Lagen, El Nido

Graced with majestic limestone cliffs shaped by time, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush, vibrant tropical rainforests, Lagen, El Nido nestled in the pristine landscapes of Palawan has long been a refuge for travelers seeking serenity and connection with nature. With a vision to set Lagen apart from its sister properties and competitors, WATG & Wimberly Interiors were entrusted with an ambitious renovation—one that would redefine its positioning as a leading eco-sanctuary in the region.

Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing Advisory, Architecture, and Wimberly Interiors, the transformation, backed by an Advisory-led property audit and visioning report, is aimed at enhancing guest experiences, diversifying market appeal, and aligning with contemporary expectations of luxury and sustainability.

United by shared legacies of uplifting communities and enriching lives, WATG’s partnership with Ayala Land Hospitality—one of the Philippines’ most established developers—aims to celebrate native locality with a contemporary take. More than just a property developer, Ayala Land Hospitality is dedicated to creating a lasting positive impact, from individuals to communities and society. Together, our successful collaboration has brought the best of Filipino hospitality to the global stage, guided by a vision rooted in regenerative tourism, authentic indigenous narratives, and a deep immersion into the island’s breathtaking topography. As ‘Guardians of Lagen Island’, WATG’s integrated design team embarked on a journey of discovery in preserving its natural beauty, unveiling ancient stories while celebrating native crafts.

Weaving – In Palawan, weaving is a living testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the island’s tribes. For generations, intricate patterns and techniques have been passed down, each weave telling a story of heritage and tradition. Skilled hands transform natural fibers into stunning textiles, each pattern reflecting the tribe’s unique identity, storytelling, and artistry. Inspired by the beauty of their work, these exquisite patterns were infused into the design vocabulary, celebrating and preserving the timeless artistry of Palawan’s weavers.

Carving – Among the Tagbanua and Palaw’an tribes, carving is a revered craft, a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realm. For generations, intricate designs and masterful techniques have been handed down, each piece telling stories of ancestry, mythology, and tradition. The carvers’ hands move with practiced precision, guided by the wisdom of their ancestors. Drawing inspiration from this tradition, motifs from their artistry were integrated into architectural elements and detailing of the furniture and fabrics,  thus bringing the spirit of Palawan’s tribes into the resort spaces.

Through our advisory assessment, we recognized that while Lagen is set in a stunning natural context, surrounded by a rich ecosystem of resorts and offering access to diverse marine and natural environments, there is significant potential to further enhance the value of these assets. While the resort currently caters well to the domestic market, there is an opportunity to elevate Lagen’s position within the broader international resort benchmark. As the luxury resort market in the region continues to grow and evolve, refining Lagen, El Nido’s brand proposition and prioritizing a unique, differentiated customer experience will be key to unlocking its full potential.

A series of interventions – including opening up the buildings to deepen guests’ immersion in Lagen’s breathtaking backdrop of water, forest and cliffs – was designed to honor its sense of place. The goal is to forge playful and experiential connections with the spectacular surroundings while ensuring comfort, luxury and privacy. The duality of the island’s topography—The Sea and The Forest—inspired two distinct interior design schemes for the Water Cottages and Forest Rooms.

Arrival & Social Spaces: The Arrival Hall is redefined as a more open and welcoming reception area, doubling as a destination F&B venue that enhances guests’ first impression. Embodying the spirit of the Pangko boat, the architecture features an extended bowsprit reaching toward the sea, symbolizing a welcoming hospitality gesture to arriving guests. Low-profile furniture enhances the connection to the outdoors, allowing the surrounding landscape and limestone cliffs to take center stage. Vibrant emerald greens  and earthy tones define the color palette, paying homage to the natural environment. The layout offers flexibility with varied seating arrangements, effortlessly transforming the space from a daytime lounge to an evening cocktail setting—always maximizing views and reinforcing a seamless connection to the surroundings.

Water Cottages: With an architectural form that honors the vernacular, clean lines and uncluttered spaces evoke a sense of serenity by the sea. The rooms are expanded forward with an added sunken lounge sofa to bring guests closer to the water, enhancing the overall outdoor experience. The strategic use of screens and staggered window openings enhances privacy. Inside, the design emphasizes a connection to water life, creating a tranquil and luxurious environment. A neutral color palette amplifies the blues of the sea, reinforcing this sense of immersion. From the moment of arrival, the floor plan fosters privacy while maintaining a seamless connection to the outdoors. The bed is oriented to framed views, with amenities thoughtfully integrated into the millwork. In the bathroom, sliding panels preserve privacy while maintaining a visual and spatial link to the natural surroundings.

