Club Paradise is a sustainable oasis in the heart of Coron in Palawan
In the ever-evolving landscape of travel, Club Paradise Palawan stands out as a shining example of how the industry can provide authentic and meaningful experiences for modern-day wanderers.
Situated on a private island in Coron, Palawan, this resort offers guests a chance to reconnect with nature, embrace Filipino culture, and support sustainable practices.
As you step onto the island resort, you’ll be transported to a realm untouched by the bustling crowds of modern tourism. With its 19-hectare property, the resort has carefully preserved the island’s natural beauty, leaving the majority of it pristine and undeveloped. As a result, guests can enjoy a truly secluded and immersive experience, even when the resort is at capacity.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard Life, Joegil Magtanggol Escobar, General Manager of Club Paradise, shared insights into how the resort manages its sustainable oasis and involves the local community in its mission to protect the environment while providing guests with a memorable island retreat.
Escobar emphasized Club Paradise’s commitment to sustainable practices, noting that the resort has eliminated single-use plastics, replaced them with refillable bottles of purified water, and even uses corn starch-based plastics for garbage disposal, utensils, and packaging. The resort also has a dedicated farm that provides fresh, seasonal ingredients for its restaurants, and food scraps are converted into natural fertilizers and pesticides.
“Sustainability is not merely a buzzword; it is a deeply ingrained moral obligation. For years, we have passionately embraced the cause of preserving the pristine beauty of our island. Our dedication to this mission has led us to make remarkable changes, starting with the elimination of single-use plastics from our premises,” Escobar said.
Beyond its internal operations, Club Paradise also oversees the conservation of two neighboring islands and educates both visitors and locals on the importance of protecting the delicate ecosystem.
As a result of its unwavering commitment to sustainability and community, Club Paradise has received recognition from the government and acclaim from guests alike. It is a testament to the new direction of travel, offering a glimpse of the beauty that can be found when balancing luxury, nature, and responsibility
“The island’s natural beauty is the driving force behind our community engagement campaigns and informative signage. It’s our moral obligation to protect and enhance the environment, as it’s not just a marketing strategy but our commitment to sustainable practices. We are truly blessed with this island, a secluded paradise that offers top-notch services everywhere,” Escobar underscored.
Club Paradise Palawan’s appeal transcends borders, with a diverse clientele that varies depending on the season. While Filipinos make up 50 percent of the visitors, the other half includes Europeans, Americans, Chinese, and a handful of Japanese travelers.
The resort’s peak season, spanning from November to May, offers an average occupancy rate of an astonishing 70 percent throughout the year. This speaks to the resort’s universal appeal and its ability to offer guests an unforgettable experience, regardless of their nationality or travel preferences.
Sustainable gastronomy
The resort’s Taranuman Farm provides its kitchen with fresh, seasonal ingredients, which are used to create delicious and authentic Filipino dishes.
“We operate the Taranuman Farm outside the resort, which supplies our kitchen with fresh herbs like mints and basil, as well as essential ingredients. Additionally, we convert food scraps into natural fertilizers and pesticides,” Escobar noted.
Club Paradise Palawan’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the kitchen. The resort has eliminated single-use plastics and replaced them with refillable bottles of purified water. Even the plastics used for garbage disposal, utensils, and packaging are made from corn starch, ensuring they easily decompose. Even the shampoo and soap bottles are made to minimize plastic usage.
The resort also oversees two neighboring islands, where it implements various conservation efforts. Environmental signage is placed throughout the resort grounds to educate both visitors and locals alike on the importance of protecting the island’s delicate marine sanctuaries.
Club Paradise also prioritizes community involvement, purchasing materials from local suppliers and supporting various educational initiatives. One such program is “Cheers for Chairs,” which channels a portion of restaurant cocktail sales to provide chairs to schools.
Commitment to authentic Filipino cuisine and community support
To mark its 10th anniversary since acquiring the property, Club Paradise is set to open a new restaurant, “Sinag,” in December. This establishment aims to honor Filipino culture by focusing on authentic Filipino cuisine, allowing foreign guests to appreciate the rich culinary heritage of the country.
“To mark our 10th anniversary since acquiring the property, we’re opening ‘Sinag,’ a restaurant dedicated to authentic Filipino cuisine, offering foreign guests a taste of our rich culture,” Escobar said.
“With 74 rooms on site, we are building 10 more – rooms specifically designed for family-friendly spaces,” Escobar went on talking about the resort’s new development to celebrate their 10th year.
The island resort’s executive emphasized their ongoing commitment to providing a luxurious experience within a relaxed and inviting ambiance. The attentive and unobtrusive service is dedicated to fulfilling every guest’s needs, ensuring the delivery of the Discovery brand’s exceptional service with a personal touch.
“That’s why we embrace our motto, ‘welcome home.’ This warm and hospitable greeting is woven into the fabric of our services, embodying our dedication to exceptional hospitality,” the general manager stated.
Sunlight Air offers direct flights to Busuanga at Francisco B. Reyes Airport, also known as Busuanga Airport or sometimes called Coron Airport, the gateway to Club Paradise Palawan.
Book your stay at Club Paradise Palawan today and experience the magic of this sustainable and authentic paradise. Visit www.clubparadisepalawan.com or call (632) 7719.6971.