wonderful and unforgettable experience - All the services were excellent, the staff was friendly, I felt like I was staying with family.

  Best Value Hotels in Coron/Busuanga - Already on arrival you will be welcomed very warmly and singing.
The whole staff is incredibly helpful and accommodating. The rooms are very spacious and clean! The whole hotel... read more complex is very well maintained and even more beautiful than in the pictures.
The restaurant offers a very wide selection and the quality of the food is very good!
The Dugong Diving School was one of the best we could experience in the Philippines. Very good equipment and very experienced staff! Everything went smoothly, very serious but also humorous. They were wonderful diving experiences!
We could dive the Apo Reef with them that was a unique experience!
It was great!Thank you! We would love to come back!! Dalia & Sascha

  Better than 5 points - This was by far the best accommodation we had ever booked in the Philippines. The beauty of the resort is not revealed in the photos of the homepage. A super... read more infinity pool plus a second at the integrated dive center.
The food is great, it was always clean everywhere.
To respond to negative reviews:
- there are more loungers than could theoretically be needed.
- the prices for food and drinks are higher than on the street. But you have to see the high quality and that they have to get everything to the resort first.
- the staff was always very friendly and helpful and competent!

  Amazing - Amazing place looks like paradise with very Nice people, good foods and amazing accommodations ! I clearly recommand this place

  A quiet slice of paradise - I’ve stayed at a number of resorts in the Philippines, and, at least for our purposes, El Rio y Mar really stands out. It isn’t a large operation – maybe... read more a couple of dozen units, but the staff, food, snorkeling, and diving were all superb.

We stayed in a cabana, which was spotless, had a comfortable bed, working AC, a very nice shower, lovely porch, and access to the reef a handful of meters away. The cleaning staff was prompt, effective, and discrete; the ability to more or less swim up to our accommodation after a morning snorkel felt blissfully decadent.

The reef itself is about 250 meters long, extends out about 20-50 meters before the shelf, and seemed perfectly healthy. The marine life was excellent–the highlight being a very large school of scad that hung out at the end of the resort’s dock. It was one of those schools that seem endless and allow you to completely surround yourself with fish, not to mention we could watch the snappers, groupers, and trevally hunt every morning. We could also see the gamut of reef fishes, and on a dive of the house reef, we spotted a turtle and mandarin fish. When we visited in December, visibility was very good, but as the resort is nestled within a mangrove forest, not as crystal clear as some of the surrounding waters. If you’d like to go further afield, the in-house dive center was more than happy to accommodate snorkelling excursions, wreck dives, and swimming with dugongs. Keep in mind that conditions vary according to the season.

There is a floating spa which looked intriguing, but neither of us sampled it. Ditto the free kayaking equipment. The resort also offered snorkel gear and a game room.

The food was great, although there is only a single restaurant easily accessible and it has a modest menu, particularly as we stuck with Filipino fare. Of all the breakfast buffets we had in the Philippines this last time around, they were easily the most generous with delicious, delicious fruit. The seafood was, of course, fresh, and there were some standout dishes, including a particularly tasty kinilaw (think Filipino ceviche).

While we got to know Jemery at the bar, Ian and Lester at the dive shop, Jeicel at the restaurant, and Micaela at the front desk particularly well, all of the staff were kind, courteous, professional, and extremely competent.

The obvious comparison is with Club Paradise (now Discovery Coron), which my wife and I also stayed at recently. The two resorts were initially owned and operated by the same people, but have since parted ways. El Rio y Mar’s scale reminds me of Club Paradise as it was in the early 2000s, though with significantly better amenities. Club Paradise is now much bigger and more expensive. It does have a nicer house reef with better visibility and a generally superior set of food options, but it is significantly pricier, and seemed to draw a more boisterous clientele. For my money, El Rio y Mar gives you access to almost everything Club Paradise does, but in a more intimate and affordable package.

I’d go back in a heartbeat.

  Absolute Paradise - You will never want to leave! - From the moment I arrived, the staff were amazing – welcoming, attentive, and incredibly responsive. The level of customer service here is the best I’ve experienced anywhere.

Meals are... read more served quickly without ever feeling rushed, and the food is superb – beautifully prepared and consistently delicious. The over-water bar and beachside restaurant are stunning, with breathtaking views that make every meal feel special.

Peaceful, beautiful, and impeccably run, El Rio y Mar is a place you never want to leave. Highly recommended for anyone looking for true relaxation, exceptional service, and unforgettable scenery.

