Photography by Aman Resorts
25 November 2022
Just an hour’s flight southwest of the Philippines’ capital of Manila and accessible only by private plane, Amanpulo, offers the tranquillity and sensory spectacle of powder-soft sands and warm azure waters, ringed by a pristine coral reef. Inviting guests to further uncover the revered treasures of the surrounding Palawan waters. And from 31 October 2022 Amanpulo introduces a new adventure, The Golden South Sea Pearl Journey.
A jewel of the Philippines, Amanpulo is a destination for both guests in search of a romantic escape and a watersports retreat. It is also a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, with the island’s bounty serving as inspiration for the resort’s diverse experiences – the newest of which takes guests beyond the bounds of Pamalican in a full-day journey into the Palawan archipelago to explore the birthplace of the Golden South Sea Pearl.
Renowned as one of the most coveted cultivated pearls in the world, guests are invited to discover the story behind these exceptional living gems and the intricate art and science of how it has come to possess its incredibly unique lustre amidst the pristine waters that produce them.
With birds-eye views of Palawan waters along the way, a chartered helicopter takes guests on a 45-minute flight across the archipelago to Taytay, Palawan, for an exclusive visit to the pearl farm of Jewelmer – an international jeweller who nurtures the rare gold-lipped oysters that produce golden pearls.
Here, they will have a guided tour of the oyster hatchery and laboratory for pearl grafting and harvesting, alongside an opportunity to witness the local divers in their daily trips to the underwater farm.
Established in 1979 by a French pearl farmer and a Filipino entrepreneur, Jewelmer pioneered the first hatchery-born oysters to avoid depleting wild oyster beds and to vastly improve the quality of the cultured pearls. The brand has grown globally to represent a world of rarity and enduring elegance with golden South Sea pearls as their centrepieces.
After the tour, a speedboat will take guests to a nearby secluded beach for a Filipino-style picnic lunch.
A tiny uninhabited island, the afternoon is spent in complete seclusion, with the opportunity to become further immersed in the gifts of the sea with the option to snorkel around the bay’s untouched coral garden.
Following their return to Amanpulo via helicopter, the opportunity to purchase pieces from Jewelmer’s collection awaits in Amanpulo’s Boutique.
Offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the world’s finest gems and their production process, the exclusive private tour can accommodate two to four guests with reservations required at least five days in advance.
Time for the Great Race