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| Boracay's legendary White Sand Beach |
ON A budget? Looking to clean out the bank? Need a full body tan in a hurry? Like to leave your footprints on a genuine picture postcard beach? In Boracay anything goes. The hottest, crispest, best white sand beach in the Philippines – a Disneyland for grownups – is home to wall-to-wall pampering, down-the-hatch cocktails and all-night partying. Chill out on the beach all afternoon then hit the clubs, bars and discos until dawn. Wake up at noon and do it all over again. In between, eat whatever takes your fancy, swim, surf, dive, snorkel or simply unwind at your hotel or spa. Dive into this guide to the best Boracay spa resorts and budget digs. But first, get familiar with this Boracay map.
Flights to Boracay are not all white-knuckle
The trip starts at either the old Domestic Airport or the Philippine Airlines (PAL) terminal in Manila. It is important to let your taxi driver know which terminal to take you to, as the PAL terminal only services PAL aircraft and passengers, while the Domestic Airport handles everyone else. The procedure is the same at both airports. You show your ticket at the entrance and pass through an x-ray machine before proceeding to the check-in counter. If you are carrying film cameras and spare rolls, it's best to arrive early for your flight and have your camera bag and equipment inspected visually, instead of passing them through the x-ray, which causes fogging on some film types. Of course, in this digital age, this is perhaps a fast receding problem.
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It’s best to wear comfortable clothes and shorts that don’t require a belt as you’ll be asked to remove all metal objects at the final security check before boarding. Shoes are OK but do remember that you’ll be landing on a beach, albeit one of the best beaches in Asia, and might want to keep those sneakers dry.
The island resort of Boracay is roughly a one-hour flight from Manila. So who flies to the best beach in the Philippines? Major carriers are South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR), national carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), Airphil Express (formerly Air Philippines), feisty Cebu Pacific Air and Zest Air (formerlyAsian Spirit). All fly daily. Depending on the airline you choose, you will either fly to Caticlan or Kalibo.
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| Top-drawer Shangri-La/ photo: hotel |
With a longer hardtop runway and night landing facilities, Kalibo is served by bigger planes, with early morning and late evening flights. The main airlines flying here are Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines and Zest Air. In contrast, Caticlan runway is a short, rough strip and only propeller planes can make the approach. Flights can only operate between sunrise and sunset. The main carriers flying here are SEAIR, PAL, Airphil Express and Cebu Pacific Air.
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Most visitors prefer to fly to Caticlan because of the much shorter travel time to Boracay itself: the land transfer from Kalibo takes up to three hours, while it could be as short as 40 minutes from Caticlan including the brief banca (catamaran) ride. Even if you are nervous about flying in small aircraft, the shorter travel time may be a clincher. Flight fares range from 5,000 to 6,000 Philippine pesos (US$1=P43).
If you are flying SEAIR and are booked on a small 19-seat plane, both you and your baggage will be weighed to make sure that the weight is evened out. This isn't necessary with SEAIR's larger aircraft. This done, you will progress to the terminal fee counter to pay P200. After passing through a second x-ray machine, you reach the departure area. (You are well advised to have your breakfast before going to the airport – the food in the departure lounge is really not recommended.)
SEAIR's Dornier 328 averages about 35 minutes to Caticlan. From the airport walk or rent a tricycle (or "trike"; about P50), to the jetty port. This will take around five minutes. At the jetty, your bags will be inspected again. The short boat trip to Boracay’s southern drop-off, Cagban, costs around P25 but tourists must also pay a terminal fee of P50 and an environmental fee of P75. Make sure you bring small change as large notes often cannot be changed and baggage handlers expect small tips in exchange for heaving your luggage onto the roof of the boat. The boats themselves aren't lookers, but they are safe and reliable and subject to regular inspections by the port authorities. That said, boats often take on a bit of sea water so your luggage is best stowed on the roof or on your lap. Flip flops or sandals are advisable.
