LUX Spring 2018

32 Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary is Palawan’s premier resort, and the only accredited Turtle Sanctuary in the Philippines endorsed by WWF-Philippines, zero carbon resorts/ PCSD and “Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network.” We profile the resort as we gain a deeper insight into what attracts tourists from all over the world to the stunning scenery. Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary staff operate with a vision and mission of protecting endangered sea turtles and the surrounding nature. Highlights of the resort’s success include awards fromSwitzerland, United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Qatar and the Philippines, making it a truly wonderful award-winning resort. The resort is situated between Port Barton’s Marine Park and Sabang’s world famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River National Park, voted one of the ‘New 7Wonders of Nature’ in the world. Contributing the resort’s success, the Philippines is fast becoming the prime location in Asia for tourist activities due to its pristine beaches and striking scenery. With airports and ports nearby, the resort is able to attract a wealth of new visitors and guests. One of the major pulls of the resort is its four peaceful beaches. The sanctuary is a semi-island resort, set in two private coves with a 5km coastline, lined with coconut trees and four private beaches with a waterfall. Asmall resort with 14 aspects of accommodation, the 90-hectare nature reserve is exclusive to staying guests, can be seen as true paradise without the crowds. Turtle Bay is the marine sanctuary that the team have been protecting for 10 years. It is a safe swimming location with great visibility for kayaking/snorkelling to see the many turtles, tropical fish in its two house reefs. Other activities offered include a herbal sauna, massage treatments, fishing, scuba diving, a three island hopping tour with waterfalls and Sabang’s underground river tour. 1802LU04 If a guest wants to relax in the romantic and secluded beach paradise holiday. without 100’s of other guests, then this is the location for them in the Philippines. The variety of accommodation is on the beachfront, with each place containing 24 hour power, air-conditioning, LED TV, hot showers, a mini bar, balcony and a personal private beach lounger. In a sense, there is everything that anyone can ask for. Regarding the Turtle Sanctuary itself, the sanctuary boasts turtle’s swimming in its protected private bay all year round, whilst looking for their mating partner. This aspect of the resort is crucial to attracting visitors and guests to explore, and they are never left disappointed when they do. Furthermore. Delivering a memorable experience, the resort maintains a tradition of welcoming guests upon arrival and guiding them to its reception area, in which they can have free drinks, massages, and a full information briefing about the exploring areas of the resort. There are many activities which can be enjoyed throughout the four beaches, with the surrounding nature providing a multitude of opportunities for people to explore, with the resort also placing an emphasis on breeding turtles in the area. Each guest is given information about what not to do when turtles are breeding and laying eggs, although visitors are encouraged to look at and observe the laying and hatching turtles. This is one way that makes guests feel their stay more favourable and memorable. Protecting natures and turtles is the main goal and they share the experience to its guests. Importantly, Secret Paradise’s resort staff are well trained to ensure guest satisfaction and knowledge in order to give the right information for guests. Providing guests with the best service as possible and treating everyone as a VIP, the resort excels. Ultimately, as the only endorsed turtle sanctuary in the Philippines byWWF- Philippines and the PCSD/ zero-carbon resorts, the resort does not follow any trends. The team at the resort are proud to set the trends for eco-tourismwith guests and the local fishing communities, especially bringing in yearly sponsors to help the school children of the villages. TheWonders of Nature Explore Company: Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary Contact: Manager- Coco Castilo Address: Turtle Bay, Port Barton, Sanvicente, Palawan, Philippines. Phone: +63 9998802480 Website: www.secretparadiseresort.com