Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of El Nido, known for its pristine beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, Sea Cocoon owner Eric Sugui has established himself as a visionary in the hospitality industry.
As a hotel owner, Eric combines his passion for service with a deep commitment to sustainability and authentic Filipino hospitality, ensuring that guests experience the best of paradise.
Eric was born and raised in Manila. His family was in the jewelry-making business, and their products were exported abroad. When business wasn’t that good anymore because of competition, they thought about venturing into a different line of business.
Eric and his business partners went to El Nido, Palawan, in 2012 and made plans to sell the property in Manila to move and start a business there. In 2015, they were able to sell the property, and it was also the time they moved to Palawan for good and officially started operating Sea Cocoon on the 21st of September.
This 2025 will be their 10th year in operation. The hotel has evolved from operating only one building, which offered 27 rooms, and in 2019, it grew by adding a new building adjacent to the existing hotel, thereby adding 17 more rooms for a total of 44.
“Our slogan says, ‘your comfort is our pride,’ so we aim to provide comfort to all our guests. Our spacious and cozy rooms were meticulously designed and carefully engineered, and they are equipped with the basic necessities for comfort. Our elevator is a plus since this is not a common thing in a place like El Nido,” shared Eric about keeping his guests happy.
The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of El Nido town. The restaurants, bars, shops, banks, police station, church, convenience stores, pharmacies, street food vendors, and the like are just a few steps away. Sea Cocoon is also close to the floating dock where island-hopping tours originate.
While El Nido is famous for its natural wonders, the town itself has a laid-back, rustic charm. The main Barangay Buena Suerte is lined with cozy cafés, beachfront bars, and boutique resorts. At night, the town comes alive with reggae music, fire dances, and fresh seafood feasts by the shore.
Due to its fragile ecosystem, El Nido has implemented strict environmental policies, including visitor limits to popular sites and a ban on single-use plastics. Travelers are encouraged to respect nature and support eco-friendly businesses.
“Living here in El Nido and building a hotel is like a giant leap for us, like a new chapter in our lives. We came from a big city and now live in a small town, but it is very lively and full of excitement. We believe that this is our destiny, and we are so happy about it. No regrets because we now live in ‘paradise,’” said Eric.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled retreat, let Eric Sugui host you as Sea Cocoon Hotel elevates the El Nido experience with its impeccable service and breathtaking surroundings.