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| Trend-setter Fridays/ photo: hotel |
On arrival you’ll see a queue of trikes – jump in and be ready to pay between P100-P150 for a 10-minute journey to the White Beach strip where most hotels are located. If you’re staying farther afield expect to pay more. The motorized tricycles can’t go along the beach but will drop you on the main road, which runs parallel to the beach – about 15 to 25 metres from the shore. From there you’ll need to wheel your suitcase five minutes or so to your hotel. Tourists are very well taken care of. Check with your agent or resort that your booking includes transfers to and from Caticlan. These usually make the transition more convenient, if a smidgen dearer.
Getting around Boracay – three wheels or two legs
Get your bearings with our Boracay map. Generally speaking, hotels are arranged in clusters along Boracay’s famous White Beach, which is four kilometers long and runs up the west coast of the island. The different beach zones are called “Stations” and each has a unique personality that is worth considering before you choose a hotel.
Station One is the northern stretch of beach and is closest to many of Boracay's most upmarket resorts. This part of the beach has the finest sand and is also where the famous sea-sculpted Willy's Rock is to be spied. You haven’t been to Boracay if you don’t bring home a photo with this rock in the background. Station Two (near the centre of White Beach) is where the action is – most of the island's best food outfits and bars are in this area. Here you can also find D'Mall, the island's shopping mecca with anything from beauty products to kinky underwear. The southern stretch of White Beach is Station Three – this is where you’ll find most of the island's budget accommodation. This end of the beach is also quieter with more cosy resorts and restaurants.
Getting around is a breeze. The two main options are walking along the beach or taking a trike along the main road. But with a beach like Boracay's, who wants to be in a tricycle on concrete? An interesting feature of Boracay's sand is that it's so fine it doesn't get hot even in the mid-afternoon sun. From the Station One end, it takes about 15 minutes on foot to D'Mall. Along the way you'll pass a number of restaurants serving just about anything your hungry stomach desires.
Boracay dining and notes for foodies
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| Beach volleyball/ photo: Verghese |
Boracay offers everything from fine dining to Filipino turo-turo or street-side food stalls. Let's start at the Station One end. The best resort restaurants are those at Fridays, Seawind, Estacio Uno ( formerly Waling-Waling) and Escondido. These resorts all serve Continental fare with some contemporary dishes thrown in, save for Escondido, which specialises in crabs and prawns – arguably the best on the island. The Boracay Crab House quickly gained popularity for its Escondido Crab and Prawn dishes. Be prepared to fork out P1,000-P2,000 or more for lunch or dinner at any of these places. You may also want to check out Real Coffee and Tea House for breakfast and the island's best brownies and cookies.
Towards the middle of the beach and Station Two you'll find Aria, Gasthoff and Mc Sandro. These establishments are all in the D'Mall area but are worlds apart in terms of taste and style. Aria is an Italian outfit serving contemporary dishes alongside traditional ones. The menu and selection evolve constantly, according to Chef Gino who regularly comes up with new dishes. Don't miss the salads and specials for the day. Aria has a wood-fired oven for pizzas, while focaccia bread is baked on order (it takes about two minutes in the oven). A meal for two will set you back around P1,500, including a bottle of wine.
Gasthoff is popular for its baby back ribs, the house specialty. The ribs are simmered with special ingredients for about an hour and then cooked for 10 minutes in a secret sauce. Here, nearly 100 kilograms a day are consumed in ribs alone. Don't miss the spicy crab, cooked in chilli and coconut milk, either. Dinner for two will cost around P1,000. Mc Sandro serves traditional Filipino fare with a modern twist. Try their adobo (pork or beef cooked in vinegar and soy sauce) and their seafood platter. Typically, the food is a bit heavy on fatty ingredients and big on rice. A meal for two comes at about P800.
For simple yet delicious Mediterranean dishes prepared with top quality ingredients and presented with care, try Lemon i Café, also in D'Mall. Expect healthy comfort dishes such as lemon and thyme roasted chicken or seared tuna with herb salad. Save room for the zesty lemon tart. How about a taste of Greece? Try some gyros (a mince meat pita sandwich) or saganaki (fried Greek cheese) at Zuzuni and enjoy its cosy ambience. For a Mexican experience, complete with fresh salsa, try Mañana. The Triple Taco Platter with its four tomato sauces is a good choice. A meal for two and a couple of beers will come to about P800.
