torchbearer and role model in this field.
With the Be GREEN, Be Clean Program, guests are assured to travel safely, with a peace of mind on their stay at Lio Estate Resorts (LER) or El Nido Resorts (ENR).
Until We Can Travel Again, El Nido
Now that the entire Palawan is placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), El Nido has re-opened its doors to tourists. Programs such as the Be GREEN, Be Clean by Ayala Land, Inc creates a better and brighter hope that indeed, we can still do so much even amidst a crisis.
Do you have future plans in visiting El Nido? What are you most excited about? What do you think about the “Be GREEN, Be Clean” program? Are the enhanced care measures sufficient or do you see other areas that still need further attention? What are your apprehensions? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comment section below. 🙂
To remain updated and informed about your next travel to the Philippines, here are other relevant blogs that may be helpful to you:
The New Normal for Travel and Tourism is the Philippines
Hotel Safety Protocols: The New Normal for Hotels in the Philippines
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