Discover Extraordinary Islands, One Escape at a Time.
About Islands & Escapes
Discover Extraordinary Destinations, One Escape at a Time
Islands & Escapes is a premium travel publication dedicated to showcasing extraordinary destinations, exceptional stays, and unforgettable experiences across the Philippines and beyond.
Founded by travel industry professional Raquel Valle, Islands & Escapes was created to inspire meaningful travel through expertly curated guides, destination stories, and insider insights. Our goal is to help travelers discover the beauty, culture, and diversity of the Philippine archipelago and the world while providing trusted information to plan memorable journeys.
From world-famous island destinations and luxury resorts to hidden gems and authentic local experiences, we believe every destination has a story worth sharing.
Our Mission
At Islands & Escapes, our mission is simple:
To inspire travelers to explore extraordinary destinations through trusted travel guides, expert recommendations, and authentic storytelling.
We aim to go beyond typical travel content by creating resources that are informative, inspiring, and genuinely helpful for travelers at every stage of their journey.
The Story Behind Islands & Escapes
The Philippines is home to more than 7,000 islands, each offering unique landscapes, cultures, traditions, and experiences. Yet many travelers only discover a small fraction of what the country has to offer.
Islands & Escapes was born of a desire to showcase both iconic destinations and lesser-known places that make the Philippines one of the world’s most remarkable travel destinations.
The publication combines years of professional travel expertise with a passion for storytelling, helping travelers uncover destinations that go beyond the ordinary.
Mee the Founder
Hi, I’m Raquel.
With over 14 years of experience in the travel industry, I’ve designed and delivered bespoke travel experiences for the European market, working across both travel operations and sales. Throughout my career, I’ve planned incentive travel programs, group journeys, and tailor-made itineraries, collaborating with hotels, resorts, and destination partners to create memorable experiences for travelers.
I founded Islands & Escapes to combine my professional travel expertise with my passion for storytelling and destination discovery. Through this publication, I share carefully curated travel guides, exceptional places to stay, and inspiring experiences to help travelers explore the Philippines with confidence.
Having spent years creating journeys for others, I understand what makes a destination truly special. My goal is to help you discover extraordinary islands, hidden gems, and unforgettable escapes across the Philippines and beyond.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
What We Cover
Our content is designed to help travelers discover and plan extraordinary escapes through:
Destinations
Comprehensive destination guides covering the Philippines’ most inspiring places.
Places to Stay
Luxury resorts, boutique hotels, beachfront villas, family-friendly accommodations, and unique stays.
Experiences
Island hopping, diving, surfing, cultural adventures, wellness retreats, food experiences, and more.
Travel Guides
Practical travel advice, itineraries, transportation information, and insider tips.
Food & Drink
Restaurants, local cuisine, cafés, beach clubs, and dining experiences are worth traveling for.
Looking Ahead
While our journey begins in the Philippines, our vision extends beyond its shores.
As Islands & Escapes grows, we aim to become a trusted source for island travel inspiration, showcasing extraordinary destinations, exceptional stays, and unforgettable experiences throughout Southeast Asia and the world’s most beautiful islands.
Join the Journey
Whether you’re planning your next island getaway, searching for travel inspiration, or discovering a destination for the first time, we’re glad you’re here.
Thank you for being part of the Islands & Escapes community.
Your next escape starts here.