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| Boracay banca transfer |
Bamboo Lounge sports a number of modern and traditional cocktails, which include sangria, oyster saké shooters, and the signature “bamboojito”. The menu has a wide selection of comfort food, perfect for sobering up a little before hitting the sack. Happy hour officially starts at 5.30pm, though this does get juggled around a bit if you happen to arrive early. It ends promptly at 8pm. The dining area is nothing new on the island – low tables and pillows for seats, which make nodding off a danger. A meal and drinks for two will set you back around P1,500.
In the mood for a Spanish experience? Check out Dos Mestizos. With a menu comprising exclusively Spanish fare, everything originates from the chef’s own family recipes. Try the 16 tapas selection dish if you’re feeling indecisive. The house specialty paella is available in three serving sizes to cover all appetites. Operating hours are from 11am to midnight, or until the last customer leaves.
Cool bars and throbbing nightlife
Boracay nightlife centres around three bars: Cocomangas, Pier One and Summer Place. Pier One, the largest in terms of floor area, draws a mix of both locals and tourists. A nice thing about this bar is that it's right on the beach, so you can stretch out on loungers while waiting for the party to pick up. The dance floor is lit up in black light giving those on the floor a groovy glow. A comfortable loft provides a great venue for listening to the lively music. Summer Place draws a mostly European crowd with a trickle of locals. The bar's ambience is oriented towards chilling out rather than dancing, but wild nights erupt spontaneously, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when ladies have been known to take to the bar tops for a little freestyle bump and grind.
At D’Mall, Hey! Jude is a great place for a nightcap or a healthy dinner. The quirky concoctions from its bar are definite crowd pleasers. Cocomangas, the island’s oldest and most happening place, draws a mix of both locals and tourists. Offerings at the bar include house cocktails served in signature jam jars. You will want to take it slow swigging down these tasty concoctions as they can creep up on you, especially the lethal weng wengs. Also try the melts and pizzas. For a more sedate evening, check out the beachfront chill-out area. The entire strip of sand is littered with patches like this and most beach resorts put out loungers and tables for afternoon relaxing and evening dining.
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| Shangri-La Villa Balani/ photo: hotel |
Bob Marley fans should head to Bom Bom reggae bar where they can mellow out on squishy bean bags and get floaty on driftwood chairs. You'll find it at Station 2 where D'Mall meets the beach path.
Boracay resorts review and guide
Whether you want a Boracay resort in the midst of the action or a quiet spot, the options are endless.
North of Station One, White Beach continues up the coast then gradually turns into Diniwid Beach, then Balinghai Beach. It’s up here in the north that you’ll find less pumping bars and buzzing restaurants and more peaceful, although less convenient, hotels and resorts.
Located in the northwestern corner, between Puka Shell Beach and Banyugan Beach, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa is secluded, small and unashamedly plush. Thatched villas creep down the rocky hillside to 350m of secluded white sand. Rooms start at 60sq m and villas range up to a generous 220sq m, including a private lap pool, outdoor shower, and a pergola for alfresco dining. Don’t let the beach seduce all your time – save some for the sprawling CHI, the spa, set in its own spa village. Grab yourself a private villa for the day and dodge the midday rays with an hour-long treatment. This level of luxury may be unrivalled on the island, but so is the price. Still, if the wallet permits, this is one of the best Boracay spa resorts around.
Next door is The Panoly Resort Hotel, which opened way back in 1989 and, while it still manages to hold its own against the island’s newer establishments, it does show signs of age. All 95 rooms come with a safe, while deluxe and suite accommodations have Internet connectivity at an extra cost. Nights need not be spent outside the resort either; groove to Latin beats at its Cafe Havana or dine on seafood at Yum Yum Singaporean restaurant.
