The setting is magnificent, with seven miles of white powder beach dotted with nipa huts of all types and sizes, that crouch among the coconut and palm trees. The water is clear and warm, and it’s a joy just to wade in, swim or even perhaps snorkel in it.
Relaxation is the byword on the island, and the islanders extend a genuine welcome to all visitors. And, there are smiles everywhere.
Boracay offers a wide choice of accommodation ranging from charming modest pensions to unobtrusive resorts.
At Station One, we visited Willy’s Beach Resort, which faces the most photographed spot on the island, the rock formation aptly called Willy’s Rock. Beccas Café and Restaurant serves a delectable reasonably priced buffet dinner. It likewise offers recreational water facilities, such as water skiing, parasailing and windsurfing.
Within the vicinity is the Sea Wind Resort, owned and managed by amiable couple Joebert and Susan Cocjin. It opens onto what many consider the best beachfront of the island. Though slightly secluded, it provides guests the possibility of a mix and match beach holiday by relaxing at the poolside or enjoying the nightlife in the numerous bars and taverns, which is a mere 15-minute leisurely walk away.
Pikoy Coffee Shop is proud, and rightfully so, of its excellent cuisine. At sundown, the Garden Terrace transforms into an al fresco seafood and barbeque grill.
What was simply a pleasant revelation was the Nami Resort with their bayanihan scenic elevator that leads to all 12 spacious 180-degree ocean-view private villas, equipped with a jacuzzi on each balcony. Butler service and global fusion cuisine awaits every guest.
A little further down south at Station Three is San Lorenzo Resort. Our faultless hosts from Asian Spirit, sales executive Henry Gadin and Robert Crisolo of Nautica Tours, who meticulously arranged our to-dream-for accommodations and our hassle-free land transfers, could not say enough about their respective exquisite rooms that use only local materials in natural colors.
My home for the weekend was the unforgettable Regency Beach Resort, a world of its own. How can I ever forget the sight of the famous coastline from the balcony. Depending on your frame of mind, the property has a business center for those who somehow can’t shake off work.
All too soon my fin de semana came to a close. But not before a paseo through D’ Mall, which continuous to be full of surprises through the years. I must admit though that the nightlife was perhaps a little subdued this particular time of year. But the Boracay spirit is still so much alive. With some luck, it still will be when I return – for there are lots and lots of other places I want to explore. Say, Station Two?