Boracay's Discovery Shores

CEBU, Philippines - There are a few blessed islands in the world where nature creates a gem of a paradise.

Where the magnificent sunrises mark the excitement of a new day, where the sea is warm and crystal clear, and where the sunsets are truly unforgettable.

One such place is Boracay.

There exists a luxurious resort settled on a lushly landscaped site – simply called Discovery Shores. Allow me to share with you my memorable experience at my home away from home for a long weekend.  

Upon arrival at Caticlan’s Godofredo Ramos Airport, yes that is the registered name, we were graciously met and efficiently ushered to the resort’s ferry. The travel time to the fabled island was exactly eight minutes. But due to the habagat season, we then took a leisurely ride by land for another 45 minutes.

The resort’s lobby is unpretentious but you get that feeling that it was done intentionally just to give prominence to what lay ahead…luxury at its best!

As no nonsense Carlo Arboleda, Chief Designer, Guests Relations together with effervescent Charlene Halaba, Guests Relations Supervisor, warmly welcomed us with tall, cool refreshments, we knew without a doubt we were in for a truly wonderful stay.

We were escorted straight to the Sands Restaurant where we shared a meal with General Manager Jose Parreño, a personable, amiable, true gentleman who has crossed a range of disciplines within the hospitality industry in the  span of  20 years.

As head of Boracay’s most prestigious address on Long Beach, Parreño’s leadership expertise, creativity and know-how has made Discovery Shores unequalled in terms of product innovation and quality of service.  We soon learned that Jun as he is popularly known bested a field of leading industry practitioners to receive the coveted Western Visayas Tourism Excellence Awards 2009-Regional Director’s Award. In the same citation ceremony, Discovery Shores acclaimed by tourists and industry insiders alike won the 2009 Western Visayas Best Resort Award (AAA Category)

The resort has 88 well-appointed guestrooms with a choice of Junior, one or two bedroom suites some with Jacuzzi and loft which is most welcome by families. The amenities include 24-hour concierge and room service, in-room dining, while the spacious room is equipped with 32 inch LCD, DVD player component system, fax and computer hook up, high speed email and internet access, multi telephone and voice mail.

The business services include audio visual equipments, facsimile machines and wireless internet access in public areas which make it doubly convenient for guests to stay in touch with their families or offices.

Recently the resort launched its newest dining outlet called Indigo. This gastronomic alternative is a dinner-only venue where excellent cuisine is served in the relaxed comfort of a Boracay-chic ambiance.

“Coastal cuisine is the foundation of Indigo’s menu selection, drawing inspiration from all the gastronomies of the world built upon the magical alchemy between the oceans bounty and the land’s harvest”, Corporate Chef David Pardo de Ayala explains. “The ambitious wine program present Indigo’s diners with the best selection of wines by the glass, along with prestigious bottles of sterling  labels from old and new world wineries”, he adds.

Grounded on the belief that wholeness is accomplished by tranquility of both body and mind, the resort’s Terra Wellness Spa takes a holistic approach to wellness that provides a path to inner tranquility through custom designed treatments, specialized services and facilities.

Along the coastline, the azure expanse of the sea surrenders gently to the ivory-coloured beach of Boracay. The waters offer a bounty of sea bound activities including swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing, or simply pottering about in a pleasure boat.

Quietly refined and delightfully stylish, Discovery Shores fully deserves its popularity with honeymooners, businessmen and those with families. For a while, life feels as complete and as perfect as it can be. (THE FREEMAN)