Philippines

Island Escapism at Its Finest

A STAY AT DRYFT CAMP

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the chaos of everyday life to a remote tropical island where Wi-Fi signals can’t reach you and your biggest decision is whether to swim or snorkel, Dryft Camp on Darocotan Island should be your next stop. Touted as the number one glamping resort in the Philippines, this slice of paradise is less a resort and more an immersive island experience, where “roughing it” feels gloriously refined.

The Journey There: A Scenic Prelude

Getting to Darocotan Island isn’t exactly seamless, and thank god for that. You’ll first make your way to El Nido, where a local boat will whisk you away to the island. The 30-minute ride might just be the perfect time to say goodbye to emails, notifications, and that frantic urban energy you didn’t realize had been clinging to you until now. Instead, you’re greeted by the sight of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the complete absence of, well, pretty much everything. It's just you, the ocean, and a few bamboo huts scattered along the shore.

Glamping Redefined

Forget your standard glamping setup with a tent plopped down somewhere next to a road. At Dryft Camp, glamping is an art form. The handcrafted bamboo huts and bell tents offer a level of rustic luxury that screams Robinson Crusoe, but with better Instagram lighting. There’s a certain wild elegance here—the tents come with actual beds, linens so soft you’ll question every pillowcase you've ever owned, and private outdoor bathrooms that let you shower under the stars. Sure, there’s no air-conditioning, but trust me, a breeze off the Pacific beats any fan, and nothing says “I’ve made it” quite like a cold shower after a long day of swimming.

Disconnect to Reconnect

It’s hard to describe just how liberating it is to be totally off the grid. At Dryft, your phone becomes irrelevant—there’s no Wi-Fi and zero cell signal. But here’s the thing: you won’t miss it. Not once. Instead of doom-scrolling, you’ll spend your days snorkeling in the nearby reefs, kayaking around the island, or chilling in one of the hammocks scattered along the beach. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious (and hydrated), you can even sign up for a spear-fishing trip with the local fishermen, an activity that’s as badass as it sounds. And let’s talk sunsets. They’re the kind that make you feel guilty for having ever spent a golden hour indoors. As the sun dips into the ocean, grab a beer or a fresh coconut, and take it all in—there’s nothing quite like a Darocotan sunset to remind you why people leave everything behind to live on islands like this.

Eco-Luxury with a Purpose

The best part? Dryft Camp isn’t just about aesthetic goals. It’s built around sustainability. The resort is 100% solar-powered, and everything from the composting toilets to the locally sourced meals is designed to minimize impact on the environment. You can stuff your face with delicious seafood, knowing it’s fresh off the boat and as eco-friendly as your bamboo hut.

Nights Under the Stars

When night falls, the vibe shifts. The campfire gets going, drinks flow, and you can hear the sounds of the island come alive—waves crashing, the breeze rustling through the palms, and the occasional guitar strum. If you’re lucky, someone will pull out a ukulele and you’ll find yourself singing along with other guests, all of whom have the same glazed-over, blissed-out expression of island-induced euphoria.

The Verdict

Sure, Dryft Camp might not be for everyone. If you need air conditioning, round-the-clock room service, or a five-star spa, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re after an authentic island escape, where the luxury is in the experience and not the thread count, this place is a dream. It’s the kind of spot that lingers in your memory long after your tan fades and you’ve returned to the chaos of real life.