How to experience the full bliss of Boracay
Exploring the island's must-see sights and experiences
By Poch Eulalia
At A Glance
- Even introverts will find themselves dancing and cheering along with everybody else when boarding the party yacht.
FEEL THE SAND Boracay is best known for its white sand.
Boracay is often touted as one of the best beach destinations in the country, and with every place we’ve gone through, it’s easy to see why.
One weekend might not sound enough to go through the island’s sights, but it’s certainly enough to check out some of its must-see destinations and experiences. Here are the places we checked out during our memorable stay.
RIGHT AT HOME Azalea Hotels and Residences has over 284 rooms, ideal for families and barkadas.
NICE AND COZY Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay's Deluxe Room
SUNSET VIEW The hotel's roofdeck pool offers a pleasant view of the sunset and the shoreline.
Where we stayed
During our weekend getaway, we stayed at the Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay. It’s a cozy spot in Station 2, and just a short walk away from the beach. There are various room options available (Deluxe Hotel Room, One-Bedroom Holiday Apartment, Two-Bedroom Holiday Apartment, Three-Bedroom Holiday Apartment), with each being spacious and having a homely vibe to it. It’s ideal for family vacations and barkada trips. For chow, there’s a Kuya J restaurant that also serves as the venue’s breakfast buffet option. In the late afternoon, the roofdeck swimming pool also offers a remarkable view of the sunset and the nearby shoreline.
Full mind and body relaxation
When on vacation, it’s best to release stress. One visit to Tirta Spa is enough to make you feel rejuvenated throughout your stay. From its entrance alone, you already feel as if you’re being transported to another place, with its pathway practically screaming “The White Lotus.” For the full body massage, there are three oils they let you choose from (sampaguita, ylang-ylang, and eucalyptus), and each offers different sensations when applied. Our two-hour full-body and foot massage session went by so fast, but it left us feeling like we had entered the state of Nirvana. Both mind and soul feel cleansed after the session.
Island-hopping adventure
No beach vacation is complete without an island-hopping adventure. Just a 10 to 20-minute boat ride away from Boracay, you can find yourself at Crystal Cove. Here, you’ll encounter picturesque spots perfect for your socials. There are also cave systems you can explore and even swim in, if the weather permits.
Ending with a party like no other
On your final night in Boracay, what better way to spend it than partying like there’s no tomorrow? That’s precisely the experience provided by the Red Whale Boracay Party Yacht. Even introverts will find themselves dancing and cheering along with everybody else when boarding the party yacht. There’s a free flow of drinks, and the staff make sure everyone is having a grand time all throughout. Aside from the partying, there are stops where you can go snorkeling and kayaking to enjoy the water at a leisurely pace. For those who yearn for adrenaline, there’s also a part of the boat you can freedive from or a slide to speed right into the water. You’ll also find yourself holding on for dear life once they start up the speedboat experience. As you sail back, the party amps it up to 11 as a non-stop dance party and watergun splash-fest ensues as the yacht makes its way back to the shore. Overall, it’s an exciting end to one’s blissful stay in Boaracy.