A lot of love went into “It was a great team effort to make this project come true,” said design entrepreneur Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala about creating the impressive Bahay Artisano in El Nido, Palawan. This Filipino-themed home surrounded by a lush rainforest was originally meant for visionary mom Bea Zobel Jr. and her daughter Paloma to live in. “But there’s only the two of us who will be sleeping here,” they realized. In early 2022, they decided to make Bahay Artisano a part of the Kalye Artisano ecosystem by turning it into an Airbnb for everyone to enjoy and appreciate Filipino architecture at its finest.

Their Bahay Artisano is a stunning property that merges local talent and ingenuity. “It is a house that was inspired by traditional Filipino architecture but with a contemporary twist,” said Paloma. Today, this magnificent two-villa property, which is their home in El Nido, is now open to those who would like to stay in this special space that offers a calm and tranquil experience. The property also features a lap pool with a bar, a beautiful kitchen for whipping up delectable dishes, a loft for children, and dining rooms beside the pool. It is a space where families can truly enjoy quality time together. Your stay at Bahay Artisano includes daily breakfast and accommodations for eight. The collective team of local chefs can curate your other meals, offering a variety of local and international cuisines such as Thai, Continental, Spanish, and more.

“The most special part of this process for me was being able to be part of a team that was able to identify what we wanted to showcase from the past and how we could bring that into a modern- day setting,” said Bea. “We were able to study old Filipino architecture and craftsmanship and create a new house that will still tell an important story of our past and hopefully inspire others to look at our rich culture and craftsmanship when building.” Bahay Artisano is located in the picturesque landscape of El Nido. Like Kalye Artisano, it is part of the Lio Estate of award-winning developer Ayala Land, Inc.