More than the party atmosphere, visitors also come to Boracay to put their feet up, slow down, relax and enjoy great food with family and friends. The island is slowly becoming a family and a sustainable tourist destination.
There is always the option to party and explore the vibrant nightlife at the island’s Station 2. But if you want to avoid the crowd, have some peace and quiet, and wake up in luxury and comfort, then a stay close to Station zero and Punta Bunga beach is highly recommended.
A private paradise
Shangri-La Boracay’s private paradise was included in 2021’s prestigious list of Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Travelers appreciated the secluded beaches and the lush tropical haven.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized in this prestigious list, we’re extremely grateful to all who took the time to vote for Shangri-La Boracay,” said Udo Wittich, hotel manager of Shangri-La Boracay. “We’re happy that our resort is providing travel inspiration to many, and we certainly look forward to welcoming more guests when the pandemic eases and traveling becomes the norm again.”
Shangri-La offers direct transfers from Caticlan airport and it only took us about 20-25 minutes to get to the resort. We were picked-up by Shangri-La’s airport representative at the airport and drove us to their Mabuhay lounge in the jetty port. A few minutes later, we were already on a speedboat going to the resort.
Wittich welcomed us at the resort’s jetty port with communications executive, Jaiko Del Rosario. After exchanging greetings and pleasantries, we were led to a waiting buggy that will take us to the reception area.
After the welcome drinks and check-in process, another buggy motored us to our premier Seaview room. There is also the option to walk to the rooms and lobby to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The 63-sq-m premier room has a king size bed, a sofa bed, a private balcony with daybeds and a marble bathroom with separate rainshower and bathtub. The room also provides sweeping views of the sea and has direct access to Punta Bunga beach which is only a stone’s throw away. The calming sound of the waves can also be heard from the spacious balcony. This space is great for morning coffee or just lounging around.
Vintana Asian Café
Breakfast was served buffet style the next day at the resort’s Vintana restaurant. This Asian themed Café serves delectable Filipino and international breakfast buffet selections, along with an array of well-loved Asian cuisine favorites.
The muesli and cereal options were plentiful and, for a heavier meal to jumpstart the day, there’s also Filipino favorites like pork, bacon, sausages, garlic rice, and fried or scrambled eggs. There is also a lot of fruit available. That, plus coffee or any beverage of your choice will get you ready to explore more of the property.
Punta Bunga and Banyugan
A short walk from our room, Punta Bunga beach offers a great opportunity to just lounge around on the beach in the early mornings. A staff member from Shangri-La is stationed nearby and ready to assist guests. I recommend going on long walks along the beach and enjoying the views with only a few people around.
On the northwest side, farther away from Station zero and Punta Bunga, is Shangri-La Boracay’s Banyugan beach, a private beach exclusively for the guests of the resort. Sit by the pool and enjoy the drinks and food at the beach bar, or go for a swim as you wait for the golden hour.
Chi, the spa
After spending time at the beach, resort guests can pamper both body and soul at this luxurious spa. A 5,714 sq m haven located on a rocky peninsula looking across the bay, Chi offers massages, body soaks, and luxurious body scrubs.
A private dinner
Have a romantic dinner with a loved one as the resort’s private nooks and beaches transform into some of the most magical places on Boracay Island. The private dining menu consists of a variety of surf-and-turf barbecue options, or guests can enjoy a special course menu prepared by a dedicated personal chef. A unique experience on the island, this is truly a great way to end the day. The food choices and other resort activities can be scheduled even before you arrive at the resort.
Exploring white beach
Getting around the island is easy and comfortable since Shangri-La also offers complimentary van shuttle services that can take guests to D’Mall at Station 2. Trips are scheduled throughout the day and reservations can be made at the front desk. There is also the option of taking an e-trike to your destination on the island which can be arranged by a staff member of the resort. The wait time is only a few minutes.
The overall experience is superb and I will definitely go back. Boracay is alive once again and it is time to visit and support the tourism community.
Image credits: Ardee P. de los Angeles