As Featured in National Geographic Traveller – Islands Collection 2026
Welcome to El Rio y Mar Island Resort, a hidden retreat on a private peninsula in North Palawan.
Known for its house reef, calm bay, and easy access to some of the Philippines best dive sites, El Rio y Mar offers a unique combination of nature, privacy, and authentic island hospitality
Rated as excellent by travelers worldwide
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Definitely worth every star. Everyone was super friendly, helpful and accommodating all around! Everything was clean, well organized and easy to navigate - they made it very easy with all transportation to and from. The food and drinks were delicious - it was clear that they had put a lot of thought and effort into the development and infrastructure, and having the warm friendly spirits of the staff made it a truly relaxing and smooth experience. Would come back in a heartbeat and recommend to all!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My boyfriend and I stayed here our first two nights from NYC and it was the perfect intro to the Philippines. We were welcomed by the whole staff and quickly settled into our room overlooking the ocean. The rooms are impeccably clean and comfortable with our own veranda. Everything on the property had been extremely well thought out including the little foot baths to remove sand upon the entrance of your villa. We kayaked each morning and were able to explore the mangroves across the bay which was absolutely beautiful and would recommend. We also used their free SUPs which was a great perk. The food and service at the restaurant were outstanding and breakfast was especially good. Robert and Vanessa at the front desk answered all of our questions and helped us book a massage on the bay. The massages were some of the best we have ever had and the fact that you can look at fish at the same time was memorable. We were worried that it would be too hot to get massages but it was perfectly comfortable in the shade on the water. In the two weeks we stayed in the Philippines it’s probably our favorite stay and wish we were able to stay there longer.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We stayed at El Rio y Mar Resort and it was, without exaggeration, one of the most beautiful remote resort experiences we have ever had. The location and overall setting are absolutely stunning and truly make this place special. What really elevates the experience, however, is the staff. The entire team was consistently warm, friendly, and incredibly attentive. Special mention goes to Vanessa at Reception and Jaciel from F&B, who both delivered outstanding service and clearly show genuine passion for hospitality. Their attention to detail was exceptional – from remembering dietary restrictions (such as a nut allergy), to knowing our room number and preferred drinks and food. This level of personalised service was impressive and made a real difference. The restaurant team in particular stood out for their professionalism and care. We would also like to highlight that all staff members without exception were polite, helpful, and proactive throughout our stay. Regarding accommodation, we initially booked via a third-party provider and were assigned a room close to a generator upon arrival. We opted to upgrade for a small additional fee, which resolved this. The rooms themselves are beautiful, with great views and well-functioning air conditioning. That said, some areas of the property, particularly the bathrooms and certain public facilities, feel quite outdated and could benefit from renovation. We also experienced ants in the room, mainly coming through the bathroom area, although everything was otherwise clean and well maintained. The outdoor gym is quite limited and may not fully meet expectations for guests looking for a proper training facility. Despite these minor points, the overall stay was truly wonderful. The combination of breathtaking location, warm hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere makes this resort a very special place, especially for those looking to disconnect and enjoy nature.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best resorts in the Philippine which include excellent diving center (Dugong dive center). Thank you for woderful time and amazing divesPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. velice milý a osobní přístup celého personálu, skvělá kuchyně.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An excellent place to break your voyage on a yacht. Service people are super friendly you really feel you are welcome to stay. They are the best asset of the place. Food is good as well. i cannot comment with regards to their rooms as we stayed in the boat. The overall vibe of this place is excellent!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful, remote, quiet, and not overly expensive. A great getaway that makes you forget about the rat race and political garbage that doesn't truly matter. This is much akin to a Hawaiian getaway without the exorbant garbage fees and the hate you feel from the locals because you're white. It feels like an old school approach to hospitality. Something that should be a gold standard for all hotels. Most American hotels that charge arms and legs and call themselves 5 star hotels don't compare to this hotel. The last hotel I stayed at was the Grand Hyatt in Thailand. While nice and beautiful, El Rio y Mar SHITS on Grand Hyatt. The staff MAKE the stay. They make you feel as if you're family. The only small complaint I can make is that this place is in the Philippines. WHERE is the crispy fish? The staple of Philippino cuisine.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stayed 3 nights in March 2026. This is one of the best hotel experience ever: - Super friendly staff - Great breakfast - Nice pool & beach - Hiking trail to the top of the hill with amazing views (takes 15min to get up the easy way) - Free kayak - Very good restaurant/bar with fair prices - Very clean facilities - Airport transfer included - Well maintained - Badminton, pingpong and many other activities included - No tv in the bedroom, but they have 2 TV roomsPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heaven on earth. Thanks to the lovely staff specially Mikaela, Bert, Jemery, Edward, Jayjay, Olivia, Andrew, Elmer for the relaxing stay. Looking forward to coming back 🧡
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Highly Recommend. - Definitely worth every star. Everyone was super friendly, helpful and accommodating all around! Everything was clean, well organized and easy to navigate - they made it very easy with all... read more transportation to and from. The food and drinks were delicious - it was clear that they had put a lot of thought and effort into the development and infrastructure, and having the warm friendly spirits of the staff made it a truly relaxing and smooth experience. Would come back in a heartbeat and recommend to all! 
Christian H.
April 1, 2026 Magic - Real experience at El Rio y Mar Resort.
Warm welcome with all the staff for a little welcome song.
