Banwa Private Island – Multi-Award-Winning Experience Receives Latest International Recognition

Manila, Philippines (15 August 2025) – Banwa Private Island, the ultra-exclusive private island in Palawan, Philippines, continues to solidify its standing among the world’s most exceptional destinations with its third consecutive inclusion in Robb Report’s 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth for 2025.

Robb Report’s 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth, established in 2023, celebrates the pinnacle of global hospitality. Published by Robb Report, a leading authority on luxury lifestyle since 1976, the list is meticulously curated by 26 Travel Masters—globally respected luxury travel specialists renowned for crafting extraordinary journeys for an elite international clientele. Each expert nominates their top five exceptional properties, encompassing both new openings and timeless icons across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Among them is Henry Cookson, founder of Cookson Adventures, who lauded Banwa Private Island for its extraordinary marine setting and ecological significance:

"This is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands. It’s set in a marine-protected sanctuary, and we love it for its incredible diving—it’s possible to scuba alongside whale sharks as well as encounter the rare Hawksbill turtle and black tip reef shark."

This latest recognition adds to Banwa Private Island’s growing list of international accolades, including the Editor’s Choice Award in The Gallivanter’s Guide 2024; being named “Private Island of the Year” by Destination Deluxe for three non-consecutive years (2020, 2022, and 2023); “Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort in the Philippines” by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific in 2023;  “Best of the Best in Travel” by Robb Report Hong Kong in 2024; and “World’s Leading Luxury Private Island” by the World Travel Awards in 2019.

Banwa Private Island has become a preferred retreat for celebrities, heads of state, and private families seeking more than just privacy. With only six contemporary beachfront villas—each with expansive interiors, private terraces and gardens, a jacuzzi, and a full-sized spring water pool—Banwa Private Island offers an experience defined by space, serenity, and sustainability. Among the largest and most luxurious in the world, the villas provide rare comfort and complete seclusion, with discreet service staff available at a moment’s notice but never in view. Whether reserved individually or through a full island charter, each stay is designed to feel effortless, private, and deeply personalized.

Located in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Banwa Private Island is surrounded by one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse marine corridors. Each guest stay contributes to vital conservation efforts through the Aquos Foundation, which supports habitat protection and scientific research—including in one of the country’s 10 Important Sharks and Rays Areas (ISRAs). Endangered species such as the Hawksbill turtle, blacktip reef shark, and whale shark thrive in these protected waters.

Sustainability is woven into daily island life. Banwa Private Island operates its own organic farm that supplies fresh produce to its kitchens. A self-replenishing artesian well provides natural water for drinking, bathing, and pools. The island is also uniquely mosquito-free, maintained through an entomologist-designed trapping system that eliminates the need for chemical sprays while safeguarding the delicate ecosystem.

Dining at Banwa Private Island is entirely bespoke—there are no menus to browse, no decisions to make. Each meal is thoughtfully crafted by the island’s chef, who takes time to understand every guest’s preferences and dietary needs. Using the freshest ingredients from Banwa Private Island’s organic farm and surrounding seas, the chef designs personalized menus that surprise and delight. Meals are served in stunning locations chosen to suit the moment—whether it’s a romantic dinner at Bantigue sandbar, sunset dining at the Platform, or an alfresco lunch by the pool.

Guests enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive island journey that extends to curated excursions, wellness treatments, and private aviation coordination. From snorkeling the vibrant house reef to exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, each itinerary is crafted to inspire discovery and connection with nature.

As The Gallivanter’s Guide noted in its 2024 review: “The meticulous attention to detail is what makes Banwa Private Island truly special. The presence of vibrant flower bouquets that are refreshed every other day, the discreet room servicing during breakfast times, and the continuous replenishment of ice buckets and welcome treats—all without having to reach for the phone.”

“Today’s luxury traveler seeks more than privacy—they seek purpose,” said Simon Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Banwa Private Island. “Banwa Private Island delivers that rare combination of meaningful travel, uncompromising comfort, and untouched natural beauty.”

Villa rates begin at USD 3,050 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. Full island buyouts are available upon request.

