Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa: A Beautiful Tropical Hideaway

With the reopening of Boracay Island exactly a week ago, everybody gets a second shot at enjoying one of the world's best beaches. However, to maintain the island's pristine condition, the government has implemented various restrictions. One of which is to require visitors to book only in accredited hotels and resorts. Only by showing proof of booking confirmation will visitors be allowed entry into the island.

Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa

If you're wondering where to stay in your Boracay comeback trip, let's take a look at Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa, one of the luxury hotel options that has helped Boracay earn its reputation as one of the world's best island destinations. This is also where we stayed in one of our previous trips to Boracay.

Here's our review of this luxurious beachfront property.

Location
Location is one of the things to love about Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa. It is nestled in a secluded spot on Boracay's northern coastline far from the maddening crowd of White Beach. It is set within a 12.5-hectare property and it has its own cove which gives the feeling of exclusivity even during the peak summer season. But it's still easy to go to D'Mall and White Beach since free shuttle services are provided to guests at least once every hour.

Arrival and Check-in
Upon arrival at Caticlan Airport, we were picked up by the resort's van transfer and taken to its exclusive port lounge where we were welcomed with cold towels and refreshing drinks. We then took a private speed boat to the resort's own jetty. From the jetty, we were picked up by buggies to the lobby of the expansive property. 

The exclusive port lounge, also known as Mabuhay Centre

We requested for early check-in as we were scheduled to arrive earlier than 2:00PM. We checked-in to the first room after an hour and waited until 2:00PM to get the other two rooms. It was a slight hassle but was overshadowed by an overall incredible experience. 

Our room key card issued after checking-in 

Layout and Ambience
Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa is situated on a hillside overlooking the ocean at the island's northern tip. As such, the resort's layout offers wide expanse of lush green sceneries and sweeping views of the ocean. 

Lush greeneries add a tropical vibe to the resort

Towering palm trees are seen from our balcony

The resort's 219 rooms are housed in several buildings and stand-alone villas. The lobby of the resort is housed in an open pavilion surrounded by reflecting pools while other facilities are located in separate pavilions. A network of gardens and landscaped pathways weave between the buildings and result in its exclusive vibe. 

Reflecting pools seen from the lobby of the resort

These pools add a luxurious vibe to the resort

The resort truly exudes tropical island luxury.

Our Rooms
We stayed in the Deluxe Sea View Rooms which were situated on the upper floors of the main building. The rooms offered 63 square meters of space which gave us gave plenty of room to unwind. Bedroom features included comfortable king-sized beds, sofa beds, working desks, and spacious balconies with day beds and stunning views of the resort. They are all elegantly styled with lots of local touches such as abaca weave rugs, hardwood floors, and capiz shells. 

Deluxe Sea View Room King Bed

Large working space

Double day beds placed in the spacious balcony

The marbled-floor bathrooms are large with double vanity areas, separate toilet and shower stalls, and bathtubs. The brand of the bath and personal care amenities at that time were L'Occitane. Aside from the usual, powder detergents and hair bands were also provided.  

L'Occitane bath and personal care amenities

Fruit platter replenished daily

Other amenities included daily seasonal fruit platters and bottled water from the resort's own glass bottling plant.

Refillable drinking water

Facilities and Activities
There are two secluded white sand beaches in the resort, the Punta Bunga and Banyugan Beaches. Punta Bunga Beach is a partially exclusive cove as it is shared with neighboring resorts Crimson and Movenpick. Banyugan Beach, on the other hand, is an exclusive cove accessible only from Shangri-La. These beaches are perfect hideaways for relaxation and fun. 

The beautiful Punta Bunga Beach

Sun loungers in Banyugan Beach

Orange sunbeds in Banyugan Beach

The resort also has three beautiful lagoon-like pool tucked away amidst towering palm trees, lush gardens, and water fountains. With lots of lounge chairs and umbrellas, these pools are good alternatives to the beach.  

The beautiful and large free-form pool

The resort offers a wide range of on-site activities. There is an entertainment center complete with computer stations, arcade games, billiard tables, TV, and a bar. There is also a gym, tennis court, spa, dive center, and kids' recreation center. There are daily scheduled activities where guests can participate such as nature walk, fish feeding, aqua workout, movie night, dragon boat experience, and a whole lot more. 

Service and Experience
Overall, this was by far the best resort stay we've had. We enjoyed so much that we were just satisfied lazying within the resort and the days just didn't feel long enough.

The days just didn't feel long enough in Shangri-La

If you have questions about Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa, please leave a comment in the box below.

You may also visit the resort's website here.