WATG has completed the final phase of its landmark renovation of Lagen Island Resort, El Nido, a 42-key private island retreat on the northwestern tip of Palawan in The Philippines…
Setting a new benchmark for eco-sanctuaries in South East Asia through a preservation-first approach, WATG collaborated with Filipino developer Ayala Land Hospitality to create Lagen Island Resort. The vision for the project is rooted in authentic local design narratives, and a deep immersion into the islands’ breathtaking topography – without compromising on luxury guest experience.
Image credit: WATG / Lagen Island Resort
Set across six hectares, the resort features a waterfront arrival building, 42 water villas and forest rooms, a spa, a sunset bar, a dive centre, and a chapel. WATG’s multidisciplinary approach spanned advisory, architecture, and interiors by their design studio, Wimberly Interiors.
“Our revitalisation of Lagen Island Resort was guided by the island’s extraordinary natural setting and the rich local craftsmanship and history. Our team developed a cohesive design narrative that both preserves and advances – preserving existing structures, enhancing the design with local materials and craft traditions, while advancing towards a more regenerative vision of hospitality.” – Chiara Calufetti-Lim, Principal & Studio Director of Architecture, WATG
Image credit: WATG / Lagen Island Resort
Design as Preservation
Nestled amongst majestic limestone cliffs shaped by time, turquoise waters, and lush tropical rainforests, the resort has long served as a refuge for travellers seeking serenity and a deep connection with nature. WATG’s integrated design team embraced their role as ‘guardians of Lagen Island,’ through a multifaceted sustainable design approach that ensures the resort will remain integral to Lagen’s ecosystem for generations to come.
WATG’s preservation-first approach prioritised structural conservation. Nearly all the building structures of the former resort were retained, dramatically reducing environmental impact by removing the need for excessive demolition and reconstruction, while protecting biodiversity. The design also explored innovative ways to ensure material reuse beyond structural conservation, which included integrating existing nara wood flooring, carefully repurposed into feature wall panelling.
Image credit: WATG / Lagen Island Resort
Traditional Filipino Craftsmanship
Lagen Island Resort underscores WATG’s approach to regionally specific design, taking inspiration from locally sourced materials and Filipino heritage and craftsmanship, in particular, weaving and carving. In Palawan, weaving is a living testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the island’s tribes: for generations these techniques have been passed down, each with a unique story of heritage and tradition. Similarly, carving is a revered craft among local tribes, celebrated as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, telling stories of ancestry, mythology and tradition.
Exquisite weaving, carving patterns, and traditional motifs have been thoughtfully woven into the design vocabulary, celebrating and preserving the region’s timeless artistry through their integration across architectural elements, furniture, and textiles. Guests are welcomed into an arrival hall inspired by the region’s traditional Paraw boats, adorned with hand-carved wood and ceramic beadwork that echo the geometric rhythms of Sawali patterns.
Within the rooms, intricate woven textures and finely crafted woodwork pay homage to the richness of Filipino craftsmanship. Architectural references to the traditional Filipino house, the bahay kubo, are also reinterpreted through wall treatments and partitions inspired by vernacular forms, while indigenous motifs from the Tagbanua, Tausug, and Maranao peoples subtly thread through the interiors, grounding the spaces in the cultural heritage of the Philippines.
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- Image credit: WATG / Lagen Island Resor
“Our approach to the resort interiors is rooted in a deep reverence for the land and the traditions that have shaped it. Guided by a contemporary vision yet grounded in local design heritage, each space is imagined as a quiet dialogue between past and present. By weaving the work of local craftspeople into the fabric of the resort, every detail carries the imprint of place: stories told through texture, material, and artistry. The result is a luxurious space that feels intrinsically connected to its surroundings, where nature and design fl ow effortlessly together.” – Paolo De Simone, Creative Director of Wimberly Interiors
“We were proud to engage our network of local artisans, whose craftsmanship brought the vision to life with authentic Filipino artistry. The result is a harmonious blend of global expertise and local talent, an original creation that feels familiar, innovative, meaningful and deeply relevant.” – Paloma Urquijo Zobel De Ayala, Creative Director, Ayala Land Hospitality
Image credit: WATG / Lagen Island Resort
The resort has been redeveloped to open up the architecture for increased integration with the local landscape, allowing guests a unique immersion to the local surroundings while honoring a sense of place as a form of luxury in itself.
Bringing guests closer to the sea, the Water Villas feature sunken lounge seating, staggered window openings and strategic screening to enhance privacy while amplifying the connection to the water. A neutral palette highlights the blues of the ocean. In contrast, set amid ancient trees, the Forest Rooms frame sweeping sea views and lush green backdrops. Timber tones and deep greens create a seamless dialogue with the surrounding landscape.
A reimagined Arrival Hall doubles as a vibrant dining destination. Low-profile furniture and an open layout maximise views of the surrounding cliffs and seascape, while rich emerald greens and earthy tones root the space in its natural context, seamlessly transitioning from a lounge to an evening cocktail setting.
Image credit: WATG / Lagen Island Resort
A sensory and visual ode to Filipino culture and cuisine, the redesigned Clubhouse embraces alfresco charm with a darker, grounding palette. The feature bar counter, inspired by Palawan’s terracotta pottery, showcases intricate weaving techniques. Continuing this narrative, the Sunset Bar is a beachfront pavilion mirrors the Pangko boat’s graceful lines, offering uninterrupted sunset views. The vibrant material palette refl ects the warm hues of dusk, while woven details in the furniture and bar fascia celebrate Palawan’s artisanal heritage.
Main image credit: WATG / Lagen Island Resort
