Melo Villareal
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa Review
I can’t seem to remember the number of times I have been to Boracay, but the experience I had in Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa (hotel info) is one that I’ll truly cherish forever.
Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa Aerial Shot
Normally, I would visit Boracay to join media tours and make restaurant and resort reviews; there are times, however, that I’d just go there for personal gratification. This time, it was staying at Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa — to finally experience it and cross this dream off my bucket list!
Aerial shot of Shangri-La Boracay Resort
I usually prefer to stay in resorts near White Beach area since it’s close to everything that I need, but in this case, I decided to move out of my comfort zone once in a while. After all, we learn and experience so many unforgettable moments when we leave places we usually call home. Join me as I unravel with you my Shangri-La Boracay experience.
Arrival
I was picked up from Azalea Resort Boracay where I stayed there for three (3) nights. The driver arrived 15 minutes earlier which is quite impressive nowadays, if you are to consider that disappointing notion of Filipino time. Good thing, I’m always an early bird. In fact, I was already at the lobby even before the service vehicle arrived.
Lobby Lounge Entrance
Lobby Lounge
View from the Lobby
It took us around 15 minutes to finally reach Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa (check rates). Upon arrival, we were assisted to the huge lobby by one of its staff. The front desk lady then asked for my ID and handed me a registration card. While waiting for my keycard, I walked around the lobby appreciating all the architecture and furnishings inside, not to mention that mesmerizing view of the sea from the lobby terrace. Eventually, we were led by a cabby to our room.
About Boracay Resort and Spa
Situated in the northern portion of Boracay Island, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa (hotel reviews) is an isolated haven for guests who want to find home that’s surrounded by 350 meters of pristine beach and well-preserved nature.
Punta Bunga Jetty Port
A luxury resort, it straddles two beaches namely Punta Bunga Beach which is shared with neighboring resorts and Banyugan Beach which is Shangri-La’s private beach.
Sea Pavilion
The sand is white and the idea of relaxing in front of a less crowded beach is totally priceless. It’s fit for couples who’d love to have their honeymoon outside the metro and for everyone who’d love to take a dip and feel the breeze of summer. Families would also love to spend some quality time here for it is almost everything one ideal holiday resort is!
Room
I stayed in one of their deluxe rooms. It’s quite far from the lobby, but it’s near the cabby station. Apart from its 63 sq m luxurious size, the room has its own private veranda which has a daybed and a dining table for two, perfect for much-awaited siestas. Mine did not have a beautiful view of the beach, but the verdant landscaped gardens and huge trees that surrounded the building really made my stay more relaxing.
Deluxe Suite Bed
I also like how they were able to incorporate Filipino-made handicrafts into its exceptionally elegant interior design without sacrificing comfort. There were indigenous fabrics and abaca mats which were carefully chosen to match the Filipino-inspired interiors. The overall interior design adds a more relaxing tropical ambience.
Flat Screen TV
Staying with friends, we requested a two-bedroom suite. Even though there are already two beds and a huge corner chair, the suite does not look cramped at all and still has a lot of space to move around. Air-conditioned, it looks very tidy and smells really good!
Bathtub
Inside the Bathroom
The bathroom is probably one of the best features of the room. It has marble flooring, two sinks, a separate rain shower and bath, and some premium toiletries. It has 2 doorways: one which gives easy access to the closet, the other which leads to the bed.
Fruit Platter
The fruit platter inside was artistically arranged and placed on the table together with two huge water bottles placed in refillable glass bottles. I really appreciate the resort for not using plastic as material for their bottled water.
Glass Water Bottles
Glass bottles are now being used in most Shangri-La resorts to prevent dumping more plastics to Boracay’s landfills, especially the ones in remote island locations. And it’s not only their choice of glass over plastic that shouts out how they care for the environment, but the way they reuse the water that’s being utilized for non-drinking, everyday purposes.
The Pool
You will find this truly attractive free-form pool that overlooks the beach. There isn’t quite enough seating around it though which is the only downside. Nonetheless, the verandas on the grassy area are a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the serene life.
Alon Bar
Sunset at the poolside
The main beach is pretty much relaxing; however, do make an effort to go to the semi-private beach which has calmer and clearer waters and finer sands.
Selfie at the infinity pool
Aside from the pool, other recreational facilities include outdoor tennis courts, a health club, and a marine center with diving facilities.
Chi Spa
You can also avail of their signature CHI Spa which blends Chinese and Himalayan healing techniques.
Dining
During our stay, we only had the chance to try out their breakfast and it was really good! There was a breakfast buffet that covered a lot of delicious and palatable dishes for everyone!
Breakfast Plate
Dessert Station
At the breakfast buffet, there are over a dozen stations serving almost every dish you can think of. In fact, it is probably easier to identify what they don’t have! Japanese, Chinese, Koreans and other local guests are mostly enjoying the western food while European guests next to our table are loving the sushi, sashimi and other Asian food.
Salad Station
More Pastries
Every corner will surprise your palate, wether you love hummus and pita, bread and bacon, freshly baked cupcakes, nicely rolled sushis, Chinese dumplings, freshly cooked eggs (your way), and of course, the infamous candy, pastries, bread and ice cream station.
Service
The service rendered to us by its staff was a notch above standard which is what you should expect from a five-star resort. And they truly lived up to our expectation! The only problem I encountered was their slow check-in process.
Loft Villa outdoor area
The room service was truly commendable; I called many times to request for several things and they delivered them swiftly and conveniently. The restaurant attendants are really commendable for their great service, from getting a breakfast table to serving coffee, omelet and cold drinks. I’m definitely happy with how they treated us. We really felt pampered and satisfied.
Departure
We proceeded to the guest relations officer to turn over our keycards and check out. The checkout process was faster than the check-in process, based on my observation. It was rainy and the sea was quite rough; that’s why instead of using the resort’s own jetty port, we were transported to Fairways and Bluewaters where there’s also a port dedicated to Shangri-La guests.
Shangri-La Boracay Boat Transfer
The yacht was already there when we arrived. Right before we boarded, the staff assisted us in loading our luggage. There was only four guests at that time; hence, we definitely had a comfortable ride! Free drinks were also served inside. We were then provided a van transport to Caticlan Airport which had a lounge dedicate for us, Shangri-La Boracay guests.
Tips:
Some of you may want to try to classy Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa (online rates) experience, so here are a few tips for you if you’ll go there.
- Troop to Solana Bar. Try their excellent drinks and snacks. And catch the most beautiful sunset in the island.
- Having lunch and dinner is quite expensive; well, it’s a 5-star resort! You can, however, take advantage of their efficient free transport service and explore the restaurants near D’Mall for more affordable delicious finds!
- Get an Ocean View Cottage if you have budget to splurge, imagine the beautiful beach view plus the sunset right from your own veranda.
Overall
Our stay was almost near-perfect. It had great facilities (such as its beautiful private beach, Banyugan), provided great service, and delivered more than what we expected. The entire travel was pretty much smooth and seamless. It never gave me a headache.
Private Beach
And what’s the best thing about our stay? It’s not just the five-star facilities you’d love to use, but the crew’s innate hospitality and true dedication to their work. Although this one’s already off my list, I will definitely come back again! No regrets, it’s the perfect getaway!
Afternoon at the Beach
Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa (Book via Agoda)
Address: Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay Aklan, 5608 Aklan, Philippines
Phone:(036) 288 4988
*Some photos are taken using GoPro Hero 3+, LG G4 while others are courtesy of Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa
Also Read:
- List of Best Boracay Luxury Hotels
- Resort Review: Le Soleil de Boracay Resort
- Why you should return to Boracay Island?
