Boracay’s 12 holiday treats
December 22, 2006 | 12:00am
Over the past couple of years, some friends and I have made it a ritual to spend New Year’s in Boracay. This year is no exception. What better way to welcome 2007’s first sunrise than on Boracay’s white beach? Though the island was recently struck by typhoon "Reming," Boracay’s back in full swing and ready for all the revelry and leisure of the holidays. Here are my 12 picks for the holidays.
Nami Resort
Diniwid Beach Cove
Boracay tel. (036) 268-6755
Manila sales tel. 812-1484
Visit www.namiboracay.com
1. Nami has become my absolute favorite home on the island. Where else on the island will you get your own personal butler who knows that you like extra pieces of chocolate to be placed on your bed during turn-down service? The staff at Nami is super friendly. Perched on a cliff side, all of Nami’s rooms have an awesome view of Diniwid Cove. Most of the rooms have their own Jacuzzi on the balcony. "Must devour on the menu" items include the beef salpicao, the spanakopita, the mushroom tart and the grilled sea bass.
To celebrate the new year, Nami has tied up with the M/S Vianelle yacht for a special sunset and countdown cruise around the island, be fabulous and sip your Moet et Chandon bubbly with hors d’oeuvres specially catered by Nami.
2.Mandala Spa and Resort Villas
Tel. (036) 288-5858
Visit www.mandalaspa.com
E-mail info@mandalaspa.com
My Boracay voyage is never complete without getting a treatment at Mandala Spa. This multi-awarded retreat is a true pampering of the senses. You’ll instantly notice the instant calm and peace once you surrender to your masseuse’s expert hands. Everything on the spa menu is fantastic. My favorites include the Mandala signature massage, the stone magic therapy, the Shodhana Karma and the all-natural facial. Yearning for something magical? Try the watsu and water journey – both treatments are done in a small heated pool and use water as a force to rejuvenate.
The Resort Villas at Mandala are among the most luxurious on the island. Each one is over 100 square meters in size and includes luxe private outdoor showers and a pocket garden.
3.Aria
D’ Mall D’ Boracay Beachfront
Tel. (036) 288-5573
Aria’s Italian fare just keeps getting better. Chef Gino Amadio makes sure of this with his annual trips to Italy to bring back new ideas and techniques. My musts on the menu include the wood-fired Aria pizza, the tagliatelle con tartufo (home-made Tagliatelle with white truffle oil, asparagus and parma ham) and the eggplant parmigiana. Also ask for their regular specials for something extraordinary.
Apart from dining, Aria’s also known as a cool place to hang out after dinner. Ask for a spot right in front of the beach with low tables and pillows to lounge on. On certain nights, there’s fire dancing for entertainment – you’re in for a treat if exotic fire dancer JD is around. Order the delicious mango margaritas and the refreshing caipiroskas by the pair!
4. Friday’s Resort
Station 1
Tel. (036) 2886201
Friday’s has been an institution on the Boracay scene for two decades now and it certainly looks like it’ll be here for at least two decades more. It’s not about trends at this private resort on the main beach; it’s about keeping the classics and executing them very well – GM Philippe Bartholomi makes certain of this. I love hanging out at the banca-free beachfront and getting slightly inebriated on their cocktails, whether day or night. Meals at Friday’s are superb; gal pal Celine loves the foie gras salad while I, being a devoted carnivore, always crave Friday’s gourmet beach hamburger and rib-eye steak.
5. Sasha Sailing Club
Contact Leo at 0927-5106100 or Joel Ong at 0917-5297534
Sasha takes the Boracay experience to another level with The M/S Vianelle Trimaran yacht. I recently got the chance to try their sunset cruise and I was mesmerized. The deck can accommodate about 40 bubbly guests. Vianelle can be rented by the day or for a few hours at sunset. Drinks and yummy hors d’oeuvres are served onboard; you can also bring your iPod to hook up with the boat’s speakers. Perfect for that magical engagement, intimate wedding or that jet set party you’ve always wanted to throw.
Sasha’s fleet also includes luxury paraws that you can rent by the hour.
6.Microtel and Palomaria
Diniwid Cove
Tel. 810-9526 /(036) 288-4311
Diniwid Cove has another home for us YStylers. This new resort features all the modern comforts including Wi-Fi Internet and a private swimming pool for those of you who just must. All 51 rooms are quite spacious and bathrooms feature overhead rain showers. General manager Dean Cid heads the resort’s very friendly and efficient staff.
Microtel’s restaurant is managed by Palomaria of the same name on Bolabog side. Must-haves include the Swedish meatballs and the homemade risotto.
7. Pearl of The Pacific
Station 1
Tel. (036) 288-3220
Designed by award-winning Budji Layug, Pearl has one of the most beautiful architectural facades on the better part of the main beach. This resort’s famed beachfront has hosted many of the island’s more celebrated weddings.
The rooms are all set to undergo renovation in stages with a few of the beachfront units already completed. Pearl also boasts its own spa center managed by Neo Spa of Manila fame.
