Being just half-a-km wide and 7 km long, it’s easy to see why the idyllic Boracay, Philippines is the stuff of dreams. Picturesque coastlines, sailboats, panoramic sunsets, and vibrant nightlife are just some things this island is famous for.
However, it’s the ethereal White Beach that runs half the length of the island that is the main attraction. In fact, it is amongst the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. To ensure yourself the best possible trip to the island, the most important pre-vacation activity is to choose the hotel to stay at.
Although choosing a hotel can be difficult, all hotels in Boracay are less than a 5-minute walk from the beach, making choosing a hotel a lot easier. Nevertheless, there are a lot of differences between the many hotels on this beautiful island.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the best hotels in Boracay, Philippines, as well as give you a little background info on the island and the different types of hotels offered there.
Boracay Island, Philippines
It’s important to understand the island’s geography to be able to choose the right kind of hotel in Boracay. The island is divided into three parts, namely Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. The first Station is home to the most luxurious of resorts and the finest stretch of white sand beach. The next Station, Station 2, is Boracay’s busiest part, complete with malls, dive stores, restaurants, bars, and more. The last Station is less crowded than both the previous ones and is home to the cheaper resorts. It’s also where the famed White Beach lies. Plus, it also hosts other small coastal communities like Balabag, Yapak, Mt. Luho, and Diniwid Beach are more tranquil and serene than anywhere else on the island.
With the island having shut for half a year in 2018 to ‘rehabilitate’, Boracay is back with renewed vigor. For those who are looking for the perfect beach destination, Boracay definitely needs to be on your list.
Discovery Shores Boracay
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Discovery Shores is famous for being the very first luxury resort on Boracay and radiates a very West-meets-East vibe. The resort is a favorite with island regulars and is located in the heart of Station 1, at the quieter end of White Beach. What’s more, some of the best places to see in Boracay, including Mount Luho, Bulabog, and Diniwid Beaches, are close to Hennan Prime Beach Resort.
This beachfront gem offers visitors a five-star experience from the minute you land on the island. Starting at the Boracay Jetty Port, a private speed boat takes guests to the resort, with picturesque views of the island during the entire trip. What’s more, as soon as you settle into the room, a soothing foot bath awaits your sore feet. One can choose from 99 modern suites of which the best ones, the Signature Suites, come with a private plunge pool too. Also, each room features views of the man-made waterfalls or the pool.
Those staying at Discovery have no lack of things to explore while at the resort. They have the option of dining at three restaurants, including the seafood-focused Indigo that is almost right on White Beach. At sunset, recline on lounge chairs at White Beach or gather around the oval Sandbar while digging into sweet/savory bites. Children can have lots of fun at the Sandbox Kid’s Club, which features everything from scavenger hunts to toys and gaming equipment. At the same time, adults can also sip cocktails while relaxing at the poolside bar. Discovery’s unmatched service like the staff tidying up the lounge beds when guests return from a beach stroll or a pool dip is what makes it one of the best luxurious hotels in Boracay.
Mandala Spa and Resort Villas
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If you want to unwind and reconnect with your partner on the island, we’d recommend you head to the heavenly Mandala Spa and Resort Villas. Tucked away in a secluded part of Station 3, this relaxing hotel is one of the best hotels in Boracay to get away from its hustle and bustle.
Mandala Spa and Resort comprises just 15 thatched-roof and polished teak-wood gazebos and villas connected by winding paths surrounding by lush foliage. Travelers can choose between Garden Rooms, Grand and Pool Villas, all of which feature an excellent set of mod-cons and high-end bathrooms. Garden Rooms boast small patios overlooking the greenery, while the Grand Villas feature separate living and bedrooms. As the name suggests, Pool Villas feature hot tubs and infinity pools. For those looking to cut yourself off from the world, we’d suggest you head to the Digital Detox Villas which are devoid of both TVs and Wi-Fi. So, if you’re looking to shut yourself off from the world, Mandala is one of the best hotels to do so in Boracay.
Mandala is designed around its extensive spa facilities. Visitors are treated to free morning massages and communal yoga sessions. Apart from the above, the spa has a host of additional treatments for relaxation as well as dance and fitness sessions. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Prana Restaurant. What’s more, if you’re eco-conscious, you must know that the resort makes use of locally-sourced ingredients as much as possible. Plus, it designs specially set menus for those who’re following detox regimes. However, the focus of Mandala is on the verdant vegetation, with most structures left open and leading to terraces with stunning views.
Coast Boracay
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Fun meets the sun at Coast Boracay, which is one of the most popular hotels in Boracay, Philippines. The sleek, boutique property radiates soothing and rejuvenating beach vibes and is just what you need for a relaxing beach holiday. What’s more, Coast lies in Station 2 and is surrounded by some of the best shops and restaurants on the island.
Coast Boracay is designed with an all-white palette, with vibrant colors shot against it and lending it a fun, contemporary vibe. Rooms are decked out in modern Philippine designs primarily in white, with colors being limited to the warm-wood accented walls and neon hues. Versatile blinds allow for smoothly adjusting the natural light in the rooms, all of which offer stunning views of the resort’s pools and the landscapes.
