There has been so much written about the beauty of Boracay, but the fact is, no words can do it justice. Let’s just put it this way—I have never turned down an invite to go to the island and I have no intention to start anytime soon. When I got invited to try out one of the newest resorts of the Boracay Regency Group—known for their Boracay Regency Resort—I packed my bags as soon as I put the phone down.
On the day itself I woke up at 4am and made my way to the Domestic airport to catch my 6am flight with Seair. Personally, I believe that Seair is undoubtedly the best airline to take when going to Boracay. They provide the fastest flights to Caticlan, and spare you the tedious two-hour drive from the alternative Kalibo airport. Many people have a fear of small planes, but I personally love them and with Seair, the flights are usually fast, on time, and comfortable.
At 6:50 a.m., I had landed on the island and was a mere 20 minutes away from the beach. At the airport, I was met by a Regency representative and was whisked away on a private, air-conditioned van to the port, where I was then transferred to the resort’s exclusive fast-craft. All fees were included in the transfer and the representatives took care of all my bags and worries. After a fifteen-minute ride along the Boracay highway, I arrived in the Boracay Garden Resort, the newest member of the Boracay Regency Group.
The latest acquisition of the Boracay Regency Group used to be Hotel Seraph, a Korean-owned resort that catered to families and couples. Strategically located in the middle of Station Two, the two-hectare resort is able to provide guests easy access to all the hot bars, restaurants, and stores that Station Two is known for, while its sprawling architecture affords guests the peace and quiet for when they want to relax. I found the hotel to be kitschy-cute, its design an endearing take on Mediterranean style. Greek god statues mingle with dolphin and angel fountains scattered all over the resort’s massive pools; massive columns give way to candy-colored slides and playgrounds. Although the hotel decor may be due for some sprucing up, it is still deemed a luxury hotel, as it is classed under the triple A category.
I was billeted in one of the hotel’s Premiere Rooms (P5,600+ and P6,800+ with pool access). The room was spacious enough for a family and although the wallpaper and some of the fixtures were a little dated, it was still pretty and had several upscale amenities, like an overstuffed queen-sized bed, separate shower area and tub (with a view at that!), and my personal favorite: the view from the sliding glass doors, which opens up to the pool and my own private lounge area! These rooms are a godsend for when the beach becomes too crowded during the peak season.
The resort is also positioning itself as a well-being resort by creating a health-conscious cuisine and showcasing their fully-equipped fitness center. Keeping healthy was relatively easy for me this time, which is not usually the case when I am in Boracay where happy hour beckons in almost every bar and lip-smacking restaurants abound. I enjoyed many of the recommended “healthy” dishes on the resort’s menu, particularly the pan-seared scallop (with ponzu vinaigrette and shitake mushrooms) and the seafood crepe (with white wine cream sauce). In lieu of cocktails, I instead consumed an almost ungodly amount of fruit shakes. Not only did I keep up with the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, but the mixture of fresh fruit and ice helped beat the heat.
Breakfast in the hotel is served in a large open area called the Cafe Garden. The usual omelette station, unlimited bacon, and fruit juices were available. Like most hotels in the area, the breakfast is a mix of local, Korean, American, and continental cuisines.
If you can bear the sun, you can also have your meals in the outdoor area, near the pools. For the sun-conscious, eat there during dinner when the sea breeze comes out and so you can admire the blue glow of the pools and the lit-up statues. The food served is inventive Filipino-fusion and the servings are plentiful. If a whole day spent frolicking under the sun hasn’t left you famished, you should opt to split some of your dishes with a friend.
I spent rolling around the sand with friends and members from the media group. We capped off the night with a relaxing massage at the Kai spa. This place is gorgeous, and is one the top spas in the island. It was very luxurious and richly decorated in the oriental style. After filling up a form, I was led to the locker room to change into the robes. Then it was to the tea/lounge room where I almost fell asleep thanks to the chairs and the soothing sounds. The massage was done in a private room, where I had my own bathroom and change area. The masseuse carefully explained each step, telling me how it cleanses and soothes my senses. A gentle gong sounded to signal the start of the massage. How good was it? Well I fell asleep. It seemed like an eternity until the masseuse gently woke me up. My body felt limber, with all the kinks smoothed away. I was ready to sleep there and would have, had I not been served spicy ginger tea and cookies. Walking back to the resort, I felt as though as I was floating.
The trip back to Manila was as smooth as the massage. The Regency representatives took care of everything, and as I was bidding them goodbye, my brain was already ticking, wondering when I would book my next flight back.