  Incredible - Absolutely faultless from start to finish .. Seamless transfers provided by the resort by private van and boat from Coron Airport . Met at the private pier with a welcome... read more song , smiles and a refreshing drink .. Our Native Cabana was charming, private and on its own small beach . Air conditioning and hot water worked perfectly with good water pressure The whole resort was kept in immaculate condition by an army of friendly and efficient staff.. Beach and public areas were swept and cleaned constantly and nothing was too much trouble for any member of staff (particularly as we arrived at the resort struggling health wise from our previous destination!) Food in the restaurant was excellent and , given that they have a captive market, was extremely reasonably priced . There was a wide variety of dishes available, both local and Western , and they even have a wood fired pizza oven.. 3 hour happy hour on the pier bar is fantastic for sundowners as guests can watch the sunset across the water, with the signature cocktails being amazing. The resort has a coral reef just off the pier and it is easily accessible by steps for fantastic local snorkelling! Beautiful , easy access pool and children’s pool is great for those who don’t want the ocean and the resort has an infinity pool adjacent to their in house dive centre. Sun beds , parasols , cushions and pool towels are all readily available and the resort has a real relaxed and friendly ambience . There is on site spa facilities along with a TV room , library , outdoor gym , board games , videoke room, table tennis , pool table , darts and table football and so there is no chance of getting bored !
Two hiking trails up the hills behind the resort give opportunities for exercise and exploration..
Far and away the best of the 9 hotels that we have visited in a 4 week tour of the Philippines and we were genuinely sad to leave . We were really made to feel like we were absolutely valued guests from the moment we arrived . Despite a potential 22-24 hour journey to get here from UK , we WILL be back..
Thanks to all
Mabuhay!

  Beautiful stay - Beautiful place to stay for a few days. The staff is very attentive. Possibility to make many excursions directly organized by the hotel.

  Great staff, great food and a place we would return to. - It all starts with a lovely boat ride past a mangrove forest, a song and dance welcome and the immediate realization that you will be well taken care of. ... read more /> We were there in the low season which meant it was extra quiet and relaxed - loved that !
Due to a little mix-up with the booking agency we had the wrong room on day one, but that was corrected and we ended up in one of the original cabanas. Although a bit smaller than the new ones it was great - clean and rustic with the sea at out doorstep. Maybe a trivial detail, but the porch had a table at proper height so photographers have a place to work at their laptop - you don't see that everywhere, thought I'd mention that. All the comforts were there and cleaned daily by friendly staff. It is only fair to once again mention that the staff is super friendly and helpful, one of the great positives for this resort.
Other positives include the great chef who knows how to cook a steak properly - once again my compliments! The menu features a wide variety of options even for my wife who is vegetarian, in shrill contrast to the second place we visited on our holiday. I have read some reviews here about the breakfast needing expanded options - I do not agree, just ask the staff and you will be taken care of if your option isn't listed (it varies some days).
As for pricing I would say it is fair regarding the spot they are in. It was certainly better value that the other spot I mentioned earlier.
Other positive mentions : I loved the pier bar, or as I like to call it the Beer Pier. Nice breeze on any day will see you right there enjoying your beverage and some peanuts or snack. They even have a happy hour and a rather better selection of whisky than some places I have been. Locally brewed beer on tap - try it !
Food available all day, just ask. Beach clean, pool(s) clean, free amenities like paddle boards, game room and gym equipment (ok, bit rusty, environment is not great for this kind of stuff). Floating massage spot with view of the fishes while they treat you. Hiking trail to a great view (that little mountain to the left there). Monkeys, lizards, squirrels, birds and butterflies, in addition to the stuff in the water (even a baby shark - black tip). But the coral is mostly dead, unfortunately. It will come back I'm sure, just needs time. They fog against mosquitos every few days. Two generators get swapped every day, but I found the internet stays up even though main power goes out for a minute or two.
Honestly it is hard to mention things we didn't like. There was some maintenance going on (low season will be a risk for that anywhere), but without fail the workmen or other staff would ask us if it was bothering us and would stop if it did.
I'll end this little story by mentioning another great feature : the sunsets. Oh and if you are so inclined, we also saw them set up a little romantic evening dinner on the sand for some newlyweds.
All in all, loved it and if we are ever in the neighborhood again we will come back here :)

  Lonely island hotel, away from the noise, coupled with very courteous staff - Certainly it is not the cheapest hotel in the Philippines, but it offers a dreamlike setting on a dreamlike beach.
The staff is always looking after the well-being of the... read more guests. The prices in the restaurant are absolutely fair considering that there is only the hotel restaurant.
The breakfast could have done with a bit more variety, but this is not a criticism, but a suggestion.

  El Rio Y Mar, shouldn’t be gatekept.  - We booked a trip to Coron on a whim and stayed at this beautiful luxury resort Island for a week. The resort includes a complimentary pickup and drop-off service to... read more and from the airport, which takes approximately 30 minutes via van and boat to the island.

Our first impression getting off the boat was Serene Beauty!!!

Their restaurant has a nice setting, and beyond the food, the resort carries a certain charm and character. They also have singers who will not only welcome you upon arrival and departure, but will serenade you at the restaurant every night.

