Palawan has placed the Philippines once again in the world's tourism map.

After the Puerto Princesa Underground River made it in the list of the New7Wonders of Nature, an island called “Ariara” in the Calamian group of islands in the Palawan region, located 160 miles southwest of Manila, was named one of the World’s Top 10 Private Islands by British newspaper The Sunday Times.

In a travel feature entitled “Who needs neighbors?”, writer Susan D’Arcy described the Philippine island as “a stylish retreat for people who don’t do hotels”.

Ariara was bought and developed by British couple Charles and Carrie McCulloch, and is now open for tourists who seek the “sun, sea and sand experience” with privacy and luxury.

Ariara boasts of fully-equipped beach cottages and jungle villas designed by renowned Filipino architect Jorge Yulo. Its 125 acres of private grounds features breathtaking beaches, an infinity pool, dining facilities, numerous social areas, and stretches of unspoilt natural resources.

World’s Top 10 Private Islands
(in alphabetcial order)

• Ariara in Palawan, Philippines
• Boca Brava in Panama
• Eilean Shona in Scotland
• Henriksholm in Sweden
• Jicaro in Nicaragua
• Lankayan in Borneo
• Philipkutty’s Farm in India
• Quilalea in Mozambique
• Sovalye in Turkey
• Taprobane in Sri Lanka

Photo Credit: ariaraisland.com