Boracay Garden Resort is located at Station 2, Balabag Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. Call (6336) 288-6672 to 76 or e-mail resort@boracaygarden.com.ph. Visit http://www.boracaygarden.com.ph
On the day itself I woke up at 4am and made my way to the Domestic airport to catch my 6am flight with Seair. Personally, I believe that Seair is undoubtedly the best airline to take when going to Boracay. They provide the fastest flights to Caticlan, and spare you the tedious two-hour drive from the alternative Kalibo airport. Many people have a fear of small planes, but I personally love them and with Seair, the flights are usually fast, on time, and comfortable.
At 6:50 a.m., I had landed on the island and was a mere 20 minutes away from the beach. At the airport, I was met by a Regency representative and was whisked away on a private, air-conditioned van to the port, where I was then transferred to the resort’s exclusive fast-craft. All fees were included in the transfer and the representatives took care of all my bags and worries. After a fifteen-minute ride along the Boracay highway, I arrived in the Boracay Garden Resort, the newest member of the Boracay Regency Group.
The latest acquisition of the Boracay Regency Group used to be Hotel Seraph, a Korean-owned resort that catered to families and couples. Strategically located in the middle of Station Two, the two-hectare resort is able to provide guests easy access to all the hot bars, restaurants, and stores that Station Two is known for, while its sprawling architecture affords guests the peace and quiet for when they want to relax. I found the hotel to be kitschy-cute, its design an endearing take on Mediterranean style. Greek god statues mingle with dolphin and angel fountains scattered all over the resort’s massive pools; massive columns give way to candy-colored slides and playgrounds. Although the hotel decor may be due for some sprucing up, it is still deemed a luxury hotel, as it is classed under the triple A category.
I was billeted in one of the hotel’s Premiere Rooms (P5,600+ and P6,800+ with pool access). The room was spacious enough for a family and although the wallpaper and some of the fixtures were a little dated, it was still pretty and had several upscale amenities, like an overstuffed queen-sized bed, separate shower area and tub (with a view at that!), and my personal favorite: the view from the sliding glass doors, which opens up to the pool and my own private lounge area! These rooms are a godsend for when the beach becomes too crowded during the peak season.
The resort is also positioning itself as a well-being resort by creating a health-conscious cuisine and showcasing their fully-equipped fitness center. Keeping healthy was relatively easy for me this time, which is not usually the case when I am in Boracay where happy hour beckons in almost every bar and lip-smacking restaurants abound. I enjoyed many of the recommended “healthy” dishes on the resort’s menu, particularly the pan-seared scallop (with ponzu vinaigrette and shitake mushrooms) and the seafood crepe (with white wine cream sauce). In lieu of cocktails, I instead consumed an almost ungodly amount of fruit shakes. Not only did I keep up with the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, but the mixture of fresh fruit and ice helped beat the heat.
Breakfast in the hotel is served in a large open area called the Cafe Garden. The usual omelette station, unlimited bacon, and fruit juices were available. Like most hotels in the area, the breakfast is a mix of local, Korean, American, and continental cuisines.
If you can bear the sun, you can also have your meals in the outdoor area, near the pools. For the sun-conscious, eat there during dinner when the sea breeze comes out and so you can admire the blue glow of the pools and the lit-up statues. The food served is inventive Filipino-fusion and the servings are plentiful. If a whole day spent frolicking under the sun hasn’t left you famished, you should opt to split some of your dishes with a friend.
I spent rolling around the sand with friends and members from the media group. We capped off the night with a relaxing massage at the Kai spa. This place is gorgeous, and is one the top spas in the island. It was very luxurious and richly decorated in the oriental style. After filling up a form, I was led to the locker room to change into the robes. Then it was to the tea/lounge room where I almost fell asleep thanks to the chairs and the soothing sounds. The massage was done in a private room, where I had my own bathroom and change area. The masseuse carefully explained each step, telling me how it cleanses and soothes my senses. A gentle gong sounded to signal the start of the massage. How good was it? Well I fell asleep. It seemed like an eternity until the masseuse gently woke me up. My body felt limber, with all the kinks smoothed away. I was ready to sleep there and would have, had I not been served spicy ginger tea and cookies. Walking back to the resort, I felt as though as I was floating.
The trip back to Manila was as smooth as the massage. The Regency representatives took care of everything, and as I was bidding them goodbye, my brain was already ticking, wondering when I would book my next flight back.Boracay Garden Resort is located at Station 2, Balabag Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. Call (6336) 288-6672 to 76 or e-mail resort@boracaygarden.com.ph. Visit http://www.boracaygarden.com.ph
