Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Lagun Hotel El Nido Experience
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the salty, sandy, sun-kissed tea on Escape to Paradise: Lagun Hotel El Nido. Get ready for a rollercoaster of a review, complete with my actual, unfiltered thoughts, because let's be real, perfect reviews are about as real as those perfectly Instagrammed avocado toasts.
First Impressions: Does Paradise Even Exist? (Spoiler: Maybe, Kinda)
Okay, so El Nido. Palawan. The name itself whispers paradise. Landing there? Getting to Lagun Hotel? That's a whole other story. Accessibility is a mixed bag, let's be honest. There's airport transfer (THANK GOD!), and a car park (free of charge! Bonus points!) and they say they have facilities for disabled guests, but I'm not going to lie, I didn't exactly see a ramp leading directly to the pool with a view. This might be a good starting to call.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (or Not, Depending on the Day)
Once you finally get to your room (with air conditioning, praise the travel gods!), it's a pretty solid setup. They have everything – everything – available in the rooms: air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes (fancy!), and the all-important free Wi-Fi. I mean, come on, we’re humans, yeah? We NEED Wi-Fi. They’ve got you covered. Slippers are nice, too.
And in terms of the actual room? Solid. Not jaw-droppingly amazing, but definitely comfy. A desk, a safe box, a mini bar for those EMERGENCY late-night snacks. I'm a sucker for a proper coffee/tea maker. Plus, the blackout curtains are a must for those lie-ins after a day of snorkeling. Oh, and the soundproofing is a godsend. Trust me, you'll need it after hearing a bunch of people, who have not yet learned to stop singing karaoke at 3 am.
The Internet: The Lifeline to Sanity (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk Internet. Because let's. I need to work and I NEED my instagram. They've got you covered…mostly. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! (That's what the marketing does. They got me at Wi-Fi. I AM the demographic). A LAN connection if you're a purist (or, you know, a gamer). The Wi-Fi is (mostly) available. You can literally check your email on the terrace, you beautiful human.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disappointment)
Here's where things get real. The dining experience at Lagun is a bit of a mixed bag. The breakfast buffet? Solid. Western breakfast, Asian breakfast. The Asian Cuisine restaurant? A solid choice. The coffee shop? Perfect to sit and contemplate your entire existence. There’s a poolside bar. Happy hour. The usual fun.
But let's have a talk about vegetarian options. Okay? It’s just me, but I want more options. The "Things To Do" Dilemma (And How I Found My Bliss)
Here’s the honest to god, the dirty, the not-so-shiny, truth - the list of "things to do" is a bit generic. But, I found my bliss in the spa. I can tell you more about the experience:
Okay, so picture this: it's late afternoon, the sun is beginning to dip, painting the sky in all sorts of crazy oranges and pinks. And then, I found myself in the spa. I opt for a body wrap. Because… why not? I want to leave the world. The therapist was this tiny, amazing woman. She spoke very little English, and me, almost no Tagalog. But the touch? Pure magic.
The scent of the oils. The gentle pressure. The complete and utter relaxation. I kid you not, I almost fell asleep right there. This body wrap: It was heavenly. And then, after, that massage? I felt like I’d been completely reborn. The sauna, the steamroom, and the pool view! I’m ready to come back. It was pure, unadulterated bliss.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did COVID Kill the Fun?
Honestly? They're trying. And, in a post-COVID world, you can't blame them. They’ve a lot of hygiene certification, they’re disinfecting stuff all the time. Hand sanitizer everywhere. I did see staff trained in safety protocol, and it was reassuring. They had to go through all the COVID restrictions and stuff, and for that, I'm grateful.
The Little Extras (That Matter)
- Cashless Payment Service: Excellent. No more scrambling for pesos at checkout.
- Concierge: Always a plus.
- Daily Housekeeping: Because who wants to make their bed on vacation?
- Laundry Service: Crucial. Nobody wants to pack a suitcase full of dirty clothes.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Amazing.
My Overall Vibe: Worth the Trip?
Look, Lagun Hotel is not perfect. No place is. But did I have a good time? Yes. Would I go back? Absolutely. It’s a solid choice, a decent base to start your adventure.
My Unfiltered Recommendation and My Offer to You
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Lagun Hotel El Nido Experience – The Real Deal
- The Offer: Book your stay at Lagun Hotel El Nido within the next 72 hours and get 10% off your entire stay, plus a complimentary body wrap session at the spa (because trust me, you deserve it).
- Why You Should Book Now: You won't just be booking a hotel room; you'll be booking an experience. You'll get to feel the sun on your skin, taste the flavors of El Nido, and maybe, just maybe, find your own personal slice of paradise. This offer’s limited-time, so don’t sleep on it. Your escape to paradise is waiting.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because my trip to Lagun Hotel in El Nido? It wasn't paradise perfectly packaged. It was… me. In paradise. Sometimes winning, sometimes faceplanting in the sand. Here's the messy, glorious, and borderline-insane truth:
Lagun Hotel El Nido: A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary (Brace Yourselves)
Day 0: The Pre-Trip Panic Attack (and the Mango Juice that Saved Me)
- Morning: Okay, so, I’m a notorious over-packer. Suitcase weighing down everything, feeling like I’m hauling a miniature apartment. Then, the flight – delayed! My blood pressure hit Mach 10. Airport food? Forget about it. It was all sad, pre-packaged…stuff.
