Iris Island Resort is a premier eco-destination located on Darab Island in the heart of the Calamian Islands, Northern Palawan—a region consistently ranked as one of the world’s top island destinations. Spanning 10 acres of lush tropical terrain, this resort is a masterclass in sustainable luxury, having previously earned a 9.5 rating on Booking.com. Situated within a government-designated tourism development area, the property offers a rare combination of operational history and significant future expansion potential for a visionary developer.
Property Details
The island’s infrastructure is designed for low-impact, high-reward hospitality.
Accommodations: Eight solar-powered ocean-view villas (35 m² each) are strategically positioned for maximum privacy. Four "Beach View" villas sit 10 meters above the shoreline, while four "Island View" villas are elevated 200 meters from reception for panoramic vistas.
Facilities: A dramatic cliff-top restaurant with a commercial kitchen serves as the island’s focal point. Additional structures include a spa villa, a yoga shala, and a reception house connected to a 100-meter pier.
Infrastructure: The resort is a leader in sustainability, featuring solar energy for all buildings, solar water heaters, rainwater harvesting, and odorless composting toilets. Fresh water is piped via an 800-meter underwater line from a neighboring island.
Land and Water
Surrounded by a magnificent, thriving coral reef, the island is a sanctuary for marine life including turtles, dolphins, and rare dugongs. The reef is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the archipelago, supporting world-class snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The island’s 26-meter peak offers dramatic views of the surrounding World War II wrecks and more than thirty neighboring islands, making it a prime location for sunset viewing and solar energy production.
Access and Utilities
Logistics are streamlined via Coron’s Francisco B. Reyes Airport, located just a 50-minute flight from Manila. From the airport, a 40-minute van ride and a 20-minute boat transfer deliver guests to the island's private pier. The resort operates entirely on renewable energy, with the 100-meter pier and existing rooftops providing ample space for additional solar arrays. A 3.3-hectare water lease is included, providing legal control over the immediate marine environment.
Lifestyle and Value
Iris Island Resort offers a "re-wilded" lifestyle without sacrificing modern connectivity or comfort. For the investor, the property is "shovel-ready" for further development, including over-water villas, a second restaurant, or a luxury helipad at the summit. Foreign nationals can secure ownership through a Philippine corporation and the acquisition of a 25-year renewable FLAG-T agreement. With a proven track record as the highest-rated resort in its class and its proximity to five-star neighbors like Busuanga Bay Lodge and Namale Resort, Iris Island is a trophy asset in the surging Palawan tourism market.
