Image: Discovery Shores Boracay
The shutdown of its tourism activities did not make Boracay a forgotten destination. In fact, its rehabilitation gave travelers more reasons to see the “new Boracay.” Come October 26, one of the world’s best islands will finally open its doors to the world again.
Following its six-month rehabilitation, change will be evident in every corner of the island. More than the physical change, stricter rules will also be implemented. Part of which is ensuring that only compliant businesses will be allowed to operate when the island reopens.
We listed some of them to guide you in your next Boracay visit [1]. Check out our list and plan your next Boracay escapade with these accommodations in mind.
1. Hue Hotel
Hue Hotel’s double-deck Jacuzzi pool bar.
Image: Hue Hotel
Hue Hotel in Station 2 is part of the first 25 compliant establishments published by the Department of Tourism (DOT) [2]. The hotel, located along the main road in Station 2, has 122 rooms. Though it just opened in September last year, the hotel is already making a buzz for its distinct circular shape. It also has a circular pool area with its own double-deck jacuzzi pool bar. It also has its own all-day restaurant, a spa, and a fitness center. The hotel is also known as home to Station X, a lifestyle complex filled with restaurants, bars, and boutique.
2. Boracay Haven Suites and Boracay Haven Resort
Cool down at Boracay Haven Suites’ swimming pool after a tiring day.
Image: Boracay Haven Suites
Boracay Haven Suites and Boracay Haven Resort are both parts of Club Haven Group of Hotels. Boracay Haven Suites, located along the main road in Station 1, has 82 luxury rooms. Boracay Haven Resort, which has 63 rooms, is located along the beachfront in Station 2. Both establishments have restaurants, bars, spas, swimming pools and private lounge areas. If you wanna have more time enjoying instead of planning, they also help to arrange airport transfer and island activities for their guests [3].
3. Casa Pilar Beach Resort
You can find Casa Pilar at the White Beach in Station 3.
Image: Casa Pilar Beach Resort
Casa Pilar Beach Resort at the Station 3 beachfront is one of the establishments that has remained open even during the closure. So no wonder, it is also among those that will open in October. Casa Pilar has 82 rooms guests can choose from. They also house Café Nutella and a restaurant serving Filipino and international cuisines. If you wanna skip the beach, they also have a pool inside the resort. They also have a function room for meetings and a pavilion that can host up to 300 people [4].
4. Nigi Nigi Nu Noos ‘e’ Nu Nu Noos Beach Resort
One of the Polynesian-style cottage hidden in paradise at Nigi Nigi.
Image: Nigi Nigi
Another beachfront resort that is allowed on the Boracay reopening is Nigi Nigi Nu Noos ‘e’ Nu Nu Noos Beach Resort, more known as Nigi Nigi. Being one of the first resorts in the island, it is easy to spot at the beachfront in Station 2. The resort houses 34 rooms scattered in its Polynesian-style cottages [5]. Though its beachfront sports bar is always crammed with locals and tourists, the resort inside the property exudes calmness for it is surrounded with trees.
5. Discovery Shores Boracay
Façade of Discovery Shores Boracay.
Image: Discovery Shores Boracay
If you prefer the less crowded portion of the White Beach, Discovery Shores Boracay will also be open in October. The resort has 87 suite-style rooms to choose from. You can also choose from their two fine dining restaurants, Sands and Indigo, and a bar called Sandbar [6]. Poised as a family-friendly resort, they also have a children’s room called Sandbox. The resort is also famous for hosting weddings at their spacious beachfront.
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6. Jony’s Beach Resort
One of the rooms you can stay at Jony’s Beach Resort.
Image: Jony’s Beach Resort
Also allowed to open in Station 1 is Jony’s Beach Resort. The resort is not part of the DOT list but was issued with a certificate of conditional approval by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Jony’s, which is one of the first resorts on the island, has 21 rooms. The resort is also best known for its beachfront restaurant called Maya’s Modern Filipino & Mexican Cuisine [7].
7. The Lazy Dog
A common area where you can hang out at The Lazy Dog.
Image: The Lazy Dog
If you prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the White Beach, The Lazy Dog, near Bulabog Beach will also open in October. The place has dorm and private rooms. They have 20 rooms to choose from. If you’re a dog lover, you’ll surely love the place for you will find Whiskey, their resident dog. You can meet Whiskey at the café named after him. The café, tucked in a lush garden, is known for its all-day breakfast meals and pasta dishes [8].
8. Reef Retreat Boracay
All rooms at Reef Retreat has private verandas or balconies with garden or sea views.
Image: Reef Retreat
Owned by a windsurfer, Reef Retreat Boracay has a strategic location facing Bulabog Beach. Bulabog is the island’s sports haven with several kitesurfing and windsurfing schools in the area. The resort has 12 rooms, all with private verandas or balconies with garden or sea views. The place has a kite school onsite and a windsurfing school just 100 meters away [9].
9. Azalea Hotels & Residences
Azalea Hotels & Residences is among with the highest number of rooms in the island.
Image: Azalea Hotels & Residences
Azalea Hotels & Residences, located along the main road in Station 2, will be also allowed to open in October. The apartment hotel has 284 rooms and suites all furnished with kitchen, living and dining areas. The hotel also has two rooftop pools for adults and kids. You can also find Kuya J’s Restaurant at the hotel [10].
10. Fairways and Bluewater Newcoast Boracay
The infinity pool of Fairways and Bluewater Newcoast Boracay with Lapuz Lapuz Beach as the background.
Image: Fairways and Bluewater Newcoast Boracay
If privacy is what you are looking for, Fairways and Bluewater Newcoast Boracay is on a secluded location away from the island’s central district. In fact, it has its private white sand beach, too. They also have an infinity pool where you can have a photo facing the blue waters of Sibuyan Sea. It is also the only one on the island with a golf course. The resort in the northern part of Barangay Balabag has 700 rooms. They have several al fresco restaurants and bar, and even a convenience store and souvenir shops [11].
Check out our list of resorts in Boracay and Panay Island or browse the Hotels & Resorts category in the Yoorekka Directory.
Though open, the island’s healing process is not yet over. Rehabilitation works will continue. This time, tourists have a role to play. Be a responsible traveler.
* Click the store links to see the exact addresses and contact numbers of featured establishments.
* Photos/Images are from the official websites and/or Facebook pages of featured establishments and/or organizers.
Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/2Pls8zl
[2] https://bit.ly/2Se2xH5
[3] https://bit.ly/2PTgtoC
[4] https://bit.ly/2EF2lhv
[5] https://bit.ly/2yzcEhs
[6] https://bit.ly/2Jc7YCi
[7] https://bit.ly/2ytCN1i
[8] https://bit.ly/2RdiRXz
[9] https://bit.ly/2AqbPJs
[10] https://bit.ly/2Ot0RGZ
[11] https://bit.ly/2Arp9xb
