How to Live Out Your Private-Island Fantasy: Inside Palawan’s Ariara Private Island
How to Live Out Your Private-Island Fantasy: Inside Palawan’s Ariara Private Island
In the heart of the Calamian Archipelago in Palawan, secluded between the dramatic silhouettes of Coron and El Nido, there lies a hidden jewel: Ariara Private Island. It is the kind of place where barefoot luxury, untamed nature, and bespoke service converge. Owned by British couple Charles (“Charlie”) and Carrie McCulloch, Ariara is not just another exclusive resort: it is their vision of paradise, made real.
A World Apart: Ariara’s Allure
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves lapping gently against powder-white sand, the sky turning a soft pastel, light spilling through slatted windows onto wooden floors. Ariara Private Island is that dream made tangible. It spans 506,000 square metres (approximately 125 acres), offering the rare privilege of private ownership for whatever group stays. There’s no other guests, no crowds, only you and the staff devoted entirely to your experience.
Composed of five villas with a total of ten bedrooms, each dwelling—whether a Beach Cottage, Jungle Villa, or the Lodge Suite—is designed to merge comfort with its natural surroundings. Vaulted ceilings, four-poster beds, marble baths (some carved from blocks of Romblon marble), open-air showers, wooden baths inspired by traditional boat building. All these details remind you that despite its luxury, Ariara is rooted in its environment.
At the heart of it all lies the Lodge, its broad verandas and oversized sofas setting the stage for unhurried meals, lively conversations, or quiet stargazing. An infinity pool seems to dissolve into sea and sky, while a 140-metre pier stretches across the reef, ending at a shaded cabana — the perfect spot for a long lunch or a moment of reflection.
But what truly defines Ariara is its exclusivity. Offered only as a full-island rental for one group at a time (accommodating up to 18 guests), it promises an experience untouched by outside intrusion. You arrive by boat, seaplane or helicopter; there is no dilution of the experience—no other guests, no interruptions.
Experiences as Unique as the Place
From the moment you arrive on Ariara Island, it draws you into its gentle rhythm. Dawn may find you gliding across a glassy lagoon, the reef visible beneath your board as the sun begins to rise. Perhaps you slip on a snorkeling mask and drift above coral gardens alive with darting fish, or join the resident PADI instructor to trace the outlines of old wrecks hidden in the blue. Later, a kayak can carry you through jade-green lagoons toward secret beaches, or you might meander along shaded trails where tropical birds dance between branches.
As the day mellows, so does the island. Linger over a picnic on an untouched shore, or watch the horizon from a banca as the sea turns gold in the fading light. When evening settles, a candlelit table awaits on the sand, stars scattered across a velvet sky while waves whisper nearby.
Every element of the experience is considered, from adventures paced to your wishes to Ariara’s deep respect for its surroundings. Coral reefs are carefully protected, villas shaped from local materials, and ties with nearby communities help traditions thrive.
A stay here is more than a getaway; it becomes a story written by sea, forest, and sky, inviting you to uncover Palawan’s purest spirit—and your own sense of wonder.
Background: Origins & Opening to the Public
The story of Ariara begins with Charlie and Carrie McCulloch, property developers from Berkshire, England, who acquired the land, enamoured by Palawan’s raw beauty. They conceived Ariara first as a family retreat—somewhere to spend time with their sons, somewhere they could escape, remember what solitude feels like. But this was never to be a mass-market resort; rather a private island experience that respects the land, supports the people, and preserves peace.
The island has been open for rent to tourists for some years now, celebrated (for instance) by features in UK’s Vogue-UK (“100 Best Holidays” 2012) and other international media, not only for its beauty but for its promise of exclusivity and environmental sensitivity. The opening to the public was not sudden—it was part of the McCullochs’ vision: that the island would be shared, but only in the fullest, most respectful way: one group at a time, one experience at a time.
Discover How LXV Can Craft Your Ariara Experience
Luxury on Ariara Private Island is never loud; it is measured and deliberate. It is the unseen hand that prepares your preferred pillow, the chef who gathers fruit still warm from the sun, the moment when twilight turns the water to gold and the only sound is the hush of the tide.
If you are seeking not just a vacation, but an immersion into nature, comfort, and exclusivity—where you leave behind not only the crowds but the ordinary—Ariara Private Island, with LXV Lifestyle PH as your guide, isn’t merely an option. It’s an invitation to live a dream.
To really unlock Ariara’s magic, LXV Lifestyle PH plays a pivotal role. Here’s how partnering with LXV transforms a stay into something unforgettable:
- Travel Design. LXV’s specialists curate every aspect of your journey, from arranging private seaplane or helicopter transfers to tailoring island activities and post-stay adventures across Palawan. Every moment is shaped around your personal style and rhythm.
- Events. Whether you are celebrating a wedding, milestone birthday, or corporate retreat, LXV crafts bespoke events that blend Ariara’s natural splendour with flawless coordination. Expect candlelit banquets by the infinity pool, live music on the beach, or an elegant reception under a canopy of stars.
- Yacht Charter. To explore beyond the island, LXV’s fleet of luxury yachts invites you to sail through Linapacan’s hidden lagoons, snorkel over untouched reefs, or enjoy a champagne sunset cruise with friends. Each voyage is planned with the same precision and ease that defines your stay on Ariara.
With these services, LXV Lifestyle PH ensures that your time at Ariara is not only seamless but deeply personal, turning an already extraordinary retreat into an experience you will treasure long after you leave.
ASSOCIATED LISTINGS
LINAPACAN PALAWAN
- 506,000 sqm
- 18 People
- Palawan
Discover the unparalleled beauty of Ariara Island, an exclusive sanctuary in Palawan. Experience pristine beaches and total privacy like never before. With designer villas, bespoke dining, and world-class service, it’s a private world tailored just for you. Book your Ariara escape with LXV Lifestyle PH and indulge in the ultimate island luxury.
