Saud Beach Resort is probably the most pleasant of the few resorts on this part of the coast, far away from the tourist track. The property is located between a beautiful marsh of majestic trees and a beach bordered by palm trees. The hotel is owned by a Filipino, and managed by a German-Filipino couple.

A big building with a high nipa roof houses and restaurant facing the sea and some rooms at the rear. The rooms are in two floors, grouped around an interior patio. Those on the first floor are much more pleasant as they have a lovely view of the marsh while the others may seem boxed in. However, all the rooms are very comfortable and the decor is sober and pleasant — white walls, beautiful floors and capiz windows. Each room has its own little private terrace.

A bit further down the beach, a big wood and stone house with a roof resembling the prow of an overturned ship, shelters other rooms on three floors. These are the best as they are larger and more private than those in the main building.

There are two superb suites on the second floor that can easily accommodate a family. These are spacious and very bright, with large bay windows that provide a view not only of the marsh but also of the sea. The rooms by the sea have a private terrace.

The interiors of the rooms are attractive, with beautiful wood floor contrasting the whiteness of the walls. Antique wood and wicker sofas are arranged in a corner. Apart from all the necessary comforts, these room also have beautiful marble bathrooms.

The restaurant, which opens out to the beach, is very pleasant, with an original checkered flooring made up of assorted black, green and white peebles taken from the beach. It has also pretty bamboo furniture.

The magnificent, almost-deserted beach of Pagudpud is conducive to relaxing and swimming. Here you can be comletely alone, as the hotel owns the part of the beach facing the resort. There is no coral reef accessible from the beach, but you can be taken by banca to one close by.

How To Get There

By air and land, 55 minute flight on PAL (4 weekly flights) from Manila to Laoag. 1.5 hours by car from Laoag to Pagudpud (60km).

By land, (11 hours) 548 km from Manila, Take North Expressway at Balintawak and get off at Dau exit. Take North Diversion Road to MacArthur Highway. Heading for the coastal road, you will pass by Angeles City, Tarlac, Urdaneta, Pozzorubio and Rosario. One of the coastal road proceed further north going through San Fernando (La Union), Vigan (Ilocos Sur) and Laoag (Ilocos Norte) before reaching Pagudpud.

More photos here