THE WAVES ARE CALLING

As the surfer's paradise of Siargao gets back on its feet after a devastating typhoon, these resorts reopen their doors to the world, with the goal of promoting sustainable and responsible tourism

-  Maritess Garcia Reyes

INARA 

Reopened in December 2022 (a year after typhoon Odette), Inara remains one of the gems on Siargao island. The name Inara is derived from an ancient Arabic word that means "ray of everlasting light", which, according to its founder and owner Natalia Zobel, is the feeling she would like to incite with guests staying at the resort. "Inara is an ethos that is essential to remember on your journey. Inara speaks of the bright adventure you start today," Zobel says.

From Inara's unmatched location in Malinao, home to one of the best beaches on the island, one can see three of the most popular islands in Siargao, such as Guyam, Naked and Daku, which a ten-minute boat ride can access. Likewise, the resort is just a 20-minute drive to the famous Maasin River and five minutes to the mangroves.

The boutique hotel has six suites inspired by a mix of the Andalusian cortijos and Filipino ancestral homes, which can be reserved individually or as an entire private villa for families and groups. “When people travel, they want to feel the culture and soul of the place, and that is what I want to provide for my guests in Inara. At Inara, you can expect Filipino hospitality at its finest,” Zobel adds. The suites are decked with locally sourced furniture that evokes a rustic feel. Some suites have wraparound balconies and bamboo flooring to give a complete treehouse or kubo experience. Everywhere is a panoply of Filipino elements from capiz lighting to solihiya weaves and inabel fabric.