Amanpulo: The concierge's little black book

When it comes to must-sees and best-kept island secrets, Romelyn Dagaas is definitely in the know.

We sat down with Romelyn – concierge at Amanpulo, an Aman resort located on the idyllic Pamalican Island – to find out where you should stop over en route to the resort’s “peaceful island” (a 2.5km private land in the middle of the Sulu Sea), what secluded archipelago-living is really like, and more.

• 

• 

The one essential thing to do at Amanpulo

Snorkelling at the House Reef for close encounters with resident sea turtles. Most days, guests don’t have to go far. Steps away from the Beach Club, the turtles are visible in the shallow clear waters. Guests should also walk around the whole island in the middle of the afternoon; a stop at the southernmost point may be rewarded with sightings of baby blacktip sharks.

Most interesting guest request so far

The surprise marriage proposals are always exciting because the moment is both romantic and suspenseful. Our Runway Dinners are also extra special. Imagine a dining table positioned in the expanse of the airport runway under the stars. When possible, we accommodate requests to position the plane in the perfect spot to complete the runway experience.

• 

• 

Personal favourite thing to do during time off

I love to walk the beach and just fully connect with nature. In appreciating this gift of living on such a beautiful island, I recognise the responsibility we have been given to care for Pamalican, so I find myself collecting washed-up items I see on the shore during my walks.

Other key things to do on the island

I enjoy spending time with my fellow team members and just getting to know their stories, learning from their experiences. Living on an isolated island, we are family to each other.

A little secret only a concierge would know about the resort

If you wander around the island, you will be greeted by up to 31 species of resident birds. Guest assistants carry wildlife cards with photos and information about the different breeds.

• 

• 

Biggest surprise about living on an island

Island living at its very heart is very simple. Here, you learn that you really don’t need much to find happiness. It’s very humbling.

And, the best thing about living on an island

I love being so close to nature, and I relish the isolation of it all. It provides a fresh perspective to life. It’s also very rewarding for me that I’m able to share our island home to our guests. I live for moments that allow me to create life-long memories for our guests that make them feel that Amanpulo is indeed home to them, too.

Best sunrise spot

The grotto on the eastern shore near the Lagoon Club. In Amanpulo, the break of dawn is nothing short of majestic.

Best sunset spot

On top of age-old limestone cliffs at Gary’s Nest. Overlooking the island, with a 360-degree view of the horizon, there’s no better place to witness the magical sunset of Amanpulo.

Where to stop over en route from Saudi to Amanpulo, and what to do there

Flights to Amanpulo originate from Manila. Our guests travelling from Saudi can do a quick stopover in the city and have a multitude of options to keep them entertained. A heritage tour of Intramuros, the walled city in old Manila, is a wonderful cultural experience. In Makati and BGC, the dining scene is very much alive and exciting.

Another favourite island in the Philippines

It would have to be my hometown, Cebu, where everything is within reach – from the vibrancy of the city, to the beach and mountains. I would advise visitors to do a guided tour. There’s so much to learn about Filipino history there.

Former concierge life

When I worked in Cebu, I had the opportunity to swim with millions of sardines in Moalboal and go on a canyoneering adventure in Badian.

Aman's Saudi takeover

No less than three Aman projects are coming to the Kingdom. Two are planned for AlUla in partnership with its Royal Commission: the first, a resort set to open in 2025 near its heritage areas, the other a tented camp due for 2026.

Aman Wadi Safar, meanwhile, is also expected to open in 2026, out in the desert near Riyadh, and a little more information has been released about it. From the same designers as the so-now Aman New York, the 73-room, 34-residence hotel will weave traditional Najdi inspirations and the group’s intrinsic
aesthetic with the site’s many wadis and plateaus, to highlight the location’s natural beauty.

Then there is sister brand Janu. Also set for 2026, Janu Diriyah will be located close to UNESCO Heritage Site At-Turaif, and will have 120 rooms plus numerous restaurants and a spa, while Janu AlUla has just recently been announced, with a completion date of 2027.

Finally, in 2026 the busy brand will also launch Project Sama, its first ever luxury motor yacht in partnership with Cruise Saudi, to offer Aman-style Red Sea and Mediterranean experiences.