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| Nami breakfast view/ photo: Gochoco |
If you are so inclined, a comfortable wallet-buster is the Nami Resort, perched on the cliffs above Diniwid Beach. Staff strive to satisfy every whim and villas are spread out to maximise privacy. Bathtubs have magnificent ocean views and the immaculately maintained rooms feature exquisite hardwood furniture. Don't miss the champagne breakfast – it's a great way to start off the day.
Also on Diniwid Beach, but much cheaper, is Boracay budget hotel, the Microtel Boracay. The design is subtly Mediterranean and facilities include the usual swimming pool, restaurant, meeting room and Wireless Internet in the lobby. All rooms come with chiropractic beds, air-conditioning, cable television, full-sized bathrooms with hot and cold water and window seats. Doubles are perfectly acceptable but for a little more luxury go for a suite and enjoy a fridge, coffeemaker, bathtub and kitchen counter with sink and microwave.
You’ll find just the bare necessities at Blue Waves. It’s basically a big beach house with air-conditioned rooms equipped with a comfortable bed, hot and cold water and a telly with cable to nod off to. Bring the family, kids under seven stay for free.
Station One – higher end Boracay resorts
Expect to be wowed by bling sunglasses and skimpy designer swimwear in this northwestern stretch of White Beach. Not only is it the widest section of sand but Station One is also home to some of the island’s swankiest hotels. Making big waves in the area is uber-cool design hotel Astoria Boracay. Space-age sun loungers strike a pose around a 70ft pool, bedrooms are funky with zesty splashes of lime and aqua and, as the name suggests, the White Cafe is stylishly minimal. Architecturally the hotel is an angular fusion of white walls and glass creating a striking contrast to the natural beauty of the beachfront. There are 39 air-conditioned rooms ranging in size from 26sq m to 50sq m. All include home comforts such as 32-inch LCD TVs, cable television, free Internet, fridges, safes, tea and coffee facilities and hair dryers. And to make your stay even more carefree, there is a dollar exchange, back-up generators, 24-hour security and a water filtration system. Definitely one for the cool cats in town.
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| Astoria poolside/ photo: hotel |
At the Pearl of the Pacific you’ll enjoy everything that makes Station One the best location on this strip of heaven. Finer sand, less human traffic and distance from all the party noise. You won’t be too far away though – a four minute trike ride will deposit you at the Cocomangas bar. This scenic resort sits on eight hectares of forest with walkways connecting the beach and pool with the hillside rooms. If you like a tipple (or two), request a room near the beach or by the pool. Rooms way up the slope are very private, but your wobbly legs may regret the steep hike after a night of tequila shooters and exotic cocktails. Whether you’ve got achy legs or an achy head the morning after – Neo Spa is the place to lessen the pain. Embrace your inner mermaid (or man) and try the signature treatment with sea minerals and algae. There’s also a hair salon and even a shrine for couples wishing to renew their vows.
With 88 rooms and a spa, the expansive Discovery Shores Boracay might blow the budget but it’s worth every penny. The suites are spacious, ranging up to 122sq m with showers looking onto small gardens. The one and two-bedroom suites even have their own outdoor Jacuzzi. It has free Wireless access for guests, a children’s lounge, and a complete range of water sports activities. End the day at the Terra Wellness Spa.
Open since 1982, Fridays Boracay has one of the island's best restaurants with a global fusion menu. Try the flavourful braised lamb shank, but remember to order ahead since it takes about four hours to prepare. The native cottage-style rooms have a rustic theme but come with thoughtful details and all mod-cons such as hot and cold water, air-conditioning and cable television. This 40-room resort occupies a nice stretch of beach with mature coconut trees. Premier Rooms come with king-size beds, 32-inch TVs, DVD players and coffee and tea facilities. Six plush Premier Suites offer 80sq m of space in a circular setting with private verandahs, soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cool down in the fresh-water swimming pool, connect your laptop to WiFi at the beachfront restaurant or chat to the activities officer if you fancy doing a spot of jet-skiing or mountain biking. At a pinch, Fridays can rustle up a venue and facilities for a small meeting for up to 40 persons. This is one of the more established Boracay resorts.