8.Cyma
D’Mall
Have a taste for things Greek? Cyma answers. Its cozy atmosphere conveniently tucked in D’Mall features many delicious Greek-Mediterranean specialties. For starters, try the Mezedes combination plate, consisting of assorted tasty dips and courses served with warm pita bread. Also very popular is the Achnista Mekrasi, a delicious giant steamed bowl of mussels! For main courses, our favorites include the roasted mangrove crab served with garlic pasta. For those craving something exotic to share with friends, try the Greek osso bucco pasta, a generous beef shank braised in a rich tomato-based red wine sauce for several hours in order to get its tender consistency.
9.Hey Jude/Hey Jude Resort
D’Mall D’Boracay
Tel. (036) 288-5401 to 02
Hey Jude Bar is the place to hang out après diner and have a fantastic night out with friends. The place has been home to the island’s best parties and internationally famous DJs. Drinks usually come quick by island standards, the music’s intoxicating and the vibe on a good night can be absolutely magical.
Hey Jude also has its own resort, just a two-minute walk away, yet seemingly miles away from the central scene thanks to its private enclave design – this makes it a perfect place to stay for those who want to be right where the scene is yet also want a place that’s quiet.
10.Zuzuni Boutique Hotel and Restaurant
Between Stations 1 & 2
Tel. (036) 288-4477
Fancy a truly homey Mediterranean style boutique resort? Zuzuni is it in Boracay. This resort has only four rooms on the second floor – two small ones at the back and two at the front. Each has its own balcony and view of the beach. Its restaurant features Mediterranean fare and delicious gourmet sandwiches.
11.Banza Portuguese Restaurant
Station 3 (near the tourist Station)
Tel. (036) 288-5176
Many years ago, Portuguese Antonio Suarez visited Boracay Island with his wife and instantly fell in love with the island; they swore they would return. True to their word, the Suarezes left Portugal and took with them the most delicious Portuguese recipes. On my many visits to Boracay, my trip is never really complete without a meal at Banza. Start with their hearty mussel soup – you won’t resist asking for extra bread so you can mop up every drop of broth from your plate. Favorite entrees include the seafood rice – a more brothy version of Spanish paella, the Cataplana (seafood stew), the baccalao con nata (cod with potatoes and cream) and their grilled seafood and meat kebabs.
12.Island Chicken Inasal
D’Mall 2
It takes only an Ilonggan’s personal touch and proper preparation to make all Island Chicken’s specialties "grilled to perfection." Being an Ilongga herself, Island Chicken’s owner Niña Bustamante makes sure that each and every dish served at the restaurant is at par (or even better) than how Bacolod really makes it. This is how "Island Chicken Inasala" stands out from other chicken inasal houses.
E-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph.
Diniwid Beach Cove
Boracay tel. (036) 268-6755
Manila sales tel. 812-1484
Visit www.namiboracay.com
1. Nami has become my absolute favorite home on the island. Where else on the island will you get your own personal butler who knows that you like extra pieces of chocolate to be placed on your bed during turn-down service? The staff at Nami is super friendly. Perched on a cliff side, all of Nami’s rooms have an awesome view of Diniwid Cove. Most of the rooms have their own Jacuzzi on the balcony. "Must devour on the menu" items include the beef salpicao, the spanakopita, the mushroom tart and the grilled sea bass.
To celebrate the new year, Nami has tied up with the M/S Vianelle yacht for a special sunset and countdown cruise around the island, be fabulous and sip your Moet et Chandon bubbly with hors d’oeuvres specially catered by Nami.
2.Mandala Spa and Resort Villas
Tel. (036) 288-5858
Visit www.mandalaspa.com
E-mail info@mandalaspa.com
My Boracay voyage is never complete without getting a treatment at Mandala Spa. This multi-awarded retreat is a true pampering of the senses. You’ll instantly notice the instant calm and peace once you surrender to your masseuse’s expert hands. Everything on the spa menu is fantastic. My favorites include the Mandala signature massage, the stone magic therapy, the Shodhana Karma and the all-natural facial. Yearning for something magical? Try the watsu and water journey – both treatments are done in a small heated pool and use water as a force to rejuvenate.
The Resort Villas at Mandala are among the most luxurious on the island. Each one is over 100 square meters in size and includes luxe private outdoor showers and a pocket garden.
3.Aria
D’ Mall D’ Boracay Beachfront
Tel. (036) 288-5573
Aria’s Italian fare just keeps getting better. Chef Gino Amadio makes sure of this with his annual trips to Italy to bring back new ideas and techniques. My musts on the menu include the wood-fired Aria pizza, the tagliatelle con tartufo (home-made Tagliatelle with white truffle oil, asparagus and parma ham) and the eggplant parmigiana. Also ask for their regular specials for something extraordinary.
Apart from dining, Aria’s also known as a cool place to hang out after dinner. Ask for a spot right in front of the beach with low tables and pillows to lounge on. On certain nights, there’s fire dancing for entertainment – you’re in for a treat if exotic fire dancer JD is around. Order the delicious mango margaritas and the refreshing caipiroskas by the pair!
