Located in Lio’s master-planned sustainable estate in El Nido, Palawan, Huni Lio is Ayala Land’s newest eco-friendly resort in this side of town.
Recently opened this July 2019, Huni Lio is a chic, 50-room, two-story boutique resort located inside the vast 325-hectare Lio Estates.
The first Huni Resort opened in Sicogon Island in Iloilo last July 2018, exactly a year before the El Nido opening.
Huni Lio is named after the Filipino word meaning “Hum of the Sea.”
HUNI LIO
Lio Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Facebook: Huni Lio
Instagram: @hunilio
Email: reservations@hunilio.com
Contact: +63 917 570 8179
Website: http://www.huniresorts.com/hunilio/
Check out low Huni Lio rates and availability from Booking.com
HUNI LIO
Perfect for couples! Just like the one in Sicogon, Huni Lio has two stories only, giving the resort a much more laid-back and intimate feel.
The building itself is just a short walk away from Casa Kalaw, Balai Adlao, Hotel Covo, and Lio’s beachfront and restaurants.
And much like the other Lio Properties, the buildings never really go beyond the height of the coconut trees, which I think looks much neater and greener overall.
It was their soft opening week when we visited, and we had the privilege of being one of the first few to experience the resort, so we pretty much got the whole place to ourselves.
The layout of the resort is pretty straightforward: the swimming pool is located at the center and serves as the centerpiece of the resort, surrounded by all the rooms.
There are only three room types, and we stayed in one of their Deluxe Pool View rooms for one night.
The rooms are basic in design yet spacious and comfortable.
Rooms like this are perfect for couples!
I really liked the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that provided just the right amount of sunlight to remind you that you’re staying in a tropical paradise.
The bathrooms are also basic with only the bare essentials. Here, you’ll find no trace of any single-use plastic or disposable bath supplies.
For families and group of friends, there is also a bigger room type that can comfortably accommodate up to 4 pax.
The rooms were so comfortable that we spent our whole morning soaking up the sun on the porch while waiting for breakfast to be served.
CASA KALAW BREAKFAST
And because the resort wasn’t fully opened yet when we visited, the breakfast was still being sourced and prepared from Casa Kalaw.
For now, the restaurant only offers a small variety of local Filipino and Asian dishes.
But in the future, an all-day dining restaurant in Huni will provide breakfast as well as local and international dishes for all their checked-in guests.
As for lunch, you’ll never run out of restaurant choices because Lio’s beachfront is lined with a dozen international restaurants and bars.
JUNGLE BAR
That time was my 3rd time in Lio. I tried Jungle Bar by Pio-Pio, the newest restaurant/bar on the block.
Much like “Huni,” the Pio-Pio brand was inspired by the sound that birds make.
Jungle Bar by Pio Pio is their newest restobar concept where they use local inspiration and arts to help connect guests to their surroundings.
What I liked about their cocktails and dishes was that they try to source most of their ingredients from nearby local communities. (Photo: Bagnet w/ Enchilada)
They took international palates into consideration and, at the same time, added their own unique Filipino spin on dishes that were truly Jungle Bar must-tries.
One of their signature cocktails and probably my favorite was the Ternatonic. For their own spin on the traditional Gin and Tonic, they infused the drink with a locally sourced ternate flower, giving it that natural purplish color.
For coffee lovers, you can also try their Espresso Roasted Nuts Martini, a classic martini with espresso and chocolate on top!
KALYE ARTESANO
Apart from the Jungle Bar, Pio Pio also operates the nearby Kalye Artisano Artists’ village.
Kalye Artisano is a small artist village within Lio Estates that houses arts and crafts shops curated by local artists.
At the moment, there are more than 6 retail stores in Kalye Artisano. Each has its own distinct style and flair, and all goods are made with love by local artisans.
Kayle Aritsano works with local communities to showcase the best of what Filipino craftsmen, farmers, designers and artists have to offer, giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.
For foodies looking for some local food to munch on, there is a small snack shop inside Kalye Artisano called Nik Nik.
Housed inside a traditional Bahay Kubo, Nik Nik sells local Filipino favorite sweets like turon, leche flan and cassava cake—the perfect place to have your merienda!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, if you’re looking for a quiet getaway with a good beach in El Nido, then you might want to consider Huni Resort.
It is best suited for small groups, especially couples who simply want to enjoy the quiet and relaxing vibe in Lio, away from the hustle and bustle of El Nido town.
The best part? You don’t even have to leave the estate to find good food, island hopping adventures and probably one of the best beaches on the entire island.
HUNI LIO
Lio Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Facebook: Huni Lio
Instagram: @hunilio
Email: reservations@hunilio.com
Contact: +63 917 570 8179
Website: http://www.huniresorts.com/hunilio/
Check out low Huni Lio rates and availability from Booking.com
Live an Awesome Life,
NICO of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Our stay was courtesy of Huni & Pio Pio. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.
With its stunning location, luxurious accommodations, delicious cuisine, pampering spa services, and adventure activities, you’re sure to fall in love with Huni Resort in Lio, Palawan.