Boracay Tropics Resort: Paradise’s best-kept secret
September 3, 2006 | 12:00am
Jaded habitués of Boracay might be forgiven for claiming they’ve been there and done that as far the island’s attractions are concerned. After all, the seven-kilometer-long island is compact enough to explore in a day and beyond world-famous White Beach, the allure wears thin.
Surprising, therefore, to learn that just off the beach there’s a place that’s largely undiscovered, yet so interesting it has generated quite a buzz among seasoned travelers – even meriting ample mention in guidebooks and newspaper columns for everything from its cuisine to architecture.
Welcome to Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel, the island’s newest must-visit property – and, until recently, one of its best-kept secrets. "We like it that way," says Cely Sarabia, the resort’s gracious and hands-on co-proprietor. "Exclusivity and privacy are our main assets. Then again, we’re mere steps away from the beach’s party scene."
It’s the kind of best-of-both-worlds location that is rare in Boracay, and a major reason for the resort’s unique charm. "Our guests don’t mind the short stroll to the beach as they also get that much-desired privacy they don’t get somewhere else," notes Sarabia.
Situated near Boat Station 2 – site of the bustling beachside mall and epicenter of the island’s all-night bar and club action – Boracay Tropics can also be a world away from this frenetic setting. The resort is so homey and relaxing it’s almost like a private retreat.
A recent weekend stay there proved just how conducive the ambience was: we almost did not want to leave the warm swimming pool and venture out to the beach, which was lashed by fierce habagat winds. And when it was time to check out, we promptly overslept and missed the bus to Kalibo.
"The resort is pretty much self-contained; nearly everything a guest might want is available here," says Bert Sarabia, Cely’s husband and cohort in running Boracay Tropics. He wasn’t exaggerating. Impressed by the assortment of objets d’art that tastefully adorn the resort, we asked jestingly if they might have some for sale in the gift shop. Turns out they did.
Of course, for the world-weary traveler, it’s the room that really matters and Boracay Tropics doesn’t disappoint in this department. Its 44 deluxe rooms and six cabana suites are all certifiably world-class: spacious, spic-and-span, suffused with scenic views and stocked with the creature comforts of five-star resort life.
Our junior cabana suite was expectedly well-appointed – king-size bed, cable TV, remote-controlled air-conditioning, mini bar and safety deposit vault – but equally remarkable were the design touches that showcased indigenous materials. Familiar banig weaves adorned the headboard and side tables, capiz shells embellished the windows and a rattan wicker sofa made for a snug sitting area.
The penchant for the artistic extends to the resort’s exteriors. The layout itself is imaginative: two low-rise buildings that overlook verdant gardens of native Aklan flora, including wild ferns, giant gabi, palm trees, euphorbia cacti and a profusion of flowering plants.
In the midst of the greenery is the bean-shaped swimming pool, easily the focal point of the place as a favorite venue for relaxation, gatherings and al fresco dining.
Above these is another of the resort’s distinctive features – a beautifully constructed bridgeway that serves as an overhead conduit between the buildings and also a good vantage point for guests to take in the view, snap pictures or simply admire the glorious sunset.
And then, there’s the cuisine. An East-meets-West fare that’s true to both gastronomic roots, the resort’s eclectic menu has won raves from culinary critics and food lovers alike. Indeed, where else in Boracay can one find authentic pata tim, prawns tempura, T-bone steak and the Aklanon specialty inubaran (chicken cooked in coconut milk with chopped banana pith) all in one place?
It’s easy to see why Boracay Tropics was readily bestowed a coveted AAA rating by the Department of Tourism last May, just a few months into operation.
Finally, a resort isn’t one if it doesn’t exude character. Boracay Tropics has loads of it and this comes mainly from the Sarabias. Industrious, sincere and warm to the point of spoiling guests, this Aklanon couple has infused the resort with their brand of down-home hospitality.
Cely’s creative bent is also very much evident throughout the property, from the brightly hued walls (canary yellow and terra-cotta red abound) to the intriguing schools-of-fish net tapestries (by master potter Ugu Bigyan) in the lobby, to eye-catching stained-glass chandeliers, to the elaborate callado woodwork on the bridgeway beams. This is a resort that deftly combines the artistic with the natural.
Whether one is the typical Boracay junkie looking for something new on the island or a first-time visitor to this famed jewel of Philippine beaches, Boracay Tropics Resort can claim to be the ideal base: a quiet, restful oasis in the midst of the liveliest party scene in the country.
And now, visitors to Boracay Tropics can have the resort all to themselves by joining Inscribe Tours’ Boracay Getaway Tour, from Sept. 21-24. The four-day, three-night tour lets visitors experience the island from their home-base of Boracay Tropics. Participants can enjoy the resort’s themed dinners, poolside massage, island-hopping and a visit to a butterfly sanctuary. The package also includes round-trip flights to Caticlan via Asian Spirit and airport-hotel transfers.
Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel is near Boat Station 2, Brgy. Manggayad, Boracay. Visit www.boracaytropics.com, or call Inscribe Tours for details on the Boracay Getaway Tour, September 21-24, at telephone numbers 840-5912 or 575-8370.
Surprising, therefore, to learn that just off the beach there’s a place that’s largely undiscovered, yet so interesting it has generated quite a buzz among seasoned travelers – even meriting ample mention in guidebooks and newspaper columns for everything from its cuisine to architecture.
Welcome to Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel, the island’s newest must-visit property – and, until recently, one of its best-kept secrets. "We like it that way," says Cely Sarabia, the resort’s gracious and hands-on co-proprietor. "Exclusivity and privacy are our main assets. Then again, we’re mere steps away from the beach’s party scene."
It’s the kind of best-of-both-worlds location that is rare in Boracay, and a major reason for the resort’s unique charm. "Our guests don’t mind the short stroll to the beach as they also get that much-desired privacy they don’t get somewhere else," notes Sarabia.
Situated near Boat Station 2 – site of the bustling beachside mall and epicenter of the island’s all-night bar and club action – Boracay Tropics can also be a world away from this frenetic setting. The resort is so homey and relaxing it’s almost like a private retreat.
A recent weekend stay there proved just how conducive the ambience was: we almost did not want to leave the warm swimming pool and venture out to the beach, which was lashed by fierce habagat winds. And when it was time to check out, we promptly overslept and missed the bus to Kalibo.
"The resort is pretty much self-contained; nearly everything a guest might want is available here," says Bert Sarabia, Cely’s husband and cohort in running Boracay Tropics. He wasn’t exaggerating. Impressed by the assortment of objets d’art that tastefully adorn the resort, we asked jestingly if they might have some for sale in the gift shop. Turns out they did.
Of course, for the world-weary traveler, it’s the room that really matters and Boracay Tropics doesn’t disappoint in this department. Its 44 deluxe rooms and six cabana suites are all certifiably world-class: spacious, spic-and-span, suffused with scenic views and stocked with the creature comforts of five-star resort life.
Our junior cabana suite was expectedly well-appointed – king-size bed, cable TV, remote-controlled air-conditioning, mini bar and safety deposit vault – but equally remarkable were the design touches that showcased indigenous materials. Familiar banig weaves adorned the headboard and side tables, capiz shells embellished the windows and a rattan wicker sofa made for a snug sitting area.
The penchant for the artistic extends to the resort’s exteriors. The layout itself is imaginative: two low-rise buildings that overlook verdant gardens of native Aklan flora, including wild ferns, giant gabi, palm trees, euphorbia cacti and a profusion of flowering plants.
In the midst of the greenery is the bean-shaped swimming pool, easily the focal point of the place as a favorite venue for relaxation, gatherings and al fresco dining.
Above these is another of the resort’s distinctive features – a beautifully constructed bridgeway that serves as an overhead conduit between the buildings and also a good vantage point for guests to take in the view, snap pictures or simply admire the glorious sunset.
And then, there’s the cuisine. An East-meets-West fare that’s true to both gastronomic roots, the resort’s eclectic menu has won raves from culinary critics and food lovers alike. Indeed, where else in Boracay can one find authentic pata tim, prawns tempura, T-bone steak and the Aklanon specialty inubaran (chicken cooked in coconut milk with chopped banana pith) all in one place?
It’s easy to see why Boracay Tropics was readily bestowed a coveted AAA rating by the Department of Tourism last May, just a few months into operation.
Finally, a resort isn’t one if it doesn’t exude character. Boracay Tropics has loads of it and this comes mainly from the Sarabias. Industrious, sincere and warm to the point of spoiling guests, this Aklanon couple has infused the resort with their brand of down-home hospitality.
Cely’s creative bent is also very much evident throughout the property, from the brightly hued walls (canary yellow and terra-cotta red abound) to the intriguing schools-of-fish net tapestries (by master potter Ugu Bigyan) in the lobby, to eye-catching stained-glass chandeliers, to the elaborate callado woodwork on the bridgeway beams. This is a resort that deftly combines the artistic with the natural.
Whether one is the typical Boracay junkie looking for something new on the island or a first-time visitor to this famed jewel of Philippine beaches, Boracay Tropics Resort can claim to be the ideal base: a quiet, restful oasis in the midst of the liveliest party scene in the country.
And now, visitors to Boracay Tropics can have the resort all to themselves by joining Inscribe Tours’ Boracay Getaway Tour, from Sept. 21-24. The four-day, three-night tour lets visitors experience the island from their home-base of Boracay Tropics. Participants can enjoy the resort’s themed dinners, poolside massage, island-hopping and a visit to a butterfly sanctuary. The package also includes round-trip flights to Caticlan via Asian Spirit and airport-hotel transfers.
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