Sipalay, Philippines – Manami Resort, the first and only luxury nature resort in Sipalay, has a clear and deliberate positioning: a conservation-first approach to luxury hospitality that places environmental protection and community integration at the centre of its business model.
Founded by Cristina Corro, Manami was never intended to operate as a conventional, volume-driven resort. Instead, it was conceived as a long-term project designed to protect the surrounding land and sea, while demonstrating how luxury hospitality can coexist responsibly with its natural environment.
Nature-led Design
From the outset, Manami’s development prioritised sustainability over scale. The resort sources food locally from farmers and fishermen on the island, supporting livelihoods while reducing environmental impact and ensuring that its culinary offering remains rooted in Negros Island. This farm- and sea-to-table approach is fundamental to Manami’s operations, shaping both its menus and its relationship with the surrounding community.
Sustainability is also embedded into the resort’s physical design. Locally sourced materials are used extensively throughout the property, including Gmelina wood — a fast-growing, highly sustainable timber abundant in the region. Architectural choices were guided by the landscape itself, allowing Manami to integrate naturally into its setting rather than dominate it.
Active Marine Stewardship
A defining feature of Manami’s conservation commitment is its hands-on approach to marine protection. The resort employs an in-house marine biologist responsible for the care and monitoring of its house reef, reinforcing Manami’s long-term investment in the health of Sipalay’s marine ecosystems.
Guests are encouraged to engage with the surrounding marine environment through responsible snorkelling and guided experiences that emphasise education and preservation, fostering a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that define this coastline.
A Purpose-Led Expression of Luxury
At Manami, luxury is expressed through intention rather than excess. The resort’s villas and suites are designed to prioritise space, privacy, and a strong connection to nature, while personalised service and an intimate scale allow Manami to maintain a low-impact footprint.
“Manami was created to protect what already existed here,” says Founder Cristina Corro. “From the land we built on to the reef just offshore, every decision was made with long-term preservation in mind. Our goal was never to compete with nature, but to respect it — and to show that luxury hospitality can be a force for care rather than compromise.”
Setting a Considered Benchmark
As demand grows for travel experiences that align with environmental responsibility and authenticity, Manami offers a clear alternative to traditional luxury resort models. Its conservation-first philosophy, combined with refined design and personalised service, positions the resort as a considered benchmark for future hospitality development in the Philippines and beyond.
About Manami Resort
Manami Resort is the first and only luxury nature resort in Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Set within a secluded coastal oasis where forested hills meet the sea, Manami offers an intimate retreat defined by refined simplicity, personalised service, and a deep connection to nature.
Named after the Hiligaynon word for “beautiful,” Manami features a collection of thoughtfully designed villas and suites that celebrate local craftsmanship and the art of slow living. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in curated nature and marine experiences, restorative wellness journeys at Linong Spa, and Spanish-Filipino dining infused with local Negrense flavours.
With its intimate scale, dedicated Nature Butlers, and emphasis on authenticity and place, Manami Resort offers a quietly luxurious escape for travellers seeking meaningful experiences in one of the Philippines’ most undiscovered destinations.