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| Escondido, relaxed / photo: Gochoco |
Zuzuni Boutique Hotel and Restaurant is one of Boracay’s younger establishments. With only four air-conditioned rooms, guests are guaranteed personal service and spared the usual wait for room service. Free Wireless Internet access is available too, and the Greek restaurant is fantastic. Estacio Uno is a Thai-inspired resort with a bit more of an industrial feel than Fridays, although its ornate woodwork makes up for all the concrete. Chill out in one of the huts in front of the resort or nurse a beer while enjoying the riot of colours at sunset. Rooms at the back of the resort, recessed in the trees, are appointed as tastefully as their beachfront counterparts.
The Boracay Beach Resort is smack in the middle of the action midway along White Beach between Station One and D’Mall shopping centre. Despite the bustling location, the sleek, clean architecture feels spacious and serene. If you want extra special service stay in a suite – they all have personal butlers or maids. Those in Boracay for the party scene can’t go wrong staying here – only steps away from the island’s most happening clubs. Perhaps the resort’s most distinguishing feature is its alfresco dining and bar where even the most intoxicated tourists can’t miss the two mermaids that hold up the roof.
A tribute to local taste and design, SeaWind Resort offers rooms and villas with a homey atmosphere. No feeling of congestion here, unlike at many resorts in the area, which do tend to cram rooms into every conceivable bit of space. The forty rooms are cleverly positioned to maximise privacy and look out over pretty gardens.
Situated behind Cocomangas Shooter Bar, you'll find Escondido, one of the better non-beachfront resorts. Experience a different, quieter side to the island a convenient distance from its wildest parties. A relatively new outfit, Escondido is popular for its location and great food, and the staff are all smiles. The restaurant features a range of crab dishes in home-cooking style. This secluded Boracay resort has only 10 rooms and two suites, giving it a warm, exclusive feel. Rooms are furnished sparingly, and appear uncluttered and light. The suites come with mini-kitchens and Jacuzzis. Three hillside huts make for a great outdoor massage or chill-out venue. Who needs the beach? Well, it's only a three-minute trot away anyway for your daily dose of sun and sand. This is a good no-worries option. It rates well on our Boracay resorts review.
Pump up the volume at Station Two
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| ONEMGM Boracay/ photo: hotel |
If you want to fall out of bed and onto the beach, or into a bar, then this is the place for you. The beating heart of Boracay, Station Two is charmingly chaotic and endlessly buzzing with crowds, pumping tunes and the tempting smells of beachside restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find D’Mall shopping centre and hundreds of smaller shops selling everything from pretty shell necklaces to silly tourist t-shirts.
One MGM Resort Village Boracay offers 88 top-drawer rooms and suites and guests may opt for a Villa, Mansion House or Summer House. The hotel can work as a Boracay conference hotel after a fashion if you must cart the whole office across but does equally well as a wedding venue or a family-friendly Boracay resort escape. There are two outdoor swimming pools and one Jacuzzi. Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel is a Mediterranean-style resort with native materials in airy colours. It has a relaxed ambience. Rooms have a view of the resort's freshwater pool and its ornate landscaping.
When the owners of Hey! Jude, one of the island’s more popular bars decided to expand with a nice set of rooms they did everyone a favour. Guests can now enjoy the resto-bar’s fine menu, even finer cocktails and non-stop party action only a few steps from their room. Mango Ray, a ten-room deal smack in the middle of White Beach is only a few steps away from D’Mall. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and come with cable TV, and bathrooms have hot water taps and a bathtub.
La Reserve is a French-inspired retreat; an eclectic blend of first-class European standards and native flair. Airy architecture and funky murals spice up each guestroom. The resort has 16 bamboo cottages all with private verandahs. All have hot and cold water from the tap, a safe and air-conditioning. The resort also has its own backup generator in case of power outages.
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| Asya, a cosy retreat/ photo: hotel |
Simple local styles define Best Western Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel, a family friendly resort in with 50 guestrooms and cabanas, many with balconies. Just a stumble away from White Beach the place has a bustling feel, but clean modern touches make it a pleasant spot to stay in. The hotel has a spa, nail salon, pool, children’s games room, karaoke rooms, a function room that holds up to 150 people and a business centre. There is also a restaurant called TropiCafe which serves set dinner menus by candlelight. Try the mango and cucumber mocktail for an unusual but refreshing thirst-quencher.
