Chindonan Island Romantic Vacations

A Hidden Gem of Tranquility and Charm! Carpe Diem Villa and Resort is a true oasis in Puerto Princesa! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the peaceful, Balinese-inspired atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and elegant sculptures. The rooms are spotless, beautifully designed, and well-equipped — we especially loved the private pool access, which made the stay feel extra luxurious. The staff were warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, even helping us plan local tours and arranging transport when needed. The main pool area is stunning and well-maintained — perfect for lounging with a drink from the poolside bar. Dining at their restaurant was a delightful surprise. The fusion of French and Filipino flavors made for a unique and satisfying experience, though we would have appreciated a bit more variety in the breakfast options. While the resort is tucked away from the main town, it’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Just be prepared to arrange transportation if you plan to explore more of the city. Overall, Carpe Diem is the perfect mix of comfort, relaxation, and attentive service. We’re already planning our next visit! Rating: 4.7/5

Beautiful property! Great service! Great amenities! Serene and peaceful here ;) thanks for a wonderful vacation!

This is a beautiful place within 10-15 mins boat ride from the lagoons. The accommodation is spacious and tastefully decorated. The only complaint was a bit of rain coming through the roof at times of heavy rain. Staff cannot be more accommodating, friendly and attentive, making guests feel welcome and right at home. They offer quite a few inclusive excursions to nearby attractions, which is very nice. Food in the restaurant is a bit dear for the Philippines but the taste and quality is excellent. Ideal stay for 3-5 days to explore the beautiful nature around El Nido.

secluded, very quiet

Great place for a retreat. Topnotch service. The resort is amazing.

We would rate our stay 4/5, as it didn’t fully meet our expectations for a 5-star resort. We stayed in the Premier Suite (complimentary upgrade due to pool renovations). While the main pool was unavailable, the hotel was at only ~30% capacity, which made for a more peaceful experience, and they kindly offered complimentary access to the pool at Miniloc Island. That said, we did find the finishes in both the room and shared spaces to feel quite dated. This was especially noticeable in the bathrooms, where there were visible stains on the walls and floors. Check-in also felt a little impersonal — we weren’t offered welcome drinks, though we noticed other guests arriving later were. On the positive side, the staff were absolutely wonderful — warm, attentive, and truly 5/5 service. The bed was very comfortable, the AC worked perfectly, and breakfast was excellent. Overall, this may well be considered a 5-star resort in El Nido standards, but for those more accustomed to Western-style 5-star hotels, it’s good to keep expectations in check.

Great place for a retreat. Topnotch service. The resort is amazing.

secluded, very quiet

Beautiful property! Great service! Great amenities! Serene and peaceful here ;) thanks for a wonderful vacation!

This is a beautiful place within 10-15 mins boat ride from the lagoons. The accommodation is spacious and tastefully decorated. The only complaint was a bit of rain coming through the roof at times of heavy rain. Staff cannot be more accommodating, friendly and attentive, making guests feel welcome and right at home. They offer quite a few inclusive excursions to nearby attractions, which is very nice. Food in the restaurant is a bit dear for the Philippines but the taste and quality is excellent. Ideal stay for 3-5 days to explore the beautiful nature around El Nido.

Beautiful property! Great service! Great amenities! Serene and peaceful here ;) thanks for a wonderful vacation!

The staff at Happiness were fantastic, so friendly and helpful. The room and wider resort were always cleaned to the highest degree. The only constructive feedback I have is that the music was a little loud in the evenings but, that said, it always finished at a reasonable time i.e around 10pm. Overall it was an amazing stay and I would definitely recommend the resort to friends and family!