Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay will continue to work tirelessly to create a sustainable future for Boracay, ensuring that visitors are able to enjoy this idyllic island for many generations to come.
There were so many places in the past that I wished I could go back to. One of those was Boracay Island where I have experienced its pristine beauty in its heyday. The white and powdery sand, which with the almost azure color of the ocean and palm trees provided a beautiful combination and a sense of being in paradise. I was saddened when its natural allure got damaged, characterized with filthy water and environmental issues. Following the recent six-month closure of the island, I was delighted to be back to this idyllic nirvana.
Upon arrival at the Caticlan-Boracay Airport, we were escorted to Caticlan port where a boat whisked us to Boracay island. In less than 30 minutes, we reached the last port where a shuttle service took us directly to Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, our gracious, upscale resort host for this trip. The tropical beachfront paradise nestled at Punta Bunga Cove has reopened to guests to experience this exquisite destination’s newly-restored magnificence.
Escape into indulgence
The planned itinerary was light and easy. On day one, we had our sumptuous lunch at Ssäm, which combines innovative Asian cuisine, plus a fresh sushi and sashimi bar. A relaxing break at The Café, a cozy retreat for irresistible cakes, signature sandwiches, teas, coffees and Chocolate Hour, was enjoyable, too!
Night time was made special with a welcome dinner and cocktails at Sol Marina Beach Club hosted by Movenpick’s affable general manager Andre Brulhart and his team, Grace Agatep and Pia De Villa. The seafood dinner was superb complimented with happy conversation on sundry topics.
“It is wonderful to be able to welcome guests back to Boracay,” commented Andre Brulhart. “With our private beach on the island’s northern tip, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay did not have the same issues as the rest of the island, but we are happy with the overall impact of the island’s closure. Our amazing team is ready and waiting to provide guests with unsurpassed experiences here in Boracay.”
After dinner, we stayed a bit longer at Sol Marina Beach Club to chill out and soak up the natural beauty of Boracay. It has nice collection of sun loungers and cabanas - great for sipping cool cocktails and gazing out over the calming seas during the night. A heart-warming catch up with a former colleague who happened to be in the same trip added fun to our stay.
The next day, we had our breakfast at The Market, a bright and vibrant international restaurant that serves delectable daily buffet breakfasts and global à la carte dishes for lunch and dinner. We then went to the main beach to see how it looks like post-rehabilitation. We were like kids excited to walk on the beach with its powdery white sand shore and crystal-clear waters. Then, it was lunch at Brezza, which offers authentic Italian cuisine, including the fastest hand-made pizzas on the island, baked in a wood-fired oven imported direct from Napoli (Naples), Italy. It has been nicknamed “The Beast,” accompanied by a wide selection of Italian “aperitivo” and fine wines.
We then headed for spa treatment at the resort later that afternoon. I opted for the 90-minute Sagay Regenerating Ritual, inspired from sagay (shell) true essence of a protective layer role. Sagay Spa’s Signature Massage incorporates sagay’s richness in calcium that can be absorbed by the body through heat and essential oils, leaving your skin moisturized and smoother.
Best-tasting grilled food was served for dinner at a very exclusive presidential villa of the resort. The night was full of great stories -- ranging from alma mater reunion, politics, food, entertainment, and of course, feedback and insights from various people on Boracay re-opening. Brulhart believes that as hoteliers, they have a duty to preserve their destination and create benefits for the entire local community.
Our last day was a “me-time” moment to experience the hotel amenities before flying back to Manila. I felt the comfort of home inside my bright, contemporary-designed room, one of the resort’s 312 rooms and suites, and where I saw the views of the tropical gardens and shimmering sea.
After a morning swim at the spectacular pool, I cooled off at the tropical Pool Bar, with its choice of shady private cabanas and a sunken swim-up bar.
Needless to say, Movenpick Boracay has a diverse collection of F&B outlets to provide outstanding dining experiences, from romantic couples’ meals to fun-filled family feasts and bountiful banquets. Little Birds Club and playground are available also for younger guests. Event organizers can host unforgettable occasions among several venues, including indoor meeting rooms and an outdoor wedding space.
This and more made my paradise escape an unforgettable experience. For more information about Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, please visit www.movenpick.com/en/asia/philippines/boracay/resort-spa-boracay.
By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo
Comments