Planning a trip to the surfing capital of the Philippines often comes with a classic dilemma: how do you balance the desire to experience Siargao’s legendary social scene and waves with the need for a peaceful, high-quality sanctuary to recharge?
Many travelers find that staying directly on the bustling main strip of General Luna means sacrificing quiet nights, spacious accommodations, and uncrowded beach views.
Retreat Siargao Resort Corp. actively solves this traveler’s problem. Situated along the serene, 2-kilometer stretch of Malinao Beach, this boutique property offers a literal “retreat” from the town’s high-energy center while keeping you less than a 10-minute ride away from the action. By providing massive 60-square-meter suites facing the ocean and a remarkably tranquil layout, it lets you seamlessly switch between island exploration and deep relaxation.
The Traveler’s Sanctuary
Who This Resort Is Best For
Retreat Siargao is highly specialized in its layout and vibe, making it an exceptional match for specific travel styles:
Couples and Honeymooners: The romantic, uncrowded beachfront, private balconies, and quiet evenings make it an ideal couples’ escape.
Slow Travelers and Remote Workers: The suite layout feels like a luxury apartment, featuring separate living spaces and large refrigerators that support extended stays.
Families Seeking Peace: Unlike the minimalist surf shacks or loud party hostels in town, this property offers a safe, clean pool and large suites where families can stretch out.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Expansive Living Space: The 16 exclusive suites are massive (60 square meters), featuring dedicated living rooms and bedroom areas.
Exceptional Culinary Twist: The resort features authentic Korean dining alongside Filipino and international favorites, crafted by the owner, a skilled Korean chef.
Private Departures: You can board island-hopping boats directly from the resort’s private beach front, skipping the crowded public docks.
Attentive Service: Highly personalized hospitality, frequently praised for accommodating custom requests and organizing seamless local logistics.
Cons
Tide-Dependent Beach: The ocean directly in front of the resort is beautiful for walking and paddleboarding, but swimming is limited to high tide.
Distance from the Strip: It requires a short commute to reach the main restaurant and nightlife hub of General Luna.
Variable Connectivity: Like much of Siargao Island, the Wi-Fi can occasionally experience intermittent island-wide slowdowns.
Pricing Observations and Comparison
Positioned in the mid-to-high-end boutique bracket for Siargao, rates generally range from USD 90 to USD 140 per night (approximately ₱5,100 to ₱8,000) depending on the season.
Value Assessment: Compared to standard hotel rooms in central General Luna that charge similar premium rates, Retreat Siargao offers nearly double the physical square footage per room, alongside direct beach access.
Seasonal Fluctuations: The most premium pricing hits during the dry, peak surfing season (typically April through October). Significant savings of 25% or more are common during the shoulder months of February and November.
Nearby Attractions
While the resort offers total seclusion, you are strategically positioned near Siargao’s most famous natural landmarks.
Cloud 9 Boardwalk: Located roughly 15 minutes away, this is the epic center of Philippine surfing. Even if you don’t surf, walking the wooden boardwalk to watch advanced surfers ride the barrel at sunset is essential.
Secret Beach (Guyam Island view): A hidden gem just a short trip from Malinao, offering a postcard-perfect grove of palm trees bending over a quiet cove.
Doot Beach: Located just over 2 kilometers away, this mangrove-lined beach is famous for its calm waters and flat, mirror-like reflections during sunset.
Transportation Tips
Navigating Siargao from Malinao is straightforward once you know the local transit landscape.
Airport Transfers: The resort is a 40-minute drive from Sayak Airport (IAO). It is highly recommended to arrange a shared or private van shuttle directly through the hotel front desk ahead of time for around ₱300 per person.
Daily Commuting: Renting a automatic scooter directly from the resort is the most liberating way to explore. It gives you total freedom to navigate the island’s coastal roads at your own pace.
Local Tuk-Tuks: If you prefer not to drive, the front desk can summon a local e-trike or tricycle (tuk-tuk). A ride into central General Luna takes under 10 minutes and costs a standard local rate per passenger.
Local Food and Tourism Tips
To truly experience the island’s culture, look beyond the Western cafes and immerse yourself in local traditions.
Experience a Boodle Fight: When booking an island-hopping tour to Daku or Guyam Island through the resort staff, request a traditional beachside “boodle fight.” This communal feast serves grilled local fish, fresh shrimp, pork belly, and sweet local mangoes over a massive bed of rice lined with banana leaves.
Try the Resort’s Korean Specialties: Do not miss the unique culinary crossover at the on-site restaurant. Having fresh Korean Bibimbap or savory Japchae noodles prepared by a resident chef right next to a tropical Philippine beach is an unexpected, top-tier dining experience.
Mind the Tides: Download a local tide tracking app. Siargao’s landscape changes dramatically between high and low tide—rock pools like Magpupungko are only accessible at low tide, while surf breaks and swimming spots require high tide.
First-Person Review
“Stepping into our suite at Retreat Siargao, the first thing that hit me was just how massive the layout was. After spending a few days in a cramped, noisy room closer to General Luna, having a completely separate living room and a giant fridge felt like pure luxury. The property has this magical, uncrowded atmosphere where it feels like you have the entire place to yourself.
My absolute favorite ritual was sitting by the pool with a fresh mango shake, watching the sunset light up Malinao Bay. When we wanted a lively dinner or drinks, we just hopped on a scooter and were in town within a few minutes. Coming back to a completely silent, air-conditioned room with ocean views was the best part of every day. The staff treated us like family, and the owner’s evening Korean feast was easily one of the best meals we had on the island. It’s a flawless balance of luxury space and authentic island living.”
Travel Guide and Tips
Pack Reef Shoes: The shallow waters around Malinao and the nearby tidal pools have coral and rock fragments. A pair of sturdy reef shoes will protect your feet during low-tide walks.
Cash is King: While the resort accepts card payments, many small local eateries, surf instructors, and tricycle drivers in Siargao strictly take Philippine Pesos (PHP). ATMs in General Luna can occasionally run out of cash during busy weekends, so carry a secure backup stash.
Protect the Environment: Siargao takes eco-tourism seriously. Bring a reusable water bottle and a wet bag for your trash during land and sea excursions to help keep the islands pristine.