Well-known hotel chains are slowly establishing presence in the popular leisure destination of Boracay. Pioneering groups Shangri-La and Best Western expect to start up in this first quarter. A fixture on the backpacker trail for decades, the island – part of Aklan province in central Philippines – has over the years developed a vibrant tourism industry. International accommodation brands, however, have not come in until now.
Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, the group’ second resort in the Philippines (the Mactan property in Cebu was the first) is found north of the island and will feature 174 guestrooms and suites and 45 villas offering ocean views. The villas will also feature an outdoor pool, shower and pergola for alfresco dining.
Dining options will include a poolside bar, lobby lounge, all-day dining restaurant as well as a seafood restaurant and Italian restaurant both enjoying elevated locations. Shangri-La’s signature spa brand, Chi occupies a separate “village”.
Meeting space consists of a 374-square-metre ballroom and a 200-square-metre function room. A Shangri-La spokesperson said: “Leisure seekers are still the primary market, however, our resort is still the preferred choice for incentive programs and teambuilding. We’ve in fact already received several inquiries for meetings, incentives and other business groups.”
The 50-room Best Western Boracay Tropics will feature a blend of Asian and Mediterranean architecture with each room opening up to a balcony overlooking a lagoon and tropical gardens. The Premiere Suites are equipped with a kitchen and dining area.
Just minutes away from the much photographed white sand beachfront, the hotel is in the middle of Boat Station 2, Boracay’s entertainment hub.
According to a Best Western executive, transportation from Aklan airport can be arranged to Caticlan pier. Then, a boat will ferry guests across to the island where a van waits to bring them to the property.
For more details, visit www.shangri-la.com and www.bestwestern.com.
Peter Rajendran