4. Friday’s Resort
Station 1
Tel. (036) 2886201
Friday’s has been an institution on the Boracay scene for two decades now and it certainly looks like it’ll be here for at least two decades more. It’s not about trends at this private resort on the main beach; it’s about keeping the classics and executing them very well – GM Philippe Bartholomi makes certain of this. I love hanging out at the banca-free beachfront and getting slightly inebriated on their cocktails, whether day or night. Meals at Friday’s are superb; gal pal Celine loves the foie gras salad while I, being a devoted carnivore, always crave Friday’s gourmet beach hamburger and rib-eye steak.
5. Sasha Sailing Club
Contact Leo at 0927-5106100 or Joel Ong at 0917-5297534
Sasha takes the Boracay experience to another level with The M/S Vianelle Trimaran yacht. I recently got the chance to try their sunset cruise and I was mesmerized. The deck can accommodate about 40 bubbly guests. Vianelle can be rented by the day or for a few hours at sunset. Drinks and yummy hors d’oeuvres are served onboard; you can also bring your iPod to hook up with the boat’s speakers. Perfect for that magical engagement, intimate wedding or that jet set party you’ve always wanted to throw.
Sasha’s fleet also includes luxury paraws that you can rent by the hour.
6.Microtel and Palomaria
Diniwid Cove
Tel. 810-9526 /(036) 288-4311
Diniwid Cove has another home for us YStylers. This new resort features all the modern comforts including Wi-Fi Internet and a private swimming pool for those of you who just must. All 51 rooms are quite spacious and bathrooms feature overhead rain showers. General manager Dean Cid heads the resort’s very friendly and efficient staff.
Microtel’s restaurant is managed by Palomaria of the same name on Bolabog side. Must-haves include the Swedish meatballs and the homemade risotto.
7. Pearl of The Pacific
Station 1
Tel. (036) 288-3220
Designed by award-winning Budji Layug, Pearl has one of the most beautiful architectural facades on the better part of the main beach. This resort’s famed beachfront has hosted many of the island’s more celebrated weddings.
The rooms are all set to undergo renovation in stages with a few of the beachfront units already completed. Pearl also boasts its own spa center managed by Neo Spa of Manila fame.
8.Cyma
D’Mall
Have a taste for things Greek? Cyma answers. Its cozy atmosphere conveniently tucked in D’Mall features many delicious Greek-Mediterranean specialties. For starters, try the Mezedes combination plate, consisting of assorted tasty dips and courses served with warm pita bread. Also very popular is the Achnista Mekrasi, a delicious giant steamed bowl of mussels! For main courses, our favorites include the roasted mangrove crab served with garlic pasta. For those craving something exotic to share with friends, try the Greek osso bucco pasta, a generous beef shank braised in a rich tomato-based red wine sauce for several hours in order to get its tender consistency.
9.Hey Jude/Hey Jude Resort
D’Mall D’Boracay
Tel. (036) 288-5401 to 02
Hey Jude Bar is the place to hang out après diner and have a fantastic night out with friends. The place has been home to the island’s best parties and internationally famous DJs. Drinks usually come quick by island standards, the music’s intoxicating and the vibe on a good night can be absolutely magical.
Hey Jude also has its own resort, just a two-minute walk away, yet seemingly miles away from the central scene thanks to its private enclave design – this makes it a perfect place to stay for those who want to be right where the scene is yet also want a place that’s quiet.
10.Zuzuni Boutique Hotel and Restaurant
Between Stations 1 & 2
Tel. (036) 288-4477
Fancy a truly homey Mediterranean style boutique resort? Zuzuni is it in Boracay. This resort has only four rooms on the second floor – two small ones at the back and two at the front. Each has its own balcony and view of the beach. Its restaurant features Mediterranean fare and delicious gourmet sandwiches.
11.Banza Portuguese Restaurant
Station 3 (near the tourist Station)
Tel. (036) 288-5176
Many years ago, Portuguese Antonio Suarez visited Boracay Island with his wife and instantly fell in love with the island; they swore they would return. True to their word, the Suarezes left Portugal and took with them the most delicious Portuguese recipes. On my many visits to Boracay, my trip is never really complete without a meal at Banza. Start with their hearty mussel soup – you won’t resist asking for extra bread so you can mop up every drop of broth from your plate. Favorite entrees include the seafood rice – a more brothy version of Spanish paella, the Cataplana (seafood stew), the baccalao con nata (cod with potatoes and cream) and their grilled seafood and meat kebabs.
12.Island Chicken Inasal
D’Mall 2
It takes only an Ilonggan’s personal touch and proper preparation to make all Island Chicken’s specialties "grilled to perfection." Being an Ilongga herself, Island Chicken’s owner Niña Bustamante makes sure that each and every dish served at the restaurant is at par (or even better) than how Bacolod really makes it. This is how "Island Chicken Inasala" stands out from other chicken inasal houses.
E-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph.
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