With a 4km stretch of sand called White Beach, the island of Boracay doesn’t disguise its beauty in exotic names. White by name and beautifully white by nature, the sand on Boracay is so soft it squeaks between your toes – the perfect spot for daytime lounges and relaxing evening strolls. The turquoise sea that laps it promises pristine snorkelling and diving, while blue-sailed boats bob on the surface. The nightlife here is the heartbeat of the island, one which is charming rather than tacky, while boutique shops and cafés tease you down snug alleyways for a taste of local life.

You can’t take a trip to the Philippines and not visit Palawan, for its islands of Coron and El Nido form a mesmerizing chain of limestone karsts so sublime our own travel fantasies would struggle to conjure up something so staggering. This landscape rivals anything found in Halong Bay, just here you’ll likely only be joined by far fewer tourists. Every angle you see from is impressive – on the beach, aboard a boat or below the waves, its vivid coral gardens and marine life a haven for snorkelers and divers. It’s no surprise that the islands, which form part of the Bacuit Archipelago, are often voted as some of the world’s finest.

Located on the south-eastern corner of the island of Negros, Negros Oriental is a paradise for divers. Renowned Apo Island lies a short boat ride away, where coral-encrusted walls, a house reef and astounding ocean life combine for an impressive display of the natural world. Negros Oriental has lots for non-divers as well, with lakes, rugged peaks and delightful towns making a wander of the island’s interior worthwhile.

If the rest of the Philippines is rarely a feature of many people’s holiday plans to Southeast Asia, then Siargao falls right off the map. A tiny teardrop-shaped isle, Siargao is a completely remote escape where you’re enveloped by nature and the gorgeous beaches are all yours. Surfing is a big part of the island’s culture but beyond it lies a mix of secluded pools, caves and coral reefs. For a luxury base from which to explore, Nay Palad Hideaway is an intimate retreat that feels more like a family home, with every detail from the food to the activities you try tailored to your liking.