Renowned former international footballer and founder of the pioneering outdoor furniture brand, DEDON, Bobby Dekeyser’s insatiable thirst for life has always been marked by a deep connection to artistry and purposeful living. Discover his intimate sanctuary tucked away on the enchanting Philippine island of Siargao. Peeping out through ancient mangroves and sugary white sands, Nay Palad Hideaway sits as a quiet paradise cherished by surfers. Like a soothing breeze, a profound sense of ease drifts subtly through the resort, reflecting owner Bobby Dekeyser’s calming outlook on life. As an avid surfer, Bobby has found a kindred spirit in Siargao’s waves, making this a place particularly close to his heart. Here, he explains the authentic sense of freedom he enjoys at Nay Palad Hideaway, and, for those who share his passion, a handful of his favourite local surf spots.
You routinely travel the world exploring new places. Siargao used to be a well-guarded secret among surfers—how did you discover it, and what made you fall in love? During my time with DEDON, our production was based in Cebu, and that’s how my connection to the Philippines began. We fell in love with the people, the warmth, the culture. Siargao felt like a hidden treasure when we first discovered it—a place where time slows down. The sense of freedom, the kindness of the community, the barefoot simplicity of island life… it captured our hearts. Even today, despite being voted the best island in Southeast Asia by Condé Nast Traveler, it still holds that magic. What first inspired you to build Nay Palad Hideaway? And how did your design-led thinking at DEDON shape the vision for the resort? Initially, I imagined a place where our DEDON designers could live, breathe, and create—an immersive space to test and experience outdoor living. But it quickly became something deeper: I wanted to build a home. A sanctuary without shoes, without rules. A place where people could simply be—to dream, to move, to create, to connect. That same spirit of thoughtful design and deep intention carried over from DEDON into every corner of Nay Palad.
What is it about surfing that you most enjoy? It teaches resilience. You fall, you get up. Over and over. That’s life. Tell us about your surfing rituals at Nay Palad Hideaway. Where are the best surf spots nearby, and why? Cloud 9 is iconic—watching the pros dance with the waves there is pure inspiration. Our team also guides guests to hidden surf breaks around the island, tailored to their level and mood. For me, nothing beats an early morning surf followed by a fresh coconut and a quiet beach picnic. That’s bliss. What’s your favorite local dish at Nay Palad Hideaway? We don’t do menus. Our chef creates daily surprises—whatever is freshest, most vibrant, most soulful. I love simple, healthy food made with intention. But if I had to choose, I’d say our coconut curry always hits the spot. Why is nature so central to you—and to Nay Palad? Nature has always been my anchor. It doesn’t demand anything—it just gives. At Nay Palad, we built everything in harmony with it. Nature isn’t a backdrop here; it’s part of every experience, every breath. We encourage guests to slow down, step outside, and remember how good it feels to simply sit under a tree or swim in the sea with no agenda. Have there been any unforgettable moments or guests who shifted your perspective? So many. I’ve shared bonfires with strangers who became friends, watched kids from opposite sides of the world build sandcastles together, and heard stories that stayed with me long after the guests had gone. These are the moments that matter—when a stay becomes something more.
You talk about creating a “community” feeling. How do you foster that connection between guests and staff? We don’t see our team as staff—we see them as family. And that sense of warmth is contagious. We spend time together, we laugh, we celebrate. Guests often say it’s what they remember most—the feeling that they were welcomed into something, not just served by it. What’s the one thing you hope people carry with them after staying at Nay Palad Hideaway? A sense of lightness. Of being barefoot and free—not just in body, but in spirit. And finally, what does ‘a barefoot state of mind’ mean to you? It’s about stripping things back. Letting go of expectations, roles, routines. Waking up with the sun, moving with the tide, eating when you’re hungry, resting when you’re tired. It’s remembering what it feels like to be truly in tune—with yourself, with others, with the earth. And doing it all barefoot, of course. Drift into a dream-like state of mind with a relaxing stay at Nay Palad Hideaway.
