Team Out of Town
Hotel Review: Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay
Now that Boracay is ready to welcome and accommodate tourists, this may be the perfect time to ditch the inland grind, pack your bags, invite the squad to plan that perfect holiday in one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, and stay at Movenpick Resort and Spa.
Having reopened at the last quarter of 2018, Movenpick Resort and Spa (resort info) which is located at Punta Bunga Cove on Boracay’s exclusive northwest tip, is becoming more renown as an ideal escape for local and tourists alike traveling with their family. Last February 14 to 16, we were able to fly to Boracay and experience the private beach resort along with some media friends.
Check out some of the activities we enjoyed the hotel. Read along!
First Day
We departed in Manila at 9:50 am and had our service pick us up at Caticlan airport going to the Caticlan Jetty for a transfer going to the Cagban Jetty Port. The upscale resort is only 30 minutes from the port, and the resort’s service was on time and welcomed us with a hot towel and water.
Upon stepping foot at the beach resort, we were awed with number of tourists who were also booked on that day – some of which are traveling with their family and some are honeymooners.
They have their own beachfront, featuring a stretch of white sand, turquoise waters, lush surroundings, and exuberantly designed rooms. Everything also went smoothly from the check-in process and taking care of the baggage.
Binge-Eat at the Resort’s Finest Restaurants
We were treated like VIPs, especially that the resort’s very own Chef Ameer Al-ali and Chef Francesco Leone prepared us some of the most memorable dishes so far for this year. On our first day, we ate at S’sam that specializes on Asian cuisine. We were seated near the pool area so we can have a great view while savoring our first meal in the resort.
We started off with a sushi platter, followed with a vegetable salad, tempura, galbi jim crispy noodles, galbi jim, tonkatsu, and a fruit platter.
After a while, we rested for a bit and had a chance to try their delectable chocolates at their Chocolate Hour which starts at 4 in the afternoon until 5.
We’ve also met with Mövenpick Resort and Spa’s General Manager Andre Brulhart, and he joined us at cocktail session at Sol Marina where we sipped some of their signature and well-crafted concoctions. The best thing about the café is that it’s located fronting the beach, surrounded with sun lounges, and coconut trees bringing in the tropical vibe.
But the night doesn’t end there. The resort prepared us a lovely 6-course dinner prepared by Chef Ameer Al-ali to celebrate our first night in the island. We’ve got Mango Proscuitto, Amuse-Bouche, Seafood Raviolli, Tomato Caprese, Country-style Terin, and of course, a sweet dessert to cap off the meal.
Rooms and Top-Notch Amenities
The truth is when you get inside, you’ll never want to go out. The beach resort boasts a total of 312 contemporary rooms, gym, kid’s club, a fun pub, beach club, and myriad of restaurants to choose from, so when you’re feeling you needed a quick Asian dish fix, go for S’sam, for pasta cravings, head over at Brezza, and for other cravings, you may look at The Market!
Good news for those who still needed to do work while on vacation – this resort has a free WiFi where you can work anytime and anywhere within the vicinity.
As for the room, I might say that I’m pretty impressed with mine. It’s very spacious, it’s got an aquatic-themed and like a coral reef painting on the part on my headboard, a coffee and tea-making facilities, minibar, in-room safe, LED flat screen television, and of course, a complete bathroom dental kits, shave kits, makeup remover wipes, bath shower gels, and bathrobes. My room even got a reed diffuser!
Since my room is located at the ground floor, I’ve got my own veranda overlooking a private garden, which is also just a few walks away from the pool area.
For those who want to do a day or night swim, the resort has a multi-level pool where both kids and adult can both enjoy. Other amenities include a serene wellness center that offers and spa, water sports activities and excursions. A kid’s club and playground area is also available for those traveling with their children.
Second Day Extravaganza
Before we head over at the main beach, we ate our breakfast at the market which surprisingly serves a nice and huge spread of food. But since most of their guests are a mix of Filipino, Chinese, Korean, European, and Americans, the resort made sure to serve continental, local, and tasty breakfast to be indulged by their assortment of guests.
They’ve got stations from bread, cereals, fruits, sushi, fruits, fresh juice, ham, local dishes, and more!
After we had our fill of breakfast, we rode their shuttle going to the main beach, and it only took us about 20 minutes to get there. Since there is a 2-hour interval of the van from the pick-up point, you can opt to take an e-trike or tricycle going back to the resort. It will cost you PHP 150 if you’re riding the trike along and then a van will be available at the drop off point before you head over at the entrance of the hotel.
After buying souvenirs at the main beach, we got back at the hotel just in time for a pizza and pasta fare. Chef Francesco Leone showed us how the fastest pizza in Boracay is cooked/made using their wood-fired brick oven. We were also served cold cuts, pasta with salmon and cherry tomatoes, risotto porcini, and tiramisu and pannacotta for dessert.
But the fun doesn’t stop there!
For those of you who want to enjoy karaoke alongside some few drinks, you can head over at the resort’s Fun Pub, where you can have a drink with your family and create memorable moments by booking one of their rooms for karaoke or billiards.
The Post-Rehab Boracay
It’s just the second month of February and people are already flocking into the island to bask in the sun, swim, enjoy delicious food, and discover new activities Boracay has to offer. Since the island is open again, you can really see the huge change after the six months redevelopment – you can rarely see vendors selling shades at the beach, wider sidewalks being constructed, then there’s the implementation of limiting the number of tourists in the island, neat surroundings, and more disciplined people following stricter policies.
Alongside with these changes, you should know that there are only two allotted vans for each hotel. However, there are still a few left to fix in their drainage and sewage systems, and seems like it can be done in no time.
I must say that everyone is happy and enjoying Boracay in its new and improved state.
Final Verdict
Spending the Valentines at Mövenpick Resort and Spa, meeting the staff, general manager, executive chef, and marketing head gave this trip a more personal touch, because of their exceptional hospitality and knowledge in the industry. Resort staff, from the receptionist, restaurant chef, cook, housekeeper, maintenance, and driver are very cordial and accommodating.
This is a perfect place to bring the family and your beau whatever the season or occasion is. It’s an oasis where they hit a sweet spot between providing luxury and respecting the environment. A 10 of 10.
Special thanks to Mövenpick Resort and Spa’s General Manager, Andre Brulhart, Chefs Francesco Leone and Ameer Al-ali, Director of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Grace Agatep, Ms. Kelly Austria of Ruby Communications, and Marketing and Communications Head Ms. Pia de Villa for the warm welcome and making us comfortable on our three-day excursion.
For more information and reservations, please call +63 36 288 2256, email [email protected], or visit www.movenpick.com/boracay.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay
Book online via Agoda
Address: Punta Bunga Cove, Boracay Island, Aklan, 5608 Aklan
Telephone: (036) 288 2256
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Boracay Island via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Also see:
- Best Luxury Resorts in Palawan
- Resort Review: Club Agutaya Resort in San Vicente, Palawan
- Best Beach Resorts in Siquijor Island
- Lunch at Damires Hills Tierra Verde Leisure Farm Resort in Iloilo
- Most Beautiful Infinity Pools in the Philippines
- Best Cebu Luxury Hotels
- LIST: 24 Beaches near Manila (And How to Get There)
