Fort Ilocandia
Nestled along the golden shores of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel stands as a unique blend of colonial charm, modern luxury, and cultural heritage. Spanning 77 hectares of landscaped grounds and sand dunes, this iconic resort is more than just a place to stay—it’s a destination that captures the spirit of northern Luzon.
The Fort Ilocandia resort is located in La Paz, Laoag City on the coast within the 30km long La Paz Sand Dune area and is some 8 kms from Laoag City. This is a Spanish and Moroccan inspired resort that has many attractions for guests. The resort boasts 290 air-conditioned rooms and suites, each thoughtfully appointed with minibars, safes, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. Many rooms offer views of the South China Sea or the lush gardens, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
Originally built in 1983 to host international dignitaries during a global conference, Fort Ilocandia has since evolved into a premier resort that caters to both leisure and business travelers. Its architecture reflects Spanish colonial influences, with red-brick facades, arched corridors, and antique-style furnishings that evoke the grandeur of a bygone era. Yet, behind its old-world aesthetic lies a full suite of modern amenities designed for comfort and convenience.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
Fort Ilocandia is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings. Cafe Ilocandia serves international cuisine, while Red 8 Asian Restaurant specializes in Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes. For lighter fare and drinks, guests can unwind at the Palms Bar, Sunset Lounge, or the elegant Piano Lounge. The resort also offers 24-hour room service, ensuring that comfort is never compromised.
Fort Ilocandia offers a rich culinary journey that highlights both international flavors and the bold, earthy tastes of Ilocano cuisine. If you're dining there, here are the must-try dishes that capture the spirit of the region and the resort’s gourmet flair:
Signature Ilocano Dishe
Bagnet – Crispy deep-fried pork belly, often served with vinegar or bagoong (fermented fish paste). It’s a local favorite for good reason.
Pinakbet – A vegetable medley sautéed with bagoong, featuring bitter melon, eggplant, okra, and squash—hearty and full of umami.
Ilocos Longganisa – Garlicky native sausage with a distinct tang, best enjoyed with rice and vinegar dip.
Dinengdeng – A lighter vegetable stew with grilled fish, showcasing Ilocano simplicity and depth of flavor.
Ilocos Empanada – A street food staple, this orange-hued pastry is stuffed with meat, egg, and green papaya, then deep-fried to perfection.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
Beyond its luxurious accommodations, Fort Ilocandia is a hub of activity. It features two outdoor swimming pools, a children’s pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, sandboarding on the nearby dunes, or explore the local area via rented pump boats or hotel-arranged tours. The resort’s proximity to cultural landmarks—such as the Sinking Bell Tower, Paoay Church, and Ilocos Norte Museum—makes it an ideal base for historical exploration.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
Located just 15 minutes from Laoag International Airport, Fort Ilocandia offers easy access for travelers arriving by air. For those driving from Manila, the journey takes approximately eight hours, passing through scenic towns like Vigan and Batac. Whether arriving by plane, car, or boat, guests are greeted with the same promise: tranquility, adventure, and a touch of timeless elegance.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
The local district near the Fort Ilocandia resort comprises really picturesque and almost abandoned beaches, dramatic waterfalls, lovely scenic vistas, and a real genuine get away from the rat race feeling. It is no wonder that so many movies and television commercials are filmed there. envisage a beach without too many tourists, no noisy jet skis, no strip of bars and not even a McDonalds restaurant! Fort Ilocandia is worth a visit and a stay at Fort Ilocandia resort highly recommended.
When you travel to Pagudpud, you will find it is located amongst lush verdant mountains, fertile valleys, rolling hills and flat coastal plains. The 20,000 local folk who stay in Pagudpud and the surrounding region mainly subsist on rice agriculture, general farming and fishing. The fresh fish and lobsters straight off the banca are delectable and cheap here and more latterly tourism is growing.
Because Pagudpud is so uncommercialized there are limited places to stay and you need to book well ahead.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
What truly sets Fort Ilocandia apart is its commitment to Ilocano hospitality. Staff members are known for their warmth and attentiveness, creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the region’s traditions. The resort also embraces sustainability and local culture, often featuring native crafts, performances, and cuisine that celebrate Ilocano identity. You can book here.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel
The best part about Pagudpud is the excellent people, get genuine Ilocano hospitality and friendliness, not only the most amazing beach in Asia but the friendliest place in Asia.
Ilocos Norte is synonymous with warm tropical sunshine, indigo blue skies; the most beautiful turquoise blue and crystal clear water and effervescent white sands. Does it sound too good to be true? It truly is that attractive!
Click on this link to find out more about Pagudpud. All about Fort Ilocandia and Laoag Resort Hotels.