Our beachfront Cabana had a really large balcony, with a hammock, lounger, table, and chairs. I loved that their Cabanas are "Bahay Kubo" style which is the DNA of Philippine Architecture. The beachfront view from the balcony is to die for.

You can feel El Rio Y Mar's history in its bones. Some of the staff have been there so long, they’ve grown alongside the place—and aged beautifully with it. It’s the kind of spot that stays with you.

The resort has an excellent blend of both relaxing and physical activities. My family snorkeled the reefs daily, kayaked, standup paddle boarded and even hiked up the mountain for a wonderful view of El Rio y Mar and surrounding islands. All the resort activities and equipments mentioned are free to book and hire.

There is a games room with ping pong and pool table, a karaoke room, also a mini library if you wanted to just unwind.
Those that require the gym facility however should forget about it, it is functional and undercover, however it is out in the open and has become somewhat rusted and is lackluster.

The week of our stay was unfortunately jellyfish season, whilst this only affected certain parts of the shoreline, just be cautious about entering the water around the shallow areas. The staff do their best at scooping up the shoreline every morning and keeping it free from jellyfish and debris. I would recommend chatting to the staff before hand. The best place to snorkel is off the pier, you will not only find the best reefs there but also there are no jellyfish and the fish are quite friendly used to human interactions due to a strict no fishing rule.

We noticed that El Rio Y Mar also offers other activities such as diving tours, island hopping and a sea plane you can book for additional costs.

Two separate spas are available, the first is in a room behind the reception and the other is on a floating, enclosed raft, where I guess you can see the marine life around you whilst you are getting your massage. Very unique indeed.

There are two seperate pools, one family pool located next to the open restaurant and the other is a deep dive pool located next to the dive shop.

El Rio Y Mar, shouldn’t be gatekept. It deserves more love. It deserves to keep serving amazing service —and to keep carrying the spirit of Filipino hospitality that makes it feel like home.

Maraming Salamat El Rio! We can't wait to go back again 🤗

Len and Darrell Mackenzie

  Memorable Escape - Exclusive and Good Service  - Our family recently concluded a delightful 4-day, 3-night stay at El Rio Y Mar Resort in Coron. We thoroughly enjoyed the resort's exclusive ambiance and its harmonious integration with nature.... read more />
Seamless Transfers and Exclusive Setting
The journey to El Rio Y Mar was remarkably smooth, thanks to the resort's private boat and van transfer service. This hassle-free arrangement immediately set a tone of exclusivity and convenience for our vacation, allowing us to relax from the moment we arrived.

Immersive Nature Encounters
One of the most memorable aspects of our stay was the resort's close proximity to local wildlife. We had several fascinating encounters with monitor lizards (known locally as bayawak), observed playful squirrel, and admired an abundance of fish in the clear waters surrounding the property. It truly offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature.

Commendable Service and Diverse Amenities
The service provided by the resort staff was consistently excellent. Their friendly and attentive approach significantly contributed to a comfortable and enjoyable stay for our entire family.

El Rio Y Mar boasts an impressive range of amenities designed to cater to various interests. We particularly enjoyed the complimentary use of kayaks and paddle boards, exploring the tranquil bay at our leisure. For entertainment, the karaoke room provided enjoyable evenings, and snorkeling directly off the beach allowed us to discover the vibrant underwater world. The swimming areas were also very well-maintained and inviting.

Dining Experience
The food at the resort was generally good, with some dishes reaching an above-average standard. The pricing was reasonable, offering fair value. For breakfast, it's worth noting that a half-buffet is served when guest numbers are low. However, guests can still order a full rice meal for breakfast without any additional charge, ensuring a satisfying start to the day.

Accommodation: Cabana #15 - Beachfront with Considerations
Our family was accommodated in Cabana #15, which offered a prime beachfront location. Positioned at the farthest end of the resort, it provided exceptional privacy and a serene atmosphere. While this seclusion was highly appreciated, the children were a bit apprehensive about potential sightings of monitor lizards due to the close proximity to their natural habitat. This is a minor consideration for families with easily startled young ones.

Important Advice for Outside Tours
A crucial piece of advice for guests planning to embark on island hopping tours: it is highly recommended to arrange your tours prior to your arrival at the resort. The resort's private port is situated approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of boat travel from the main port where most island escapade tours depart. Opting to book an outside tour after arriving at the resort will incur an additional roundtrip boat transfer fee of PHP 1,200 per person. Planning ahead can help avoid this extra cost.

Overall Experience
Despite the children's slight apprehension regarding wildlife near our cabana and the considerations for outside tour transfers, our family thoroughly enjoyed our time at El Rio Y Mar Resort. The exclusive setting, the beautiful natural environment, the excellent service, and the variety of activities combined to create a truly memorable vacation. The availability of a promotional offer during our stay was an added bonus, enhancing the overall value of our experience. El Rio Y Mar offers a distinctive and relaxing retreat in Coron.