The Boracay Regency Hotel with its 285 rooms is also host to a convention centre that can accommodate events of up to 1,000 people. All rooms have Broadband access and the hotel’s WiFi coverage extends all the way to the beach for deck-chair surfing. The beachfront, incidentally, is the most spread out along White Beach. At the end of a hard day’s sun-worshipping, indulge in a massage at the Asian-inspired KAI Regency Spa then sample local treats at one of its poolside or beachfront bars and restaurants.
Set back about a five-minute walk from the sand is Nirvana Resort. Accommodation includes standard or large condominiums and one or two-bedroom villas. The standard condos have air-conditioning, TVs, hot and cold water, a minibar and a hotpot for tea or coffee. The newer and larger condos surround the pool and gardens and include a kitchen, lounge and two bedrooms while the villas crank up the luxury an extra notch with big terraces and even bigger gardens.
Located on the border of Station Two and Three, Asya Boracay manages to be close to the action while still providing a cosy, retreat-like atmosphere. This boutique-style hotel is slightly set back from the hyperactive beachfront, which means you have more peace and quiet but can still be frolicking in the waves in a matter of minutes. Each of the 31 spacious suites is decorated with tasteful contemporary furnishings and artwork, giving the rooms a homely feel. On arrival, cruise past reception and head straight to your room where you can check in from the comfort of your armchair. Do so while drinking an ice-cold beer from your one-time only complimentary minibar.
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| Boracay Orchids Resort/ photo: Gochoco |
If you really must work there's a business centre and complimentary WiFi in your room and at various points around the hotel. There's also a swimming pool and wading pool but if you're a beach bum then ask the shuttle bus driver to take you to the hotel's private cove for some more secluded rays. Occupy the kids with a free library of toys or pay US$7 per hour for professional nanny services. Traviesa restaurant serves Euro-Asian cuisine and the pizzas are delicious. All in, this is a pretty child-friendly Boracay hotel.
Chilled and cheap in Station Three
If you’re on a budget and looking for a more relaxed beach environment, try Station Three. It was the last section of White Beach to be developed hence the pace of life is more genteel, and the hotels cheaper. But all this could change now that more upscale resorts are starting to move in and take advantage of the tranquil ambience.
Down on the beachfront you’ll find 357 Boracay, a 10-suite boutique hotel with buckets of charm. Its native-inspired modern amenities have captured the attention of its guests almost as much as the gorgeous white powdery sand right outside its doors. Suites offer all the usual amenities: cable television, hot and cold water, that tropical beach must-have, air-conditioning and private verandahs. The restaurant’s chilli crab is a must. Right next door is The Blue Mango Inn, which is another great deal. This family-owned beachfront hotel has 13 air-conditioned rooms with cable television and hot and cold water for your shower. There is also a fashionable restaurant and a PADI accredited dive centre. The resort offers WiFi connection for workaholics who need to bring their office with them. For non-guests, you'll have to order something from the restaurant to get Internet access.
Budget hotels in Boracay are everywhere but value conscious travellers can try Orchids Resort at the far end of Station Three. The resort architecture is decidedly Filipino with furniture made from local materials. Air-conditioned and fan-cooled rooms are available as is Wireless Internet.
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| Boracay Hills resort/ photo: Gochoco |
Don't like the beach and want some isolation? Boracay Hills is a comfy 10-room bed-and-breakfast-type resort inland, about 10 minutes from the beach by trike or the free shuttle bus. Unique touches give it a personal flair far from the beach crowd and blaring speakers playing every known Bob Marley track. This mellow hideaway is set among tropical gardens, has a large outdoor pool, a pool bar, WiFi in selected rooms and a bamboo garden gazebo for massages. Surfside Resort and Spa has 14 rooms and is one of the better Boracay spa resorts for those on a budget. Run by a Japanese family, it has a café serving popular Japanese dishes and there’s also a dive centre with Japanese instructors. The in-resort spa also has a Japanese theme although one of the best treatments is called "Boracay Memories" and includes an hour in the steam sauna, dry sauna and Jacuzzi, followed by a massage and facial – all for US$65.