Apart from the artfully-designed rooms, the ubiquitous art-inspired elements peppered throughout really make the place shine. These include exquisite Mindanao weaves, poolside digital artwork, and black-and-white wall photos. However, what the resort is most known for its small, thoughtful details. It boasts one of the fastest complimentary transfers from Caticlan Airport – a mere 15 minutes! Breakfast pancakes have the names of guests on it. What’s more, the resort’s turndown service sometimes even includes a bottle of vino and a cheese platter. The chic onsite restaurant, the Cha Cha’s Beach Cafe, features happy hours with 2-for-1 drinks every day from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Plus, nestled in the middle of the property are three pools and a pool bar, a brand-new massage room, landscaped falls, and even a lounging area.
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa
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Are you a private beachfront person? Then you’d do well to choose the Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa. Just like its legendary name suggests, the resort boasts of next-level secluded indulgence. Travelers are swiftly transported from the airport via private speedboats to the resort and are welcomed with dancing and live music. A seamless check-in at the open-air lobby sets the mood for the rest of what will be a memorable beach holiday.
The secluded hideaway is nestled in a lush hillside overlooking the ocean and has a 350-meter-long private beachfront and spacious rooms and villas. People can choose from sea-view rooms, suites, and expansive villas, all with chic decor, opulent baths, and even private verandahs. However, we’d highly recommend choosing one of the villas, like the Treetop Villa or the Beach Villa. Both offer a singular experience of island luxury and spectacular views of the ocean.
Sitting away from civilization in the far north of Boracay island, Shangri-la sure feels like the beginning of the very world. However, one needn’t fret about the remoteness, as the hotel has four on-site restaurants. What’s more, there are plenty of other things to do at Shangri-La – there’s a kids club, a fitness center, a spa with soothing treatments, three pools of which one is adults-only, and comfy chaise lounges to laze on the private beach. Furthermore, the hotel even has complimentary hourly shuttles to Station 2.
Dave’s Straw Hat Inn
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If you’re looking for a budgeted stay in Boracay, there’s no spot better than Dave’s Straw Hat Inn in the heart of Station 3. Located a mere two-minute walk from White Beach, it is one of the best hotels in Boracay to stay on a budget.
The inn strips everything down to the basics but doesn’t skimp on service or comfort. The inn features a mixture of Filipino and Spanish designs. Guests can choose from the cheapest Fan Huts to the most expensive (but still cheap) Standard Cottages or Deluxe Rooms. The latter two rooms also have cable TV, fridges, and air-conditioning, for those who want it. An outdoor BBQ area is a fabulous place to get to know your fellow stay mates over a delicious grill dinner. Apart from free Wi-Fi, the inn also has a small library.
What’s more, White Beach and the best food and entertainment of Station 3 lie right outside the door of the inn.
Hennan Lagoon Resort
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Who wouldn’t want to be able to jump into the pool right from their room? Well, that’s what the Hennan Lagoon Resort promises. The resort is built around a humongous, lagoon-style pool and many rooms have direct access to the pool and the swim-up bar!
If you’re a water baby, the Hennan Lagoon Resort is your ultimate haven. Laze on the loungers that line the pool and sip on a drink from the swim-up bar. The hotel also has a spa with numerous steam rooms and a sauna for people to relax and reinvigorate. An all-day cafe serves out delicious local as well as continental fare. All this is packaged in an unfussy, contemporary package with Asian-style floral designs and dark woods. What’s more, the hotel even has a free shuttle to its sister property, the Hennan Regency Resort & Spa, which has free beach loungers for guests to use. Plus, it’s just a five-minute walk from White Beach.
Furthermore, one can choose from a range of rooms. All are aesthetically designed and contemporary to boot with soft earth tones and sliding wooden shutters. Moreover, some rooms have direct access to the pool.
Movenpick Resort and Spa
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Movenpick Resort and Spa is a hidden gem nestled in the Punta Bunga Cove on Boracay. It is ensconced by verdant foliage and offers private access to the pristine waters of Punta Bunga beach. Its seclusion makes it one of the best hotels in Boracay for truly getting away from it all.
Vistors are welcomed with colorful bracelets, cold towels, fruit drinks. The resort has more than 300 suites decked out to radiate elegant quietude. Apart from a slew of mod-cons, the rooms also feature ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs as well as balconies for watching Boracay’s spectacular sunsets.
It might be far from the action, but there’s no dearth of things and experiences to do at Movenpick. Take a dip in the resort’s striking multi-level pool that is Boracay’s largest pool! Plus, the poolside lounges are great for taking a small nap under the Filipino sun. Adults can relish delicious and creative cocktails at the Sol Marina Beach Club and indulge in treatments at the Sagay Spa. Movenpick has a variety of dining options on-site that promises to take care of all kinds of cravings. What’s more, the resort is even happy to arrange for a plethora of island-based activities like golf games, cliff-diving, snorkeling, or even sky lantern rituals by the sea.
