A new year and a new haven for stylish Boracay

It’s the start of another year and to say I am looking forward to 2008 is a huge understatement. I am really looking forward to another 365 days of family, love, laughter and friends… as well as sunny, relaxing and fun days on the beach. I usually have my New Year’s celebration on the beautiful shores of Bora, though this year, due to special family considerations, I opted to postpone my yearly beach trek to stay in quiet Manila and spend the holiday with those closest to my heart. It was one of the best New Year’s eves I have ever had. Now, though, as summer looms on the horizon, I am definitely planning on spending more of my time on my favorite sandy island. And that, my friends, is where The Tides comes in.

If you haven’t heard of The Tides in Boracay by now, then you must be living under a rock. Time to come out and enjoy the hippest new addition to the fabulous resorts that make up the sandy stretches of Bora. The Tides is the brainchild of hip, hot mavericks Erik Cua and Stephen Ku, together with their partners Chef Fernando Aracama, Robby Carmona, Tim Yap, Juan Elizalde, GP Reyes, Jerry Garcia and Iza Calzado. This dynamic young team spared no expense in showcasing what the future will bring Bora as The Tides opens its doors.

The Tides is located at the heart of D’Mall in central Boracay and is but a few steps away from the main road and the famous white beach. It is strategically positioned near all the key establishments such as restaurants, the drug store, the grocery, bars and boutiques, offering you all the relaxation of the beach with the fun luxuries of everything you could ever need. It is a uniquely designed themed designer hotel that offers exceptional and personalized service. The hotel is composed of 60 stylishly designed rooms (they’re gorgeous!) offering plasma televisions and cable, safety deposit boxes, in-room DVD service (by request), complimentary WiFi access, in-room and roof-deck spa services, and delicious mouth-watering food created by Tides’ co-owner, chef Aracama. It’s a veritable paradise within paradise and its doors are finally open.

Tides held its grand launch last year with a huge party befitting its splendor. First, Havaianas, one of their launch partners, welcomed guests by giving them each a limited-edition pair of flip-flops. The guest list included a plethora of celebrities, models, and media friends flown in via Seair’s 35-minute flight. Then, Tides’ co-owner Aracama — one of Manila’s culinary geniuses — treated guests to a gastronomic all-day buffet feast. They were likewise given free signature massages and other pampering services.

On the afternoon of the first day, serving as an amuse bouche for the festivities to come was a chill-out cocktail party at Solstice, the Miami-style roof-deck pool lounge of The Tides. This segued into a “Beach (James) Bond” themed party with DJ Johnny Verse serving up the music. With the Grey Goose Martini as the signature drink for the night, girls clad in their “Bond Girl” cutout swimsuits and guys working their best dapper versions of the British super spy were unquestionably settled into the island vibe.

Seeking to own the “Boracay sunset,” The Tides also launched Bacardi Ditch Fridays at the Tides, a weekly sunset party to be held at the hotel for the next three months. Stephen Ku, resident party guru for The Tides, described this new Friday experience as “a perfect way to chill and unwind while watching the sunset from another point of view. It’s a totally new Boracay experience.”

On the following day, two big parties were held simultaneously at the sundeck and at the atrium. Several mini parties were likewise held in the different themed rooms. Livening up the night was the main launch party, aptly called “The Golden Tides.” It was a party like no other with the sunset as a perfect backdrop. Everyone looked glamorous in their gold-accented resort wear which highlighted even more the guests’ freshly tanned skin. As a befitting toast to a truly prestigious evening, flowing everywhere was Mumm Champagne, the bubbly of the night. Tim Yap led the partners in raising their glasses to thank everyone followed by a spectacular fireworks display that set the mood for even further merriment. Only the most soulful house music from the Philippine’s No. 1 DJ, Manolet Dario, was blasting through the air as the party continued into the wee hours.

Additionally, the new iconic mobile phone, Motorola RAZR2, was also a key accessory for this hip Boracay crowd. While touring The Tides, guests were treated to delightful surprises by solving Moto riddles highlighting RAZR2 features. Those who were able to try the MOTORAZR2 were thrilled by the phone’s incredible new level of mobile performance and stronger, sleeker design. And as if that wasn’t enough, Globe Platinum added its own touch of style by launching an exclusive travel delight for the discriminating few. Taking center stage in the offer is The Tides Hotel where new Globe Platinum subscribers can indulge in a complimentary three-day, two-night stay and roundtrip airfare courtesy of Seair.

And as a final, lavish touch, guests returned to their rooms carrying limited-edition beach bags containing amazing gifts from the hotel and its partners. The bags were specially designed by one of The Tide Hotel’s most loyal patrons, esteemed Philippine fashion designer, Puey Quiñones. Indeed, the truly lavish launch of The Tides was a perfect showcase for the newest, hottest, Boracay 2008 destination! See you there!

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For booking inquiries you may call 726-6165, 722-9200 or 725-3411 or e-mail tidesreservation@gmail.com. The Tides office is located at 204 Wilson St., San Juan. Visit www.tidesboracay.com.