- Afternoon: Finally, FINALLY, on the plane. Relief washes over me like a lukewarm wave. But then… turbulence. I gripped my armrests like they were the last life raft. Started mentally composing my will. (It mostly involved leaving my cat, Mittens, with my best friend. Sorry, Sarah!)
- Evening: Arrived in El Nido. The humid air hit me like a warm, wet hug. Airport pick-up at Lagun Hotel was smooth (bless whoever orchestrated that), and finally, finally, a tropical mango juice. Pure, unadulterated, sunshine-in-a-glass glory. It saved me. Seriously.
Day 1: Island Hopping! (Mostly Good, with a Pinch of Seasickness)
- Morning (ish): Woke up in my room at Lagun. The view? Postcard-worthy. The actual event? A chaotic breakfast buffet. Eggs suspiciously rubbery, but the fresh fruit was divine.
- Mid-morning: Hired a local boat for island-hopping. Got the "A" route they all push. First stop: Secret Lagoon. People were swimming, laughing, and, you know, generally being perfect. Meanwhile, I was battling a mild case of seasickness. The waves were playing a cruel game with my stomach. Note to self: Dramamine next time.
- Lunch: Picnic on a white-sand beach. Food delicious. Beach utterly captivating. Watched a kid almost get swept out by the tide (it was so small!), which gave me a small heart attack.
- Afternoon: Small Lagoon was a total hit. Kayaked and took plenty of pictures, even though I'm sure my camera is now slightly salty. Snorkeling was my focus, but I also took time to just admire the limestone cliffs.
- Evening: Sunburn, sandy everything, and tired. Dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Ate some fish with rice; the beer was ice cold and refreshing. Watched the sunset. Felt… good.
Day 2: Digging into D'Talipaan (And The Unexpected Charm Of The Local Market)
- Morning: Decided to venture off the beaten path. Walked the the local area: D'Talipaan. First impression: Gorgeous. Second impression: Oh, my legs! El Nido’s charm is certainly tested by its steep hills
- Mid-day: Found a local market. The smells! The sights! So. Many. Tropical. Fruits! I bought a papaya that was practically glowing with ripeness. Stared at it for a while, not entirely sure how to eat it, but loving it anyway.
- Afternoon: Tried the Papaya. Messy business. Worth it. Found a small, local eatery. The food was seriously delicious! Best meal of the trip so far!
- Evening: Back at Lagun. Went to see the pool. After some thinking, I decided to get in. It was refreshing, and after the day I got, my thoughts were refreshed.
Day 3: The Snorkel Debacle (And The Beach I'll Never Forget)
- Morning: Determined to master snorkeling this time. Rented gear. Headed to a part of the beach Lagun recommended. The water was crystal clear. The fish? Dazzling! And then… disaster. My mask kept fogging up. Kept swallowing seawater. I looked like a drowning clown.
- Mid-day: Found the beach again. I think this is my favorite part of El Nido. The sand; the sun. And the people!
- Afternoon: Decided to spend the rest of the day there. I was relaxed, happy, and feeling like a local.
- Evening: Back at the hotel to pack.
Day 4: Goodbye, Paradise (And Hello, Reality – With a Tan Line)
- Morning: The inevitable packing. Said goodbye to the amazing view and the wonderful staff. Tried to capture the sunrise on my phone. Failed miserably (as usual).
- Mid-day: Airport. The whole wait/boarding routine again, but this time, I was strangely ok with it. Maybe it was the memories, maybe the mango juice still running in my veins.
- Afternoon: On the plane. Looking out the window, I started to think. El Nido, you beautiful, messy, chaotic, glorious place. Thank you.
- Evening: Home. Exhausted. Sunburned. Happy. Already planning my return. And definitely buying more Dramamine.
Final Thoughts: El Nido wasn't perfect. My swim skills left something to be desired. But it was real. It was raw. It was… me. And I wouldn't trade a single, sweaty, silly, soul-soothing moment. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I'm off to find the nearest mango.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Autumn Condos in Hua Hin/Cha-am!
Escape to Paradise: Lagun Hotel in El Nido - The Real Deal (and the Real Mess) FAQ
Is Lagun Hotel REALLY as dreamy as the photos make it look?
Okay, let's be brutally honest. Yes, and no. The photos? They're gorgeous. That turquoise water, the overwater bungalows... *chef's kiss*. My Instagram feed exploded, obviously. However, reality has a few wrinkles, alright? Like, the sand? Spectacular! But also… filled with tiny, *relentless* sandflies. My ankles looked like I had the chickenpox for a week. And the bungalows? Yeah, romantic. Until the gecko decided to make a reappearance every night, and I’m pretty sure I almost died of a heart attack the first time (and the second, and the third…). So, dreamy? Parts of it, absolutely. Perfect? Never. And that's kinda what made it memorable.