Frendz Resort & Hostel
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If you thought that Boracay didn’t have a hostel, think again! The Frendz Resort and Hostel is a popular budget accommodation on the island for its social ambiance and affordable rates. The property has 10 shared and private bungalows, and one can choose between dorm rooms or ensuite private ones. However, all rooms are tastefully done-up and even feature free Wi-Fi for all.
That being said, most of the people come to Frendz for its friendly communal ambiance and vibe. The open-air pavilion with a restaurant, bar, and pool table goes a long way in breaking the ice. The thatched bamboo bungalows make the hostel seem more like a little tropical village, complete with flowering plants next to the gravel path. An outdoor pool is great for cooling off under the tropical Filipino sun. The hostel even hosts popular communal dinners for those staying every week and also offers homey perks like free pasta nights. What’s more, it lies in the heart of Station 2 and is a mere three-minute walk from the gorgeous sands of White Beach.
Crimson Resort and Spa
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How’d you like to spend your Boracay vacation at Station Zero? That’s what the luxury Crimson Resort and Spa refers to its location. Located at the southern end of Punta Bunga beach, the Crimson Resort takes on a completely fresh approach to island luxury. Because of its sheer exclusivity combined with luxury, it is easily one of the best hotels in Boracay for its sheer exclusivity.
Crimson’s minimalist aesthetics blend seamlessly with Boracay’s natural landscape. A complimentary transfer for the airport later, visitors are standing in the beautifully designed floor-to-ceiling glass Pavillion. It offers unobstructed and breathtaking views of the white beach and the turquoise waters. The hotel’s facade itself features intricate geometric patterns and is inspired by traditional Filipino living. The tropical sanctuary also boasts a host of amenities, including an exceptional spa, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a well-equipped fitness center, and a kids club. party monster will love the epic foam parties that the hotel is famous for every Saturday.
Guests can choose from a bevy of rooms, suites, and villas. Each of them boasts neutral color palettes, vibrant accents, and elements of nature. What’s more, some of them even boast of a plunge pool as well as sea views.
The Lind Boracay
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The Lind Boracay is tucked at the northern end of Station 1 and is perfect for travelers looking for secluded luxury. The quiet, serene, and sprawling resort right in front of the isolated northern end of White Beach is perfect for a relaxing, rejuvenating, and digital detox holiday.
Everything about Lind is quiet and intimate, and yet utterly luxurious. For water babies, the quiet private beach is right outside and is perfect for long strolls. Its beating heart, however, is the infinity pool surrounded by plush lounge pods and verdant manicured gardens, all ensconced in an intimate rooftop terrace. Foodies can look forward to excellent continental and local fare at the resort’s beach cafe, while cocktail lovers will love the perfectly crafted cocktails at the +36 Lounge. A kids club and an adults’ fitness center and spa complete the offerings.
When it comes to accommodation, the rooms at Lind Boracay are all done up in shades of tan and grey, with vibrant accents and highlights. What’s more, all rooms have a slew of mod-cons, modern bathrooms, and views of the pool, beach, or the sea. For the ultimate in luxury, book a Garden Rooms that have covered porches and private plunge pools.
Asya Premier Suites
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The Asya Premier Suites, which lies way outside the touristy part on Boracay’s southern end, is seclusion and romance abound. It is one of the best hotels in Boracay, Philippines, for those seeking a romantic hideaway.
With just 20 suites, it is easy to see why Asya is so intime. Moreover, all suites boast private patios, while four of them even having their own private pools. For the most romantic of them all, check out the presidential suite with both a private patio and a pool. Nevertheless, the design elements of all suites are tropical, tasteful ones and feature traditional artwork, and woven cane and stained timber furniture.
It’s no surprise then that one doesn’t have to step out of the resort for any food cravings either. The beautiful outdoor Adlaw Bar and beachfront restaurant Palay offer both lip-smacking drinks and food as well as once-in-a-lifetime sunset views. Despite its intimate size, Asya also has a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the sea as well as a small fitness room. However, its most chic and romantic feature is definitely the in-room treatments Asya offers.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Boracay:
- Aplaya Beach Bar: This restaurant is very popular with both locals and visitors for lip-smacking food, happy hours, and its fire show, which is one of the best on the island.
- Sunny Side Café: This Station 3 beachfront staple dishes out American-Filipino delights and is a very popular breakfast place on the island.
Recommended Activities In Boracay:
- Ariel’s Point Cliff Jump & All-Inclusive Boat Tour: Sail out to Ariel’s Point on Panay island, one of the best spots in the world for cliff-jumping and water adventures. Test your limits, dig into a BBQ lunch, and chug beers on this fun-filled tour.
- Island and Beach-Hopping Boat Tour: Explore the islands and beaches around Boracay like Puka Beach and Crocodile Island. Enjoy a local buffet lunch before indulging in a spot of swimming and snorkeling.
