Siago is a boutique stay in Siargao, a passion project built on love, flavor, and a sense of place. For couple Maite Ortoll and Kris Garcia, the resort is a lived-in dream, shaped by their travels, their roots, and a desire to share something honest and delicious with the island community and travelers alike.
“We were inspired by the vibe of Tulum,” Maite said. “That mix of authenticity, connection to nature, and good food—that’s what we wanted to bring here in Siargao.”
The result is a nine-room hideaway (plus a three-bedroom residence) with a design that’s classy but grounded. Much of the decor is locally sourced, with pieces handmade by artisans in places like Marinduque. “Almost everything you see here was made in the Philippines,” Kris said. “We really wanted to support local.”
But what really sets Siago apart is the food. The restaurant has quietly become one of the island’s favorite spots—not just for hotel guests but for locals and visiting foodies. At its core is Yardstick coffee, one of the world’s top-rated brews. “We were the first to bring Yardstick to Siargao,” Kris said. “Now, it’s become one of our signature beverages.”
Their menu is a globe-trotting mix with serious thought behind it: from the Peruvian-style lomo saltado to Mexican-influenced breakfast dishes, all the way to creative takes on Filipino classics. “We’re always tweaking,” Maite said. “We want to introduce international travelers to local flavors, but in a way that fits our style.”
Standouts include their roasted pollo, grilled cheese on sourdough, and crowd-favorite smoothie bowls. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something fresh and vibrant, the menu hits the spot.
Even the resort’s name is close to home—Siago is a mix of their children’s names, Sia and Ago. “It’s really a family operation,” Maite said. “Guests feel that, and I think it makes the experience warmer.”
Siago also goes beyond the usual beach resort checklist. Free paddle boards, bikes, and custom trip planning are all part of the stay. For families and active types, Siargao now has skate parks, jujitsu, yoga, and even gymnastics classes on the island.
And then there’s the commitment to the environment. With the Philippines’ largest mangrove system just around the corner, preservation isn’t just talk here. “We’re not just running a resort,” Kris said. “We’re part of a community that wants to protect this place.”
Guest-wise, it’s a pretty even mix of locals and foreigners. Peak seasons are now less predictable, thanks to Instagram and word of mouth keeping bookings steady all year round. The slowest time is right after Halloween, when the rain sets in.
At the end of the day, Siago isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—it’s just doing its own thing, and doing it well.
“We want people to feel at home,” Maite said. “Whether they’re here for the food, the surf, or just to breathe, Siago is here to welcome them, or welcome them back.”