What's the food situation like at Lagun? I'm a picky eater. Is there *anything* I can eat?
Alright, fellow picky eaters, let's commiserate. The restaurant is decent, but "gourmet" it ain't. I’m a creature of habit, so I stuck to the grilled fish (which was usually pretty good!) and the (sometimes) overcooked vegetables. The breakfast buffet? A mixed bag. The fresh fruit was divine, honestly. Mangoes that tasted like sunshine. But good luck if you crave anything beyond toast and eggs. My mate, bless his heart, ordered the "adobo" one night. Let's just say it looked like something a cat coughed up. He tried to be polite, God bless him, but he eventually gave up and scarfed down my fish. Moral of the story? Lower your expectations and pack some emergency snacks. Trust me, you'll thank me later. (I recommend packing a small stash of your favorite snacks.)
Are the overwater bungalows *actually* worth the splurge?
This is the big one, isn’t it? The overwater bungalows. Okay, here's the unfiltered truth: YES. And NO. Being able to jump straight into the crystal-clear water from your own private deck? Pure bliss, especially after a long day of island hopping (which, by the way, is a MUST-DO). The sunsets? Breathtaking. Seriously, I almost cried a couple of times. The privacy? Fantastic. You really feel like you're in your own isolated bubble of awesome-ness. However… the aforementioned gecko situation. And the occasional roach sighting (I’m not proud, but it happened). And the *constant* threat of sunburn, because you *will* spend all day on that deck. They are an investment. For me? I would do it again. That feeling of waking up and being surrounded by the ocean? Magical. Also, note that the wifi is… patchy. Embrace the digital detox. You need it.
Is it easy to get around El Nido from the hotel? Transportation?
Getting around is pretty straightforward, but be prepared for some adventures. The hotel can arrange transfers, which is convenient but more expensive. We haggled with a tricycle driver our first day, got a deal, and spent the next week being ferried around in a metal box! It was awesome, really. Tricycles are everywhere and the local drivers are great. Then there's the boat trips, which are a *must*. You’ll see stunning islands, secret lagoons, and all sorts of marine wildlife (try not to bring attention to your pale skin because you’ll be in direct sunlight). If you're brave, you can rent a scooter. I wasn’t. Traffic looked… chaotic. But the tricycles were a blast, and we became best friends with our driver (he even helped us track down a lost phone!). So, it's a piece of cake... once you get used to the chaos!
What are the best things to *do* at Lagun, besides, you know, taking photos for the 'gram?
Okay, look, the 'gram game is strong, I admit it. But beyond the picture-perfect shots, here’s the real deal. Island hopping! Do it, do it now. It's the best way to see the different islands and lagoons. Laze around on the beach. Swim in the ocean. Kayak. Snorkel. Read a book (I know, revolutionary!). We also found some quiet corners on the beach where you could just… be. And honestly, sometimes, just being is what you need, isn’t it? One day, we rented a kayak and just paddled around the lagoon. We felt like real explorers, even though we weren't really going anywhere. We saw some gorgeous starfish. And we got a serious sunburn. You have to take the bad with the good, right? Embrace the mess!
How's the staff? Are they helpful and friendly, or just going through the motions?
The staff? Oh, the staff. They were a mixed bag, I'll be honest. Some were *super* friendly and helpful, like the guys at the bar, always ready with a smile and a cocktail (the sunset mojitos? Perfection!). Some seemed a little… tired, maybe? Or just used to dealing with demanding tourists. But overall, most were genuinely nice. They always try to help arrange transport. There were a couple of hiccups, like when our laundry went missing (found it eventually!), but they sorted it out… eventually. And the housekeeping staff? Bless their hearts. They kept our room spotless, despite the endless supply of sand we brought in from the beach. So, yeah, generally good. They're working in the sun, and I’m sure it tough! Just be patient, be friendly, and a little bit of kindness goes a long way.
Tell me about the sunsets! Can you really see amazing sunsets from the hotel?
Oh. My. God. The sunsets. Okay, deep breaths. I am not exaggerating when I say the sunsets were probably the most spectacular thing about the whole experience. The colors – the oranges, pinks, purples, all blending together above the ocean – they were absolutely breathtaking. The photos don’t do it justice, honestly. I spent every evening on the deck of our bungalow, cocktail in hand, just completely mesmerized. You could almost forget about the sandflies and the geckos and the questionable food. Almost. One night, the sky was on fire. Literally. Red flames across the horizon, as if the gods themselves were putting on a show just for us. And then, the sun dipped below the water, and all was silent. It was the kind of moment that makes you feel small and insignificant, but also incredibly lucky to be alive. The sunsets? Worth the trip alone. Absolutely. And now I want to go back just thinking about it.
