Shangri-La Boracay
Shangri-La Boracay has earned a reputation as one of Asia's finest luxury resorts, and after my stay, it is easy to understand why. Two factors consistently set this property apart: its spectacular location and its exceptional design.
Located on the tranquil northern tip of the popular island of Boracay, just a 45-minute flight from Manila, the resort occupies 12 hectares of lush tropical gardens. It boasts two pristine white-sand beaches bordering the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Visayan Sea, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity, privacy, and natural beauty.
The resort's contemporary architecture seamlessly incorporates local building materials and Filipino artwork, giving it a strong sense of place. Throughout the property, the interiors feature soft, calming colour palettes enhanced by rich textures and thoughtful design details, creating an elegant yet welcoming ambience.
During my stay, I was accommodated in a 63-square-metre Deluxe Seaview King Room (Room 546), located on the fifth floor at the southern end of the resort. The panoramic views overlooking Punta Bunga Beach were simply breathtaking. Watching the ever-changing colours of the sky—from delicate pinks at sunrise to countless shades of blue throughout the day—while boats drifted peacefully across the sea was one of the highlights of my stay.
I took the opportunity to inspect the resort's facilities and was particularly impressed by its two signature restaurants. Sirena Seafood Clifftop offers outstanding seafood in a spectacular cliffside setting, while Rima Mediterranean Treetop Dining delivers an equally memorable dining experience surrounded by nature. Both restaurants are highly recommended. Breakfast at Vintana Asian Café was another standout, featuring an extensive buffet with an impressive selection of international and local cuisine.
I also enjoyed a relaxing treatment at the luxurious Chi Spa, toured the resort's facilities, witnessed three beautiful weddings during my stay, and took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service into Boracay town to experience more of the island.
As a travel advisor, I evaluate properties based on my personal experience, and no hotel is without areas for improvement. My main concern was the access to the beach from my section of the resort, where I felt additional handrails would improve guest safety. I also found the prices for souvenirs, beverages, and spa treatments to be on the premium side. However, these were offset by the outstanding level of service provided throughout the resort.
Without question, the greatest asset of Shangri-La Boracay is its people. Every staff member I encountered was professional, attentive, genuinely welcoming, and impeccably presented in their elegant uniforms. Their warmth and dedication elevated an already exceptional experience.
I would confidently recommend Shangri-La Boracay to travellers seeking a world-class luxury escape. Whether for couples, families, or groups, the resort offers an outstanding combination of natural beauty, exceptional facilities, fine dining, and truly memorable hospitality.