Without the throng of Holy Week vacationers, the beachscape of the wildly popular Boracay Island reveals a much quieter scene. And with the help of Discovery Shores Boracay, the first Small Luxury Hotels resort in the Philippines, I was convinced that this party paradise could be a place for rest and relaxation as well.
Rising above the white baby powder-like sand of an exclusive stretch of beach, Discovery Shores Boracay ranks among the Top 15 Resorts in Asia, according to the prestigious World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Through Travel + Leisure magazine, a monthly publication from American Express Publishing Corp., readers were able to rate hotels and resorts. On its official debut, Discovery Shores earned a score of 90.35 and was the only Philippine property among renowned resorts from India, Thailand and Cambodia to be recognized.
“We are honored to receive such a distinction from the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine,“ said Discovery Shores’ general manager Jose Parreño Jr. “This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the Discovery Shores team for the past three years.”
Discovery Shores, which has become one of the key destinations for out-of-town weddings, stands above the rest not only because of its beautiful pristine beachfront but also because of its impeccable attention to detail and thoughtful service that’s all heart.
All Aboard
After a swift and comfortable flight aboard SEAIR and a 20-minute trip aboard Discovery Shores’ air-conditioned ferry at the Fairways & Bluewater port (the first and only air-conditioned boat transfer from Caticlan), guests can enjoy their luxurious rooms as soon as they touch ground because there’s no need to check in at the front desk. (Check-in will be at the rooms).
Upon entering the modern blue and white interiors by Budji Layug and Royal Pineda, one instantly melts into the luxurious covers and succumbs to the calm of this ultra-soothing respite — which is fitted with the most modern amenities. The photographs of the Boracay beach and the lapping waves by Mayie Delgado add on to the ambiance. A few steps out onto the balcony, one can take pleasure in an unmatched view of the sea. But no sight is as touching or as cheerful as the welcome dessert platter found in your rooms. Various chocolate cookies, candied macapuno and mango, and a pitcher of their famous pandan water await on the table. A customized cookie with “People Asia” printed in icing tops off the sweet delight. (It is only a sign of great personalized things to come, as we are surprised with many more treats such as these at our bedside table every evening.)
Discovery Shores houses 88 luxurious guestrooms ranging from 45 sqm to 120 sqm, with some suites fitted with an outdoor Jacuzzi. “The number of guestrooms was kept to a manageable number so that we can ensure service that is consistent and customized. And it allows us to remember guests by name,” says the Rooms Division Manager Randy Salvador. Guests will notice that the staff does greet you by name and with their hands over their hearts one can feel their sincerity – a significant detail that does not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the other guests.
Among the resorts’ eye-catching landmarks are the 14-meter high man-made waterfall, which delights guests in the evening as it changes colors, and the wishing stone created by renowned artist Impy Pilapil, located on the second level of suite clusters. Just write your prayer or your wish on the stone and the cosmic forces will supposedly take it to heaven.
Family Adventure
If one would like to go on a family adventure, “bookers” by the beach offer their services for popular water sports like parasailing, wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling or trekking. But if guests would like, the front desk is happily willing to arrange activities for the family as well. The staff can arrange for better deals and discounts for groups as well as coordinate transportation for the family/group to and from the activity sites. (The guests are also entitled to free use of the hotel’s kayaks so be sure to take advantage of that.)
But one really need not look far for adventure, as you will discover that there aren’t enough hours in a day to fully enjoy the resort. The resort hosts an activity every afternoon for the young ones so as the children while away time at the Sandbox (the children’s activity room), the kiddie pool or the game room complete with billiards and karaoke, the adults can enjoy a sensuous massage at the Terra Spa or can chill out on the magnificent beachfront. (Despite it being Habagat season when we went there, the water was perfectly tranquil and the sunsets were spectacular.) While you enjoy a book or a tan on the lounge beds by the beach, beach butlers armed with Evian facial spritzers and sunscreen bottles are on standby, eager to whip up a refreshing snow cone or a mind-tingling cocktail for you.
After whetting one’s appetite for adventure, why not satisfy one’s craving at Discovery Shore’s three restaurants. Choose from Platitos or Sands Restaurants, which offer an elegant array of amuse-bouche (literally “mouth amusement”) and flavorful themed buffets that provide a cleansing and refreshing fare much different from the inihaw found at D’Mall and D’Talipapa. For a more fine-dining experience of coastal cuisine, partake of the magnificent feasts prepared by Chef David Pardo de Ayala at Indigo Restaurant where one can enjoy the spontaneity of the night, dining al fresco by torchlight.
The End to a Perfect Day
After watching the sun set over the horizon — dying the sky amber and changing colors like a moving watercolor painting, we retreat to our rooms and happily relish the perfect day. We were able to enjoy every moment and create memories because we did not need to worry about anything. Discovery Shores anticipated our every need and went the extra mile to ensure that we had a vacation experience like no other. World-renowned entrepreneur Tony Alessandra once said, “Being on par in terms of price and quality only gets you into the game. Service wins the game…” Discovery Shores Boracay definitely won by that extra mile.
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