The Other Side of Boracay

I had mixed feelings when I read recently that Boracay was named as the top beach destination by the Travel + Leisure Magazine. Having just visited the island a couple of weeks ago for a 3-day business trip, I was actually disappointed when I saw the stretch of Stations 1 to 3 now fully dotted with commercial establishments and teeming with quite a number of tourists on what is supposedly an off-peak season. While this is a boon for our travel industry and local business owners, it dampened my soul a bit as I looked forward to a less crowded island in July.

Luckily, we were billeted at the Sol Marina Boracay Resort located in Baling-hai Beach in the northwestern portion of the island. This was the former Club Panoly Resort and the property is now owned and managed by the same company which owns Zest Air. Already, plans are underway to build a 500-room structure to maximize the vast property.

With the elite and classy Shangrila Resort as its neighbor, the resort's beach cove remains pristine and exclusive. And this for me is what Boracay is all about. 

I felt like I was transported to paradise when I saw the wide expanse of sand still unencumbered with commercial developments. I hope that this remains as it is for travelers like me who enjoy nature's undisturbed glory. There were moments when I had this whole unspoiled beach all to myself and those were pure bliss.

Henna Tattoos

After a few hours in Boracay, my eldest daughter turned to me and asked permission if she could get a henna tattoo. In my attempt to be a cool mom, I acquiesced and said I wanted one too!

We scoured the stalls offering henna tattoo services from Station 3 to 1,  in search of the design we wanted. After much thought, we settled somewhere near Station 1 and had ourselves inked:

mother and daughter bonding with henna tattoo

I had a difficult time choosing the design. In the end, the artist drew a freehand design on my back:

my tattoo up close, cost: PhP 100

As soon as my two younger girls saw us, they wanted to get inked too! The next night, they chose their own designs and happily paraded their tattoos:

Zoe's demure tattoo, cost: PhP 70

7-year old Fiona's tattoo, cost: PhP 70

The henna tattoos lasted a good two weeks before they completely faded. When we got the tattoos, we were instructed to wait an hour to dry the ink, wash it with soap and water, and blot the ink with tissue. I did exactly that and found some ink on the tissue and I had to wash it again with soap and water. After the second washing, there were no more traces of ink on the tissue which made it stain-proof on the bed sheets and towels.

The experience of getting temporary tattoos left us not only with souvenirs on our skin but more so, it made us feel the carefree vibe of Boracay. 

Glorious Sunset in Boracay

The Boracay sunset is truly a picturesque and must-see attraction. As the sun goes down on the horizon, an orange glow is cast over land, sea and sky. 

Sunset cruises aboard the paraw (sailboats) are offered and I could just imagine being in the midst of the sun, sea and sky seemingly afire.

As twilight beckons, people revel on the shore, savoring that last luminescence of the sun.

The Casa Pilar Beach Resort in Boracay

beach front facade of Casa Pilar

The Casa Pilar Beach Resort in Station 3, Boracay was a welcome respite to the summer crowds of the island. The resort is mostly composed of native structures but did not lack modern amenities. Guests may choose from a variety of room types ranging from Fan rooms, Standard, Superior and DeLuxe. A total of 69 rooms are sprawled across the vast property, giving guests ample space and privacy.

serenity a few steps away from the beach

cottages

structure which houses the Standard rooms

row of Superior rooms

During the time when we made our reservations, we were told that the DeLuxe rooms were fully-booked, so we "settled" for a Superior room. We were assured that the room and bed sizes were similar and that the only difference was a refrigerator in the DeLuxe room.

interior of a Superior room: 1 single and 1 double sized beds

basic comforts of the toilet and bath 

While it was a tight squeeze for our family, having 2 adults and kids ages 15, 11 and 7, we more than managed with the room. We were quite contented with the air-conditioner, cable television, hot and cold shower and WiFi internet (shameless plug!). What was a bit of a hassle though was the absence of room service as there were no house phones inside the rooms so we had to walk all the way to the restaurant at the entrance of the hotel for our morning requisite cup of coffee. We took our cups back to the porch outside our room (which was about a 3 minute walk) and enjoyed the serenity of the resort. 

