More than just a beach resort, Amanpulo (peaceful island) is set on a coralline island all its own. Pamalican floats in the brilliant-blue waters of the Sulu Sea. Seven square kilometers of reef rim the island. Beyond are sandbanks and a channel, where whales, dolphins and sea cows have been known to stray. At its widest point, the 5.5-kilometer island of Pamalican is only 500 meters across. Located among the Quiniluban group of the Cuyo Islands, Pamalican is one of nearly 1,800 islands in the province of Palawan. The largest province in the Philippines, Palawan is about 600 kilometers south and southwest of Manila.

ACCOMMODATION: Amanpulo's 40 casitas, spacious 65 sqm (77.7 sq. yards) cottages in hillside and beachfront settings, are modeled after the Philippine bahay kubo (native dwelling). Inside, decorative details reflect the islands; pebble-washed walls, coconut-shell tables, rustic Palawan rice and knife baskets, a king-size bed with a rattan headboard, sliding-glass doors that reveal outdoor decks and his-and-her divans. Nearly half the space in a casita is given over to a Cebu marble bathroom, with twin vanities, separate changing areas, a shower and an elegant bathtub lit by twin wood shutters.

Amanpulo's 29 Beach Casitas come with a private path that leads through a tangle of bush directly onto a white-sand beach, set with two personal sub beds and a beach umbrella. 4 Treetop Casitas on stilts climb with the palm trees high above the island while the 5 Hillside Casitas offer spectacular views. The resort's two Deluxe Hillside Casitas (30 and 40) feature the most panoramic views of the Sulu Sea and surrounding islands.

All casitas are equipped with air-conditioning, IDD telephones, personal bar, electronic safe, coffee and tea making facilities, satellite television and CD player. Laser Disc and DVD players are available on request. The casitas are linked by small roads and walkways allowing easy access to the beach and to the resort's facilities. Each casita comes with a gasoline-powered golf cart for exploring the island.

VILLAS, Amanpulo also has two private holiday villas for rent. The Nature Villa (Casa Kalikasan) is a luxurious, four-bedroom residence located just a few meters from the sea. The 4,140-meter villa estate has nine separate pavillions including a living room, kitchen and dining sala all designed around a garden courtyard. The West Villa (Casa Kanluran) is set within a 5.6-hectare compound that stretches to the sea. It features four private casitas, identical to those at the resort, a separate four-bedroom villa, ideal for children and nannies, a kitchen and beach club. Both villas come with a private staff and golf carts. Villa guests enjoy full use of all Amanpulo facilities and services.

RESTAURANT & BAR: The Clubhouse: Amanpulo's central building is the light-filled Clubhouse, where guests are received. The resort lounge and most of its public facilities are located here. The Restaurant, located in a wing at one end of the Clubhouse, spreads outside onto a terrace, with views to Manamoc Island across the channel. There's also a regular lecbon (roasted pig) barbecue -built barbecue pit and tandoori oven. The Beach Pavilion offers light meals and refreshments. Enjoy the views from the Clubhouse Bar or take your drinks outside onto the terrace. Private dining is available day and night.

SWIMMING POOL: Amanpulo's 30-meter swimming pool is bordered by neem trees and two high trellises that spill over with bougainvillea. Large, open-air salas are arranged on the expansive green behind the pool.

The salas come with larger-than-king-size mattresses for all-day, poolside lounging. The pool's aqua tiles mimic the Sulu Sea's reef waters.