Known for its powdery white sands and aquamarine waters, the island of Boracay in the Philippines is regularly ranked among the world’s best. Apart from the colourful markets and bustle of the island’s popular white beach is a tranquil nature reserve on Boracay’s northern tip.
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa offers an exceptional level of luxury for well-heeled travellers looking to indulge in a slice of paradise. The property is designed with modern sensibilities expressed in indigenous materials, from the abaca weave rugs to the accent lighting made of local capiz shells. Marrying luxury and comfort with a reverence for nature, the 12-hectare resort encompasses 219 rooms and suites including 36 villas, comprehensive leisure facilities, 350 meters of secluded beach front and a thriving ecosystem of diverse, even rare, flora and fauna.
The expansive property houses some of the country’s most indulgent and stylish accommodations. As a guest, your villa becomes your own vacation home. If you’re celebrating with a special someone splurge on the Beach Villa, a bungalow in a 266- square meter property featuring private lap pool, gazebo for outdoor dining, outdoor shower, and daybeds for relaxation. It’s the only accommodation at the resort located at the beachfront with direct access to the Banyugan beach.
Surrender your senses to the calming scents, sounds and strokes for invigorating harmony and balance. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La embraces a holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being, inspired by Asian healing philosophies. Covering 5,517 square meters, the sprawling CHI, The Spa Village offers ten private villas, each with bathing facilities, a steam room and a private garden. Relax in the swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool amidst the calm of verdant greens. Pamper yourself to treatments that will rejuvenate and revitalize the body, mind, and spirit.
Enjoy diverse options for leisure with a selection of recreational activities, whether in or out of water. Start the day enjoying the pristine blue waters at the resort’s private beachfronts. For the adventurous, try island-hopping, kayaking, windsurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing or kiteboarding.
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa has one of the country’s largest free-form swimming pools, set amidst lush landscaped gardens and water fountains. After heating up in the midday sun enjoy a thirst quench under frothing fish fountains before hopping up at Alon poolside bar for an ice cold beer.
The diving around Boracay is world renowned with nearly two dozen dive sites. Scotty’s Dive Centre is located a short stroll from the Shangri-La’s jetty and offers private scuba and snorkel tours for guests keen to explore life under the deep blue sea. We motored around the island on a traditional Banka Boat for a three hour snorkel tour which had us smiling at a choir of tropical fish at three unique coral reefs.
Each morning guests at the Shangri-La skip through Boracay’s most luxurious brunch buffet at Vintana Restaurant. The resort’s all-day dining outlet features fresh salads, serious sushi, long line of steaming Asian dishes, massive French pastry table featuring 9 varieties of honey, juice bar and smirk inducing donut wall.
Down at the main pool, you’ll find Cielo Restaurant, a perfect spot to enjoy a light lunch after a morning spent soaking up the sun on the beach. Dine al fresco in the cabanas situated around the swimming pool area, and have a quick bite of Italian lovers pizza and pasta while sipping on a frothy, rum-spiked Pina Colada.
For a more dramatic setting, stroll up to Solana Bar located by the resort’s scenic cliff side. Gather for drinks around the fire pit, or lounge in a cabana and watch the sun disappear over the horizon. Fun and refreshing cocktails along with an Asian tapas-inspired menu are a perfect way to bid the day adieu.
If you’re keen on treating yourself to an unforgettable feast hop on a buggy and zoom up to the resort’s posh Mediterranean inspired Rima. The intimate restaurant is located in the treetops, amidst the resort’s lush greenery. The fantastic view from the elevated area, coupled with the warm lighting of the restaurant, sets a mood that spells “romance me!”
