A WEEK AT THE SHANGRI-LA RESORT, BORACAY14 min read

BORACAY

THE PHILIPPINES SERIES PT1

I thought there would be no better way for my parents and sister to finish their trip than a week at the Shangri-La Resort, Boracay, an idyllic island in the Philippines.

A Week at the Shangri-La Resort, Boracay

I decided on Boracay as it had everything—white sandy beaches, nightlife, and plenty of luxury. At the Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, they would have all the facilities they needed. They weren’t used to living the way I do on the road, so this resort would definitely keep them happy, and it did!

WHERE IS BORACAY?

Boracay is a small island in the centre of the Philippines, just a short flight south of Manila. It’s famous for its white sand beaches, clear blue water, and laid-back island vibe. The island is part of the province of Aklan and is only about seven kilometres long, so it’s easy to get around.

To reach it, most people fly into Caticlan or Kalibo, then take a short boat ride over to the island. For those staying at the Shangri-La Resort Boracay, it’s tucked away at the northern end of the island, far enough from the crowds but close enough if you want to visit the busier side.

A week at the Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boracay

Manila Stopover

Due to the connecting flights, we stayed at the Henry Hotel in Manila for a night. It was a bizarrely spacious hotel for being in one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

I still remember my first impression of Manila, while literally only driving through it. I wasn’t impressed and thought it would be the last place I’d enjoy. How wrong I was.

A week at the Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boracay

ARRIVAL

The airport that serves Boracay is actually on another, larger island adjacent to it. From there, you can only reach Boracay by boat. It was here that we first became aware of the luxury this trip would bring.

We were collected at the airport, handed over our bags to the driver, and made our way to a private boat terminal where we were greeted with drinks and wet towels. We didn’t see our bags again until we arrived in our room, which was amazing and almost reminded me of Fiji.

From here, we boarded a private boat and could see the passenger boat across the port, which looked more like an old container ship!

The resort sat at the far end of the island, offering stunning views of Boracay and its beaches. We passed Manny Pacquiao’s hotel (allegedly), West Cove, which was built on the side of a cliff, before arriving at the Boracay Shangri-La Hotel, which had an entire peninsula to itself.

A week at the Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boracay

Tips for First-Time Travellers to Boracay

If it’s your first time on the island, I’d suggest a few things to make the most of it. Fly into Caticlan if you can it’s closer and saves some travel time. Bring some cash for small vendors, but the Shangri-La Resort Boracay has everything you need once you arrive.

Don’t just stick to the resort; rent a bike or take a short boat trip to explore other beaches. White Beach is busy but iconic, while Puka Shell Beach is quieter and worth a visit. Finally, plan for at least a week. You’ll need it to soak up the sun, the sea, and the luxury of a week at the Shangri-La Resort, Boracay, without rushing.

Facilities at the Shangri-La Resort Boracay

The Shangri-La Resort Boracay has so much to offer that it was impossible to enjoy it all during our stay, from the basics, such as a gym and spa, to every imaginable water sport, and even access to the local golf course, where my dad and I played with two local caddies.

The course itself isn’t much to talk about, but it was nice to say we played out here.

There are also plenty of restaurants, so you won’t be sitting in the same place three times a day for the entire week. The Mediterranean treetop restaurant was as good as any I’ve been to, but the nicest was the seafood clifftop restaurant overlooking much of the resort.

Breakfast is served in a different room, and it was my first experience of a proper five-star buffet, a far cry from what I’d been eating over the past few months!

Exploring Boracay

As I can never seem to sit still on holidays, I rented a dirt bike and explored the island. I was clearly charged more for it due to where I was staying, but I didn’t realise that until a few weeks later, once I had rented a few more bikes on other islands.

A week at the Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boracay

This would become my routine for the next three months around the Philippines: find an island, rent a bike, and just drive around.

Boracay is stunning, there’s no denying that, but it’s slightly more developed than I prefer. When it comes to islands and beaches, I like them rustic and as far off the beaten path as possible.

A week at the Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boracay

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Shangrila resort, Boracay, was a great start to my Philippines adventure and the cherry on top for my family before they set off home. A week at the Shangri-La Resort, Boracay was the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and breathtaking island scenery.

If you ever find yourself in the Philippines, Shangri-La Boracay is the kind of place that turns a simple getaway into an unforgettable experience.

NEXT UP

Onto Malapascua, a proper paradise island for some shark diving. Click to read.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This is episode 1 of The Philippines Series. Click to view view more.