I must say that the staff's courteous and friendly demeanor, not to mention their patience with us, was commendable as our girls left the key inside the room on 2 instances.  

the resort's beach front bar and restaurant

Breakfast was basic, with Filipino and Continental types to choose from. We loved the tocino (cured pork) which was on the sweet side and perfect for our girls. 

The bar and restaurant was open until about midnight, and the staff set up tables and chairs by the beach at night where local artists played the acoustics to entertain some of the guests.

For budget-conscious travelers who wish to savor the slow and laid-back pace of Station 3, Casa Pilar Beach Resort is a nice and excellent choice as it offers a spacious sanctuary with traditional Filipino cottages combined with the warm Filipino brand of hospitality.

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Casa Pilar Beach Resort Boracay

Station 3, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

Telephone Number: (63 36) 288.3073

Telefax: (63 36) 288.3202

Website: www.casapilarhotel.com (under construction at the time of this post)

Email: casa_pilar@yahoo.com

The Boracay Sands Hotel

The Boracay Sands Hotel was our haven in the paradise island of Boracay. Located at Station 3, it was a good distance away from the crowd and bright lights of the island's hub that is D'Mall (or Station 2 for that matter). Travelers who long for a bit of respite from any semblance of cityscape would love the quiet spot of the Boracay Sands which is but a few steps away from the beach.

The Boracay Sands Hotel at Staion 3

The hotel boasts of a Mediterranean theme, with arches greeting guests from the entrance to the whole courtyard, the center of which was an indoor pool.

indoor pool

indoor pool at night

When we were ushered to our room, I appreciated this nice touch:

a sea shell on our room number

Our room was tastefully furnished, with mostly shades of brown in a variety of textures. I felt instantly enveloped in the warmth exuded by the finishings.

DeLuxe Room

The bathroom was nice and modern.

toilet and bath

In the course of our stay, the hotel staff were gracious and never failed to greet the guests. They were also accommodating and were well trained to please the mostly Korean tourists. Somehow, I felt proud of  the Filipino brand of hospitality.

With amenities that could give the five-star hotels a run for their money, coupled with warm and friendly staff, the Boracay Sands Hotel is one simple but luxurious hotel and guests would truly emerge as recharged and relaxed. We will definitely be back!

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Boracay Sands Hotel

Station 3, Sitio Manggayad

Manoc-manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

Telephone numbers: (+63 36) 288 4966 to 67

Website: www.boracaysandshotel.com

A Photoblog: Eat, Pray, Love ... in Boracay

Boracay in Habagat Season

EAT. Pray. LOVE.

This was pretty much what HB and I did in Boracay amidst the rain showers, howling winds and strong waves. Can't say it was a bummer as we did the best we could and truly, truly enjoyed ourselves.

Eat:

Jonah's - famous for its fruit shakes, also offered meals 

Surf and Turf Set Meal: 
Beef Steak and Garlic Shrimps
with salad, fresh fruit slices

Smoke Resto - near D' Mall Palengke - 
continue to serve good affordable meals.
A better alternative to Andok's and Mang Inasal. 

Lechon Kawali

Prawns in Garlic and Butter Sauce

Eskinita Barbecue - cheap and quick grilled food

Red Pirates Pub - located almost at the end of Station 3,
away from the bright lights and crowd of D' Mall 

My choice of drink - Absolute Vodka and Sprite

Breakfast Buffet at the Sands Hotel

Jammers - found at the entrance of D' Mall

Jammers' Classic Cheese Burger

Cake Selection from Cafe del Sol - also located at the entrance of D' Mall

Cafe del Sol's best seller - Mango Cheese Cake

Pray:

mementos of our trip - rosaries made of shells

Love:

sweet entanglement on the shore of Boracay Island