For more information, visit www.banwaprivateisland.com

Banwa Private Island : A Journey of Discovery and Adventure

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 05th February 2024 - This week, over 200 guests from the Philippines, Hong Kong and beyond were treated to a preview of a movie documentary, “Banwa Private Island – A Two Part Adventure,” filmed on location and produced by Asian Air Safari.

Banwa Private Island is the gateway to the incredibly rich and diverse marine and land ecology in Palawan. ‘Banwa' actually means ‘community' in the local Palawano language and the Tagbanwa people are considered guardians of the region's indigenous nature. Proceeds from the island directly contribute to educational and infrastructure projects in the area through its Aquos Foundation whose ethos is to support, nurture and protect the island’s unique biodiversity.

The documentary highlights how guests are coming from around the world to explore the culture, history and ecology of this unique region. A truly private island with just 6 beautiful villas, guests enjoy un-paralleled hospitality from the Banwa Private Island team whilst being entranced by the nature, wildlife, beaches and stunning turquoise water in this mosquito free environment. Within just a 20-minute radius, there are an array of activities including snorkeling, diving, hiking, an underground river, waterfalls and unique wildlife indigenous to the area.

The documentary was produced by the enigmatic and humbling Captain Joy Roa, CEO of Asian Air Safari, who commented: “I was given a beautiful opportunity to visit this incredible island with its rich bio-diversity, right in our own backyard in the Philippines. Flying with the helicopter for only two hours from Manila allowed me to see this private world – a distinctive combination of luxurious pampering and hospitality, wildlife encounters, and authentic, meaningful interactions with the local community. Experiencing it all first-hand makes me proud that an award-winning, world-class property like Banwa Private Island can be found in the Philippines, because it defines what positive, impactful travel should be.”

Banwa Private Island is the vision of Richard Beattie who has been exploring the region for over 20 years and cannot escape the charm and lure of these islands. Richard commented, “We are so grateful to Captain Joy and his brilliant team for this incredible documentary. It enables people to have an insight into the sounds, smells, culture and scenery of this almost unknown region and Captain Joy immersed himself into every aspect of what the region offers. His generosity is unbounded, and he appears to have found quite a few future pilots for his team from the eager local school children!”

The screening was attended by an international audience made up of past island guests, those planning to visit in the future and the best of the luxury travel trade who have already booked guest visits to the island from far-away places such as Brazil, China and Europe – and perhaps surprisingly many from Manila who were previously unaware of the adventure that awaits them in Palawan.

The two-part documentary will be available for public viewing in March and a wonderful preview is available via this link.

Banwa Private Island Awarded as “The Philippines’ Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort” in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 8th June 2023 - Banwa Private Island is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious award as “The Philippines’ Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort” in the inaugural Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.

Peter Nilsson of Banwa Private Island expressed his gratitude for the support of Travel + Leisure readers and the recognition bestowed.  He stated, “We are honored to receive this esteemed award. This accolade underscores the dedication and passion of our island team members whom we warmly refer to as ‘Banwaites’, in providing intuitive yet unpretentious, seamless service, creating inspirational and unforgettable experiences that capture the hearts of affluent, seasoned travelers.

Nestled in the heart of Palawan, Banwa Private Island offers a sanctuary of privacy and tranquility amidst stunning natural beauty.  The garden island features contemporary beachfront villas ensuring exclusivity and serenity for discerning travelers.  With its commitment to sustainable practices and immersive experiences, Banwa Private Island sets a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 serves as a prestigious platform that recognizes and celebrates the pinnacle of excellence in the hospitality industry in the region.  An evolution of the Travel + Leisure Asia’s Best Awards 2022, the awards program includes an expanded list of 16 countries and award categories.  Nominees were selected by a team of editors and expert contributors across Asia Pacific, without any paid promotions.

The award was announced June 5 at the Park Hyatt Bangkok in Thailand.

