Lagen Island Resort, El Nido

Setting a new benchmark for eco-sanctuaries in South East Asia through a preservation-first approach, WATG collaborated with Filipino developer Ayala Land Hospitality to create Lagen Island Resort. The vision for the project is rooted in authentic local design narratives, and a deep immersion into the islands’ breathtaking topography—without compromising on luxury guest experience. Set across 6 hectares, the resort features a waterfront arrival building, 42 water villas and forest rooms, a spa, a sunset bar, a dive center, and a chapel. WATG’s multidisciplinary approach spanned advisory, architecture, and interiors by their design studio, Wimberly Interiors. 

Design as Preservation

Nestled amongst majestic limestone cliffs shaped by time, turquoise waters, and lush tropical rainforests, the resort has long served as a refuge for travelers seeking serenity and a deep connection with nature. WATG’s integrated design team embraced their role as ‘guardians of Lagen Island,’ through a multifaceted sustainable design approach that ensures the resort will remain integral to Lagen’s ecosystem for generations to come. 

WATG’s preservation-first approach prioritized structural conservation. Nearly all the building structures of the former resort were retained, dramatically reducing environmental impact by removing the need for excessive demolition and reconstruction, while protecting biodiversity. WATG also explored innovative ways to ensure material reuse beyond structural conservation, which included integrating existing nara wood flooring, carefully repurposed into feature wall paneling.  

Traditional Filipino Craftsmanship

Lagen Island Resort underscores WATG’s approach to regionally specific design, taking inspiration from locally sourced materials and Filipino heritage and craftsmanship, in particular, weaving and carving. In Palawan, weaving is a living testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the island’s tribes: for generations these techniques have been passed down, each with a unique story of heritage and tradition. Similarly, carving is a revered craft among local tribes, celebrated as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, telling stories of ancestry, mythology and tradition. 

Exquisite weaving, carving patterns, and traditional motifs have been thoughtfully woven into WATG and Wimberly Interiors’ design vocabulary, celebrating and preserving the region’s timeless artistry through their integration across architectural elements, furniture, and textiles. Guests are welcomed into an arrival hall inspired by the region’s traditional Paraw boats, adorned with hand-carved wood and ceramic beadwork that echo the geometric rhythms of Sawali patterns. Within the rooms, intricate woven textures and finely crafted woodwork pay homage to the richness of Filipino craftsmanship. Architectural references to the traditional Filipino house, the bahay kubo, are also reinterpreted through wall treatments and partitions inspired by vernacular forms, while indigenous motifs from the Tagbanua, Tausug, and Maranao peoples subtly thread through the interiors, grounding the spaces in the cultural heritage of the Philippines.

Design for luxury immersion 

The resort has been redeveloped to open up the architecture for increased integration with the local landscape, allowing guests a unique immersion to the local surroundings while honoring a sense of place as a form of luxury in itself. The resort features:

• Water Villas: Bringing guests closer to the sea, the Water Villas feature sunken lounge seating, staggered window openings and strategic screening to enhance privacy while amplifying the connection to the water. A neutral palette highlights the blues of the ocean.
• Forest Rooms: Set amid ancient trees, the Forest Rooms frame sweeping sea views and lush green backdrops. New entry sequences—Forest Entry for upper-level units and Garden Entry for lower-level units—enhance privacy while integrating rehabilitated greenery. Timber tones and deep greens create a seamless dialogue with the surrounding landscape. 
• Arrival & Social Spaces: A reimagined Arrival Hall doubles as a vibrant dining destination. Low-profile furniture and an open layout maximize views of the surrounding cliffs and seascape, while rich emerald greens and earthy tones root the space in its natural context, seamlessly transitioning from a lounge to an evening cocktail setting. 
• Clubhouse: A sensory and visual ode to Filipino culture and cuisine, the redesigned Clubhouse embraces alfresco charm with a darker, grounding palette. The feature bar counter, inspired by Palawan’s terracotta pottery, showcases intricate weaving techniques.
• Sunset Bar: A beachfront pavilion mirrors the Pangko boat’s graceful lines, offering uninterrupted sunset views. The vibrant material palette reflects the warm hues of dusk, while woven details in the furniture and bar fascia celebrate Palawan’s artisanal heritage. 
• Spa: Immersed within the forest, the spa is designed as a sanctuary, seamlessly integrated with existing trees and cliffs. Elevated pathways preserve the forest floor, allowing it to thrive underneath.