El Nido's Top Beaches: Part 1 (Lio Beach)

Deciding on your accommodations in El Nido is quite tricky, given that it is not like Boracay, where you have everything within walking distance. El Nido's best experiences are often outside the town proper  which is very busy and packed with restaurants, cafes and tour operators, making a stay not as ideal. 

So, when one comes to El Nido, accommodation hopping is a norm. So, I am giving the low down on the top beaches that are battling it to attract visitors to make it their homebase or a part of their hop. Let's start off with the most convenient option, which is located right next to the airport - Lio Beach.


Lio Beach was once a barren vastness of a beach that has been utterly transformed into one of the most expensive property developments in Palawan. Helmed by the Ayala Group, the massive redevelopment is aimed to cater to those who want to invest in a family-centered resident community and creative hub in El Nido. 



Lio Beach is built for beachside living, perfect for families who want to relocate in El Nido. There are several cafes, restaurants, artisanal shops and even a school to support your new lifestyle. Kalye Artisano is a favorite spot, for several remote workers and entrepreneurs who gather around for a morning briefing. Lio is all about sustainability as it primarily promotes ecological living. You'll feel it in the atmosphere with its bamboo structures and environmental systems in place. 


From Kalye Artisano, a pathway leads one to its natural forest, before welcoming you to its privately owned villas and beachfront shops and restaurants.Seda Resorts offer luxurious accommodations, which makes them the perfect choice for companies and weddings. Balai Adlao is also another worthy option to stay in.



Lio Beach is is huge and it feels like a separate destination all together. There weren't a lot of visitors, so I was able to enjoy the place all by myself. Most of the visitors have their lunch here, which is nice to have as they the restaurants serve up Mediterranean to Filipino food all under the shades of coconut trees. You can also find several beach activities available from the Lio Beach Activity Hut.


I would want to see Lio Beach offer other accommodation options that can range from ultra luxurious to backpacker hostels. I guess for now, it's really meant for the exclusivity of its residents.


So here's my verdict on Lio Beach. You get less action for sure. The beach is the widest and longest you'll ever have in El Nido. Watch out for the beach flies though, which can be a bother especially in the morning. The vastness of the complex also makes it less intimate. Think of Lio Beach as an upscale neighborhood where you can embrace island living at its best. It's safe, secure and very private, even though it is open to the public. Honestly, I just want to get a villa here and move in with my family. 



________________

Seda Hotel Lio
Lio Tourism Estate, El Nido, Palawan
+63 917 818 1929 | +632 7956 8888


Balai Adlao
Kalye Paragua, Lio Tourism Estate, El Nido, Palawan
+63 919 079 6659













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