For more information and enquiries on Banwa Private Island, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

About Banwa Private Island

Banwa Private Island is an intimate all-villa destination for discerning guests wanting to experience privacy and seamless service in a marine and land nature reserve. Nestled in one the world’s last frontiers of natural biodiversity, north-eastern Palawan in Philippines, the island sanctuary boasts of breath-taking views, verdant landscape, pristine beach and turquoise waters.

Banwa Private Island’s beachfront villas are designed to soak our guests in the natural beauty of the island. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the outside to flood in, the beach and garden terraces are mere bare-footsteps away and an infinity pool melts into the ocean. For a quintessential island escape, guests can choose to stay in a contemporary-designed villa or exclusively charter the whole island for family, friends and colleagues.

Central to Banwa Private Island’s ethos, the Aquos Foundation was established to support, nurture and protect delicate ecosystems. Among its pioneering programs is the protection and restoration of habitats of the critically endangered Mantanani Scops Owl, Hawksbill Turtle and the Tabon Bird (Philippine Megapode).

www.banwaprivateisland.com

Banwa Private Island is Proud to Announce Preferred Aviation Partnership with Ascent

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 1ST September 2021 – A new partnership between Banwa Private Island and Ascent Flights Global (“Ascent”) will offer a truly curated experience of personal safety and privacy through sustainable chartered air travel starting 1st September 2021.

Banwa Private Island and Ascent are now offering an exclusive, seamless and highly personalised travel bubble experience from on-demand private flights to the luxurious island sanctuary.

Located in North-eastern Palawan and nestled in Sulu Sea, Banwa Private Island is set amidst one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty imaginable. The glistening island of lush, verdant landscaping and pristine white sands is the ultimate in luxury, tranquility and infinite privacy.

With Ascent, the exclusive island is still remote, but not removed.

Conveniently and privately accessible by air from Manila by a preferred 8-seater seaplane directly from Manila on a 1 hour 45-minute scenic flight, landing on the doorstep of the exclusive island. Also available are helicopters for up to 10 passengers from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport or The Peninsula Manila’s helipad. Larger capacity fixed-wing aircraft from any destination in the Philippines is also part of the Ascent fleet.

Alternatively, guests can choose any commercial airline to any of Palawan’s three commercial airports, San Vicente, Puerto Princesa or El Nido, followed by a short helicopter flight across the Sulu Sea and land on Banwa Private Island’s own heli-lawn.

For a more cost-effective option, guests can opt for onward travel to the island by a premium Sports Utility Vehicle from either San Vicente or Puerto Princesa airports in Palawan, followed by a short boat transfer to the island.

Ascent also offers to service both domestic and international arrivals by private jets, be it in Manila or Clark for onward journey with any of their varying type of aircraft, or directly to either San Vicente or Puerto Princesa airports in Palawan.

Part of Ascent’s bespoke services is ground handling arrangements with meet and greet arrangements, inter-airport transfers, exclusive lounge service and immigration fast track.

Peter Nilsson, CEO of Banwa Private Island, greeted this new dynamic partnership with a comment: “We found a great partner in Ascent with our shared goal to deliver exceptional, personalised and intimate guest experiences to our affluent clientele. Our utmost priority is the genuine care and well-being of our guests from their chartered flight to their holiday experience in our informal and intimate island sanctuary. Personal safety and hand-crafted travel experiences have become even more important in the luxury travel landscape nowadays. Ascent’s long-term approach and commitment to a decarbonized world is well aligned with Banwa Private Island’s continuous dedication to sustainability”.

Lionel Sinai-Sinelnikoff, founder and CEO of Ascent added: “Banwa Private Island’s vision of an enhanced experience by air between Banwa Private Island’s guests’ home, and its remote delicate environment, is dear to us. With this partnership, guests’ experience now starts with a seamless and private bubble. Ascent's dedicated solution for Banwa Private Island, brings a holistic journey by air, like no other, beyond motion. With best-in-class air operations on fuel-efficient aircraft, Banwa Private Island’s guests elevate their journey with peace of mind”.

For exclusive island or individual villa reservation enquiries, please contact reservations@banwaprivateisland.com or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com

For air and land transfer enquiries or bookings, email banwa@ascent.flights or visit www.ascent.flights