Swept by The Tides
I’ve heard a lot about Boracay — through friends, from TV shows and radio ads. They all say one thing: how great Boracay is. The sights are breathtaking, and I’m not just talking about chicks walking around wearing only the tiniest of bikinis. Loads of relaxing things to do, such as food tripping, getting smashed in bars, island-hopping, jet-skiing, and scuba diving, among others. Going to Boracay for the first time, for me, is like having my first taste of beer.
Luckily, last week, I had the chance to get a taste of Boracay and face one of my deepest fears: riding in an airplane. The takeoff was a bit rocky, but I managed to endure the flight with dozens of prayers and dozing off just in time. Shortly after, my brother-in-law Rey and I checked in at The Tides Boracay.
We availed of the “Threesome” three-day-two-night package, which is part of the hotel’s tie-up with Air Philippines. One of the members of the hotel staff told me that they spare no expense when it comes to service, which begins the very moment visitors step onto the island after deplaning. No need to worry about getting to the hotel since The Tides offers roundtrip land and boat transfers from the airport to the island and back.
Boracay is for those seeking asylum from everyday stress due to work and city life. Of course, the island is an ideal romantic hideaway. Kids will also love the place since they could create sand castles (dolphins, stars, whatever their imagination can come up with) on the white beach.
The Tides is characterized by geometric and minimalist design with lots of earth tones and cream colors that will transport one to a place of serenity and an almost Zen-like peace. I stayed in one of The Tides’ Essential Rooms, which made me feel as if I were sleeping in my own room back home. Well, except for the fact that I don’t have a plasma TV, hot and cold shower, in-room WiFi access, in-room safety deposit boxes… Well, let’s face it, my room back home doesn’t even come close. Rey and I headed straight to the sundeck, which has a bar and bistro, pool and cabanas, cool amenities. Man, if I stayed here long enough I’d surely gain weight, what with those sumptuous dishes (straight from the kitchen of Chef Fernando Aracama) and ice-cold beer.
Speaking of my favorite brew, every time I was at the bar or poolside the great sound system made me forget how many bottles I’d already had. But what made my trip even great is when some of The Tides employees like Norman, May, Kathy and JP finished their duties they offered me a tour. Which was like hanging out with friends.
In the morning, guys will surely enjoy walking on the beach and twisting their necks, left and then right, so as not to miss those bikini-clad ladies (with figures so amazing you’d think they emerged from fairy tales). They can also go scuba diving to check out the coral and different species of fishes. Another activity is to go island-hopping with other Bora visitors. Lots of cool sights: girls with henna tattoos and braided hair. I could’ve availed of those myself, but I already have enough Looney Tunes tattoos (real ones) and I didn’t want to waste P5 on conditioner every day.
At night, vendors selling their seashell accessories start packing away their stuff, bars put out tables and chairs, music wafts from speakers, and visitors go into party mode.
I found myself dancing onstage with beautiful women (lucky me) who were like magnets that attracted me off my chair to groove with them.
Supreme’s Tim Yap was right in saying I would definitely like Boracay. True enough. All my worries and stress were swept away at The Tides.
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The Tides Boracay — owned by Stephen Ku & Erik Cua and the rest of their partners Juan Elizalde, Tim Yap, GP Reyes, Iza Calzado, Fernando Aracama and Robby Carmona — is at Central Boracay (Station 2). For reservations, call its Manila office at 725-3411 and 726-6165, email: tidesreservation@gmail.com, or visit www.tidesboracay.com.
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For comments and suggestions — even if surely only my relatives will even bother — you can e-mail jojocgamboa@yahoo.com.