Forest Rooms: Nestled among ancient trees and immense rock formations, the Forest Rooms immerse guests into the natural beauty of the Napuro forest. Front balconies open to sweeping sea views, while expansive back windows frame a lush, green backdrop that extends into the bathrooms. To enhance privacy and deepen the forest experience, rehabilitated greenery is brought closer to the building. A dedicated Forest Entry is introduced for upper-level units, while lower-level units feature a Garden Entry. Inside, a richer palette of timber tones and deep greens reinforces the seamless connection to the surrounding landscape.

Clubhouse: The essence of Palawan’s rich cultural heritage intertwines seamlessly with the artistry of Filipino cuisine, inviting guests on a curated journey through visual, sensory, and culinary experiences. The interior expression celebrates the alfresco charm of the space, with slightly darker tones that reflect and honor the surrounding landscape. Terracotta pottery from local tribes influences the feature bar counter, showcasing intricate weaving techniques that pay homage to Palawan’s cultural heritage.

Sunset Bar: Much like the Arrival Building, the newly constructed Sunset Bar’s architecture embodies the essence of the Pangko boat, resting gracefully on the sandy beach with expansive views toward the setting sun against unobstructed views of the ocean. Furniture integration aligns with the pavilion’s architecture, subtly incorporating patterns seen throughout the resort. The material palette is vibrant, reflecting the colors of the sunset through soft finishes and unique intricacies in rope and wicker weaving as well on the bar fascia sparkling mosaics.

Spa: A spa experience that transcends mere physical relaxation, this sanctuary envelops guests in the forest’s natural ambiance. Designed with deep respect for the environment, the spa seamlessly integrates with existing trees, while the celebrated limestone cliffs provide a striking backdrop. Forest vines cascade from towering trees, enhancing the sense of immersion as guests journey through the space and engage with nature’s elements. Elevated flooring ensures a light footprint, allowing the forest floor to thrive beneath.  The treatment room welcomes guests in a cocoon-like embrace, where warmth and calmness intertwine. Overhead, an artisanal ceiling feature reinterprets the instinctive craftsmanship of birds’ nests, providing both a poetic and visual expression of protection and sanctuary.

Sustainability is integral to the renovation’s ethos. Key initiatives include:

Material Reuse: Existing nara wood flooring has been carefully repurposed into feature wall paneling, extending the life of this precious resource while adding depth to the resort’s narrative.

Structural Conservation: Where possible, original structures have been retained and adapted, reducing the need for excessive demolition and reconstruction, also minimizing environmental disruption.

Locally Sourced Materials & Craftsmanship: Indigenous materials and traditional construction techniques ensure authenticity while supporting local industries and reducing carbon footprints.

From inspiration to integration into the Lagen, El Nido experience, every element of the renovation scheme aims to integrate harmoniously with nature and to extend awareness of the vibrant Filipino culture. By embracing the principles of purposeful travel in the revitalization approach, the resort encourages guests to connect deeply with its surroundings and also sets itself in good stead for the future, ensuring that this paradise thrives for generations to come.

“We are thrilled to have impeccably revitalized the Lagen, El Nido, in close partnership with our visionary client Ayala Land Hospitality. Lagen Island is renowned for some of the most pristine natural environments, setting the stage for world-class regenerative tourism. By delivering site specific tailored solutions that resonate with our client’s vision, evolving guests’ expectations, and future aspirations, a new chapter for the resort will now begin to beautifully unfold,” Chiara Calufetti-Lim, Principal & Studio Director of Architecture.

“Elevating the resort’s market position and revenue potential, the renovation of Lagen, El Nido stands as an exemplar of a high-impact asset-enhancement, effectively responding to evolving guest expectations and market trends while remaining conscious of CapEx outlay and owner ROI,” Guy Cooke, Director of Advisory.

“We have approached the Lagen, El Nido renovations with our native yet contemporary take, overlaying fresh yet familiar elements that suggest immediate locality. The result is an experience that is unmistakably of its place yet elevated in its sensibility where the nature seamlessly intertwines with design,” Paolo De Simone, Creative Director of Wimberly Interiors.

“This project was a remarkable collaboration between WATG and our in-house creative team at Ayala Land Hospitality. From the very beginning, our priority was to establish a strong design narrative—one that evoked a deep sense of place and honored the natural environment in which it stands. We were also proud to engage our network of local artisans, whose craftsmanship brought the vision to life with authentic Filipino artistry. The result is a harmonious blend of global expertise and local talent—an original creation that feels familiar, innovative, meaningful and deeply relevant,”  Paloma Urquijo, Creative Director, Ayala Land Hospitality.