A Beach Hideaway

CEBU, Philippines - As tourists pullulate in the vacation island of Boracay, finding the right place could be such a hassle. Worse is, you might end up in one that’sfar from the beachfront, which totally defeats the purpose of being in Boracay. But that’s the challenge in going at this time of the year.

Boracay’s prices can be whooping, so for a regular vacationer whose earning on average is a little over P10,000, looking for the best accommodation can be crucial. But if you come as a group, then you might just end up in a nice place.

Take Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway, for example. Located just between Stations 1 and 2 of White Beach, where the best beaches are, one could enjoy a huge room that could accommodate even ten people (additional P1,000 in excess of two persons) for as low as P3,500 (off peak rate).

The price comes with free breakfast and the advantage of getting the best tips and advice from their well-trained staff. Believe me, most people that I asked, even those working in the island’s posh properties, have no idea about the island, except perhaps to refer you to one of those questionable characters peddling boat rides and such by the beachfront.

For families, Gran Prix is an ideal place as it is hidden comfortably away from the hassles of the beachfront, yet you will not be deprived of the day’s (or night’s) happenings. Despite it being right at the place where the island’s important events are likely to be held, the property exudes a sense of seclusion and privacy that one may not find in any of the bigger resorts by the beachfront. And of course, children below 12 years of age are given free accommodations (at most two children).

The hotel also has an early check-in and late check-out privilege, subject to room availability. This means that should you arrive in the island earlier than their check in time of 2 p.m. you can be confident that you will still be accommodated, or if you decide to leave late, then you need not worry of being billed extra.

Another extraordinary property that I find fitting for families is Sitio Boracay, just a stone throw away from the beachfront and right across the famous Holy Rosary Church. This makes it the ideal hotel for those couples who wish to tie the knot in the island.

Sitio Boracay’s secret garden appeal gives off a sense of romance and, yes, privacy.

It is just a small gated compound with four bungalows that contains all the best amenities of modern living. Wifi is available all throughout the property; they have a large LCD-TV with all the cable channels that matter; a bar where you can store all those refreshing drinks that you may want to bring with you when you go out of the compound; and a comfortably airy living area accented by an equally comfortable day bed.

The garden bathroom speaks of total relaxation, with a large jet pool bathtub, a garden shower, a spacious room, and yes, a massage bed that is just so tempting, you’d never want to miss getting one.

They also have huge cabanas for that perfect family garden breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. And with the pool just right outside your door, who would need to go out of the compound. It’s an ideal family get-away place.

Having stayed in both Gran Prix Hideaway and Sitio Boracay for a weekend, I could say that living like a lotus flower can, after all, be possible in a vacation island that can be stressful at certain times of the year.

For information on Gran Prix Hideaway and Sitio Boracay call (032)254-9169. ?