This September, Lagen Island in Palawan’s Bacuit Bay unveils a sweeping transformation, marking a new era for one of the Philippines’ most beloved island sanctuaries. Long known for its raw beauty and quiet charm, the reimagined Lagen emerges as a 42-key private retreat where tropical forests meet towering limestone cliffs and the sea glimmers in shades of turquoise. More than a redesign, it is a rebirth — a retreat that seeks to redefine Filipino luxury by anchoring it in cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and ecological stewardship.

At its heart lies a vision of quiet elegance. The new Lagen curates its accommodations into Forest Rooms and Water Villas, each designed to harmonize contemporary comfort with deeply rooted cultural narratives. Balconies open to sweeping coastal vistas, while sunken lounges bring guests closer to the water’s edge. Inside, details speak volumes: carved wood, woven textures, and indigenous patterns that tell the story of a country where artistry and identity are inseparable. Every room is meant to be more than a space to stay; it is a sanctuary of discovery, reflecting both Palawan’s natural wonders and the traditions of the archipelago.

The transformation is also architectural storytelling at its finest. Guests are first welcomed into an arrival hall inspired by the paraw, the iconic double-outrigger sailing vessel of the Visayas, its form interpreted through hand-carved beams and ceramic beadwork by local artisans. The interiors are equally layered with meaning. Motifs drawn from the Batak tribe’s Giyangganan weaving patterns, along with designs inspired by the Tagbanua, Tausug, and Maranao, create a tapestry of Filipino identity across walls, partitions, and textiles. The effect is immersive: a sense of place that is both timeless and contemporary.

This depth of vision comes from a multidisciplinary collaboration led by WATG, Wimberly Interiors Studio, Henning Larsen, and Ayala Land Hospitality’s Creative Team. Together, they pursued not a cosmetic refresh but what they call a story-led evolution. Their approach honors sustainability and heritage while setting new benchmarks for hospitality in the Philippines. The outcome is a resort that balances luxury with conscience, proof that cultural preservation and modern design can coexist beautifully.

That ethos extends beyond architecture. Lagen’s rebirth is anchored in purposeful partnerships with artisans across the country, elevating craft traditions while sustaining local communities. Among them: Artisano Kabalan of Olongapo, clay brickmakers whose work reflects layers of Filipino, indigenous, and American influences; Cavite-based Creaete Industrial Corp, master wood carvers fusing Filipino and Spanish artistry; and celebrated designer Niño Franco’s Wilson Limon, who together with Jenny Mann, T’boli weavers, and the Marabatuan Indigenous People Weavers Association, brings soulful depth to fabrics and textiles. Their collective artistry ensures that every surface, texture, and pattern on the island bears the mark of Filipino hands.

Beyond the accommodations, Lagen reimagined introduces new spaces that extend its narrative of harmony and renewal. A state-of-the-art Dive Centre and a Marine and Biodiversity Conservation Center reflect the island’s longstanding commitment to environmental protection. Meanwhile, a two-level wellness sanctuary invites guests into gardens, yoga studios, healing pools, and treatment rooms designed as havens of restorative calm. Here, wellness is not simply an amenity but an extension of the island’s rhythm — slow, deliberate, and deeply connected to nature.

“The new era of Lagen is designed to be rooted in authenticity,” said Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, creative director of Ayala Land Hospitality. “Local artisans from across the archipelago have answered the call to bring Lagen reimagined to life; where enduring traditional craftsmanship outweighs easy ornamentation, every surface presents us with an opportunity to celebrate the rich Filipino aesthetic and cultural heritage.”

For more than two decades, Ayala Land Hospitality has been a steward of Palawan’s landscapes, championing responsible development alongside conservation. With Lagen’s transformation, the brand redefines the standard of Filipino hospitality: a seamless union of artistry, sustainability, and natural beauty. More than an island retreat, Lagen stands as a statement — that Filipino design, shaped by centuries of cultural fusion and local ingenuity, deserves its place on the world stage.