Since being “discovered” by a tight-knit group of surfers in the late 1980s, Siargao has blossomed into one of the Philippines’ top island destinations. Despite recent developments, with increased flights, improved roads and a flurry of hotels, it retains a laid-back vibe that continues to attract surfers from around the globe.
Following the devastation brought by Typhoon Odette in 2021, many hotels and resorts were forced to rebuild, some with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for the beauty of Siargao. Sustainable design and eco-friendly practices are making their mark, making Siargao ideal for those who want to vacation lightly.
Read on to discover 5 sustainable resorts and hotels in Siargao, designed not only for surfers but anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this paradisiacal island.
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Initially a private home for family and friends, Diwa Eco-House is now open to the public, offering solo travellers, couples and families comfortable homestay accommodation in Siargao. This minimalist and sustainably designed Siargao surf retreat is located in a quiet corner of General Luna within the charming neighbourhood of Malinao. It allows surfers to experience the day-to-day life of locals while being close enough to all the wave action.
Set across two floors, this eco-friendly Siargao hotel features five bedrooms (all with ensuites), which can be rented individually or as a whole. Additionally, there is an alfresco kitchen and dining area where you can prepare your own meals, as well as a sprawling lawn and a rooftop deck that’s perfect for post-surf drinks.
Diwa Eco-House provides a haven that embraces the essence and spirit of Siargao and instills a profound sense of belonging. "Diwa," derives its inspiration from the Tagalog word for soul, essence and spirit. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple or a family, it offers a home away from home where you can unwind after your adventures in Siargao.
Aside from being one of the top sustainable resorts and hotels in Siargao, Diwa Eco-House also provides a setting for the Hilom Mindfulness Retreat, a carefully crafted five-day experience tailored by women for women. The hosts, guides, and instructors are all residents of Siargao and are eager to introduce guests to the island's enchanting atmosphere and rejuvenating energy. During the retreat, you can expect mindful movement sessions, guided surfs and healthy meals while being surrounded by like-minded women who are sure to inspire.
"Diwa is the place to find peace and serenity in Siargao. It's the total escape." - Hamby (read more reviews here)
Sustainable resorts and hotels in Siargao
Doors leading into the eco-friendly rooms at Diwa Siargao (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Secret Spot was born from a deep affection for the relaxed way of life and breathtaking scenery of Siargao Island. With six uniquely designed bedrooms, this sustainable Siargao hotel provides ample space for surfers looking to stay for a short getaway or an extended vacation in this Philippines paradise.
Boho chic is an adequate description of Secret Spot Siargao’s interior design, with every bedroom thoughtfully crafted to ensure proper ventilation, abundant natural light and a comfortable work desk (perfect for digital nomads!) There’s a well-equipped kitchen for self-caterers to whip up post-surf snacks and complimentary drinking water is provided.
Secret Spot Siargao is located in a peaceful part of General Luna, within the small village of Malinao. Here you’ll discover the finest white sand beaches on the island, all just a five-minute scooter ride from the bustling town centre. You can socialise with other guests in the main living space, which doubles as a dining room.
Ensuring the ecological wellbeing of Siargao is of utmost importance to the team at Secret Spot, who have implemented a ban on single-use plastics. They encourage guests to bring eco-bags and refillable water bottles during their stay and to help save on energy waste by turning off lights, fans and air conditioners when not in their rooms.
"Would stay here again for a chilled out atmosphere and stunning rooms." - Kristina (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly resorts and hotels in Siargao
Palm trees dot the grounds of the Secret Spot Siargao Eco-Homestay (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Greenhouse Siargao - $$
The Greenhouse is a private eco-surf resort in Siargao that invites you to relax and reconnect with nature. All of their eco-villas are built in lush tropical gardens along the waterfront, near Siargao's surf breaks and nearby islands. Each air-conditioned villa features a bar fridge for refreshments and an ensuite bathroom, as well as plenty of space to relax in between surfs.
This sustainable Siargao resort upholds responsible practices that respect the local culture and the balance of nature. For example, they strive to reduce waste by refusing to purchase or use any nonessential products that contain harmful toxins. Instead of buying single-use plastics that are easy to throw away and hard to recycle, they refill items like soaps and shampoos and use cloth bags for shopping.
Greenhouse only buys glass beverage bottles that can be returned for reuse and separates waste into non-biodegradable and biodegradable waste, which is then fed to animals or made into fertiliser compost. Additionally, this eco-friendly Siargao surf resort is on a mission to be 100% solar-powered in the near future.
The Greenhouse has partnered with the Siargao Environmental Awareness Movement (SEAM) and Kudo Surf, a local surf business that produces clothing from recycled plastics. Together, they have implemented programs and initiatives aimed at raising awareness around environment issues and sustainable to ensure Siargao stays pristine.
"Native jungle feel in an island resort." - Roy (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly resorts and hotels in Siargao
A cafe at the sustainably run Greenhouse Siargao hotel (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Inara $$$
Reopening in December 2022 (after the devastation of typhoon Odette), Inara continues to shine as one of Siargao’s top eco-friendly resorts. Its name derives from an ancient Arabic term meaning "ray of everlasting light," which embodies the sentiment its owner wishes to evoke in the hearts of the resort's guests.
The boutique eco-retreat in Siargao offers six suites that draw inspiration from both Andalusian and Filipino design and can be reserved individually or as a private villa for families and groups. All of the suites are furnished with locally sourced furniture, with some boasting wraparound balconies for a treehouse-like experience.
In addition to highlighting the skills of Filipino artisans, the resort also emphasises the importance of sustainability throughout its operations. To minimise water consumption, the establishment has implemented rainwater harvesting systems that generate recycled water for the garden and solar lighting is extensively utilised to contribute towards energy conservation.
Surfers looking for an elevated Siargao stay where sustainability is at the fore should put Inara at the top of their list.
"Amazing stay in a charming boutique luxury resort of Malinao." - Marie (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly hotel Siargao
Maison Bukana $$$
Situated at the meeting point of the mangroves and the ocean, Maison Bukana provides a haven for guests to reconnect with nature. Emphasising sustainability, its architectural and design elements seamlessly blend traditional Filipino aesthetics with modern trends while maximising the use of natural light and throughout.
One notable feature of this eco-friendly Siargao hotel is the open layout, which allows for natural ventilation and welcomes in refreshing sea breezes. Skylights allow natural light to filter in while the distinctive bamboo roof serves as a large rainwater collection system, supplying 100% of the water needed for guests and the natural stone pool. Additionally, this structure is the sole building in Siargao constructed entirely with Ecocast, an advanced material that ensures earthquake and fire resistance.
In addition to its four exquisitely designed rooms, Maison Bukana features a serene natural pool nestled under the shade of coconut trees. This sustainable Siargao resort also features a contemporary kitchen with a personal chef, ensuring that each experience is tailored to accommodate the needs of guests. Given the mixed Filipino and French heritage of the owners, Maison Bukana takes pride in its meticulously curated wine selection, which is stored in a cellar of the highest quality.
"The villa is absolutely stunning. The rooms are spacious and the bed is really comfortable and cozy. The team was super nice and helped with everything from renting a scooter to recommending restaurants in town." - Joelle (read more reviews here)
Sustainable resorts and hotels in Siargao