If you're willing to splash out a bit more for serious pampering, check out the Mandala Spa and Villas for the quintessential spa experience on Boracay island. This Boracay spa's day packages are perfect for rejuvenating tired limbs and clearing imbalances caused by nights of partying and afternoons of sinew-stretching shopping. It accepts walk-in customers for the day spa treatments, ranging from massages to exotic wraps. Hidden among the lush foliage are 12 villas divided into two categories – Garden View or Sunset View. Expect teak floors, balconies, outdoor showers and freestanding bathtubs. As part of the villa package you also get complimentary daily yoga classes for two, a massage and floral bath. Splash out on the Pool Villa for your very own exclusive walled and gated retreat perched high on the cliff. Mark this one down in your diary as a top choice among Boracay spa resorts.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, stroll southwards along White Beach and you’ll eventually stumble across Hotel Isla Boracay (formerly Lorenzo). Few beach hawkers make the sandy trek all the way down here so you can snooze on the private beach without interruption. Rooms come as Superior or Premier and you can expect airconditioning, a hot and cold shower, cable television, a safe and minibar. Watch the blazing sunset from the beachfront bar and restaurant and sleep easy under the watchful eye of the 24-hour security guard.
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| Boracay Mandala spa: soothing |
And now for something completely different
The largest resort on Boracay, and a big hit with the tartan brigade, is the rebranded Centara Grand Beach Resort Boracay (formerly The Residences at Fairways and Bluewater until the name change in November 2010). This is located on the northeastern side of the island. Included in its sprawling 127-hectare site is the only golf course in Boracay Designed by Graham Marsh, it is a swing-tastic 18-hole, par 72 championship stunner. You can choose to stay in one of 246 rooms and suites, plus all guests have access to one kilometre of semi-private beach. And just when you thought the place couldn't get any bigger, Centara has announced it will expand the resort creating 250 new rooms, 20 villas, 10 restaurants and bars, more business facilities, a spa, a marina and a wedding chapel. Well, they have got 127 hectares to fill.
On the eastern side of the island is Bulabog Beach, another popular tourist area and also Boracay's main windsurfing and kite-boarding zone. Slap bang in the middle of the high-octane aquatic action is the boutique-style hotel 7Stones Boracay. Rooms are cosy and contemporary with interesting arty flourishes, glowing bamboo lamps and swish en suite bathrooms. Enjoy your 32-inch LCD TV with a large selection of international channels or plug your iPod into the home theatre system. Rooms also include a minibar, safety deposit box, air-conditioning and tea and coffee facilities. A perfect choice for luxury-loving watersports fans.
Asya Boracay (see Station Two) also has a separate high-end resort for those with bulging wallets and a desire to get away from the maddening crowds. Located on the southern tip of the island, in Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Asya Premier Suites offers light and spacious rooms with big balconies perfect for ogling dramatic views. And what facilities do you get for all that extra dough? Well, for starters you’ll be treated to a private shuttle speedboat, nanny and butler service, a 500sq m pool, wine room and fitness centre. A luxurious romantic sanctuary perfect for newlyweds or lovers wanting to lock themselves away for a few days of unabashed nookie.
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| 7Stones style/ photo: hotel |
Paradise Bay Beach and Watersport Resort is a good choice for the adventurous. Activities on offer include windsurfing, diving, kite-surfing, parasailing, and water-skiing. The resort is managed by a German couple and set against a small bay on the northeastern side of the island.
If you’re looking for a little more privacy than the norm, this is the place for you. Rooms have the usual amenities and each comes with a personal safe and a fan, should you wish to shun the air-conditioning in favour of the cool sea breeze. There’s no in-room Internet access, but you can surf for free in the restaurant.
That wraps up our Boracay resorts review. Well? What are you waiting for? Get wet and wild.
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