Boracay's newest iconic landmark

MANILA, Philippines - Right on the shoreline of Boracay’s Station 1, the famous island’s destination of choice for those seeking fun and recreation for all ages, is Astoria Hotels and Resorts gem of a property, the 39-room Astoria Boracay, the newest iconic landmark of this world-famous island.

Opened in 2010, Astoria Boracay’s used to be owned by a Korean group until it was sold to the Astoria Group. Construction is going on to add 30 more rooms which will be ready by the first quarter of next year.

According to John Tanjangco, Astoria marketing services consultant, Astoria Boracay caters mainly to overseas Filipinos as well as the usual Asian tourists (Koreans, Japanese, etc.) but it is now expanding to the European markets.

From an average 30 percent occupancy rate when it opened two years’ ago, Astoria Boracay now boasts of an average rate every year of almost double. “But during the peak season like this coming Easter, we are booked solid. For April, our occupancy rate is around 85 percent which is very good considering competition in the area,” Tanjangco said.

Tanjangco also noted that with more domestic airlines as well as chartered flights now servicing the island, Boracay’s tourists arrival has improved tremendously. And with plans to expand the Caticlan Airport into one that is world-class, the island’s future has never been brighter.

Astoria Boracay’s architecture is a unique fusion of modern, tropical, and contemporary styles that was designed to have that global appeal. The transformation from what was once Boracay Gold Crowne Resort was executed by Gallego Architects, selected specifically for their 20-year experience in designing seaside homes, villas, and resorts here and around Asia.

The resort and its rooms and suites are all about geometric shapes with repetitive elements that seem to mimic the waves. Glass railings all throughout allow a seamless integration of the exterior and interior spaces. The building’s white color allows it to reflect the changes in the color of the sunlight. Its wonderful use of light, form, and space as well as its ever-changing ambiance make Astoria Boracay a design connoisseur’s and vacationer’s dream resort, especially since it perfectly complements the turquoise waters and white powder sand shoreline of the island.

Its 39 rooms nestled inside three building clusters include the deluxe rooms, deluxe with pool access, luxury rooms, premier rooms, as well as the honeymoons suites. The rooms feature sound and UV-insulated PVC doors. Floor area of the rooms range from 26 to 50 square meters, providing guests the luxury of space for a more comfortable stay. The suites are designed by no less than famous interior designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario.

The rooms and suites also feature individual climate control airconditioning, complementary internet access, their private balcony or terrace, personal refrigerators, LCD television and DVD players, cable tv programming, among others.

Aside from having its own beachfront, Astoria Boracay likewise features an outdoor swimming pool, a children’s pool, and a business center, to name a few.

The 3,000 square meter resort’s lobby pavilion houses the White café and bar restaurant which features custom-designed furniture that speak of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. On the second level is the Chill Bar where guests can lounge around and watch the famous Boracay sunset.

Guests can also unwind and enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset at the Sunset Lounge.

Astoria Boracay is surrounded by lush tropical gardens featuring plants that are rare to the island, making the resort even more pleasurable.

Astoria ever growing

Aside from adding a new wing that will feature 30 more rooms for Astoria Boracay, the Astoria Group is set to unveil this December a new resort in San Rafael, Palawan near the famous Honda Bay. Palawan’s newest destination of choice will feature 50 rooms.

Just last month, the group also opened Astoria Bohol’s first phase and its initial eight rooms.

By the second quarter of next year, Astoria Hotels and Resorts will open its second resort in Boracay, this time at Station 3. Also next year, around the third quarter, a new boutique hotel will be opened near Mall of Asia. This will be the group’s second foray into the hotel business. In 2001, Astoria Plaza, which features full service residential suites, was born.