The Palau Pacific Resort, part of the multi-country Pan Pacific Group, is expensive but, in my opionion, well worth it.
The resort, on a bay overlooking the Philippine Sea, sprawls over at least 40 acres, including 1,000 feet of crescent-shaped beach and160 guest rooms. The rooms are generally in six-unit, two-story-high town houses connected by concrete walkways at ground level and covered boardwalks on the second-story level. About 60% of the units have ocean views; all but a few of the rest look onto a lush garden park or fishpond (which holds the hotel’s resident Black Stingray.).
Official check-in time was 1 p.m. and I arrived just after 10, so I wasn’t offended when the receptionist said my room wasn’t ready: ‘You were upgraded to an oceanfront room,’ she said, ‘And the present guest hasn’t left yet.’ No problem: It would take at least two hours to explore the grounds, get oriented, and check out what turned out to be two very inviting hiking trails and an old Japanese seaplane base. She stored my luggage and, at precisely 12:58, a young employee came to my table and said the room was ready. It was second-floor, had a large, private balcony looking directly toward the water and into the sunset, and held a large double bed. It wasn’t huge, but it was comfortably furnished.
The room had direct international dialing and a TV capable of showing Bloomberg, CNBC and CNN (albeit the Asian, not the U.S., versions), and other international broadcast services.
The tiled bathroom had a smallish washstand, tub with hand-held shower, and a basket of complimentary toiletries more than adequate for two persons. And, there was a ‘water closet’: a toilet in its own enclosed little room, with door, entirely separate from both bathroom and bedroom.
The smooth, white-sand beach had room for at least three dozen wooden lawn chairs with umbrella-shaded tables, but they tended to be claimed early in the day. With a long, gentle slope extending well offshore, this was one of the easiest beaches for entering and leaving the water that I’ve seen on a Pacific island. Water-sports equipment rented for reasonable prices: $8/hour for a sea kayak, $5/day for snorkel gear. Both came with free instruction if needed. Laser sailboats and windsurfers were also available. A dive shop, gift/clothing store, and camera shop were all on the property. Recreational options included lighted tennis courts, a large freshwater swimming pool, fitness center and two Jacuzzis.
The resort has three restaurant options: a large, partially outdoor area featuring al fresco dining at reasonable prices, a poolside bar offering sandwiches and other light fare throughout the day, and a small but superb fine-dining establisment serving from 6:30 p.m.
Rack rate is $240/night; I received a senior’s discount bringing it down to $200. Expensive, yes. But I’d have stayed a few extra days had my airline ticket allowed it.
Worldwide reservations: 800-327-8585 (U.S. and Canada).
Website www.panpac.com