The place is magical, luxurious and so quiet.. we... read more took a private boat to arrive at the hotel, which takes us even further. The hotel’s private beach is amazing right in the mountains. Everything is there to have a great time. Full and luxurious room space, private beach, swimming pool, restaurant with diversified meals, spa with water massages (magic, massages are really gifted), dives and snorkelling, kayak and paddle available as well as games room and TV/book room.
If you can afford to treat yourself, this is the perfect place! Everything's worth it.
I thank graciously all the staff who were present from beginning to end, with little care for our weekend at home. Hoping to see them again if we return to the Philippines next time!
Salamat po!
Ines and Marvin 
Inès H
March 1, 2026 AMAZING PLACE & STAFF - WOW just WOW, this little piece of paradise is an absolute must if you are in Coron, we booked for 6 nights relaxation at the end of our travels all... read more over Palawan, we jumped on the ferry over to Coron and were collected swiftly by minivan to be taken to our Boat transfer to the Island around 20 minutes, on approach we knew we had made the perfect decision to stay here, we were greeted by a group of staff singing the Welcome song, a lovely start, checked in with Welcome drink and swiftly shown to our lovely rooms, the food & drinks here are Fantastic, Cocktails made with fresh fruit and all meals were expertly cooked and presented, happy hour at the jetty bar 4/7pm for Sunset just perfect with a pitcher of freshly made Sangria, this place has a very good vibe very similar to Maldives and that is probably down to THE AMAZING staff in every department, they are just so joyful and happy in what they do, massage on the floating platform is a must, you will not regret staying here, you will not want to leave and will be eager to go back, Big shoutout to Jemery, Edward, Janice,Vanessa Jay Jay and all your colleagues too many to mention, we can't wait to come back. THANKYOU 
Daryl Y
March 1, 2026 - excellent diving address in Busuanga - The site and the bungalows are beautiful. Lovely staff. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes. We did some great dives with the Dugong dive center.
Valerie
March 1, 2026 Best stay in Palawan - We stayed at this beautiful hotel for three days and wish we had booked longer. Already on arrival we were warmly welcomed with guitar and vocals. The complex is fantastic... read more and reminiscent of the Maldives. The water is super clear and the beach as white as you could wish for. The kindness of all the staff, the food, the “goodies” like a T-shirt as a gift in the room, let us enjoy by far the best stay in 3 weeks Palawan.
The diving school next door is top and offers great diving. The dugong sighting was breathtaking.
We thank you for a great stay and can highly recommend the resort.
PS: The floating spa is great for massages. 
Reto
February 1, 2026 A place we will definitely return to. - We had a wonderful stay at El Rio y Mar Resort.
Arriving by boat makes it feel truly unique from the very start – no traffic, no noise, just... read more peace and nature. It’s incredibly relaxing and wonderfully quiet.
The welcome was fabulous, made even more special by the staff singing as we arrived. That warmth continued throughout our stay. The team were excellent – attentive, friendly, and always smiling. Our accommodation was comfortable and well maintained, and there was a great choice of food each day, all served with superb service.
Saying goodbye was just as memorable, with a beautiful singing send-off as we departed by boat.
A very special place and a real escape. We’d happily return. 
Jane T
February 1, 2026 - Total decompression - We just stayed 4 nights in a bungalow (8).
What to say except exceptional. From arrival at the airport, we come to pick you up, then transfer by boat... read more with snack and water. On arrival, welcome to music with the team.
Our wooden bungalow with sea view, quiet, and complete in comfort.
Very respectful and pleasant staff.
Excellent and cheap meals as well as drinks.
Ready masks and kayak. Nice massage.
View also monkeys, as well as beautiful fish and corals
Top with extra charge take the seaplane and fly over the area for 1 hour.
The only downside, not staying any longer.
Thank you for this moment. 
tofserge
February 1, 2026 What a beautiful, peaceful oasis… - We are so glad we spent a few days at El Rio Y Mar after our three-day boat tour. The setting is absolutely unique, with mangroves as your backyard and... read more a coral reef basically as your front yard. It’s incredible that you can simply walk out and have a fantastic snorkeling experience.
Our sea-view cabin had everything we needed: air conditioning, hot water, and a very comfortable bed.
What truly sets El Rio Y Mar apart, though, is the level of service. Each and every person working at the resort is competent, friendly, and genuinely supportive. A special shout-out to Eric!
A minor downside is that the food in the restaurant could use a bit of an upgrade. Breakfast, however, is delicious, with fresh pancakes, fruit, and loose-leaf green tea.
The resort offers many facilities. We enjoyed a massage in the floating cabin while watching fish swim beneath us. We also played pool, and there is gym equipment, SUP boards to borrow, and more.
The welcome and departure by boat totally give White Lotus vibes. I was genuinely sad to leave this piece of paradise behind 
NicoJa
February 1, 2026 wonderful and unforgettable experience - All the services were excellent, the staff was friendly, I felt like I was staying with family. 
Stefano M
January 1, 2026 - 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 
Damey
January 1, 2026 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! 
Mathias E
January 1, 2026 Amazing - Amazing place looks like paradise with very Nice people, good foods and amazing accommodations ! I clearly recommand this place 
Estelle T
January 1, 2026
Experience El Rio y Mar's
natural bloom
Dote on the glamorous recourse of some of the country's finest views and spots at El Rio y Mar Resort in Coron, Busuanga, Palawan