Boracay! Reminiscing is over. Time to travel and relive the good times. Ride the clouds, tread on powdery sand, swim in glimmering blue waters, bask in the summer sun, sip on a cocktail, and raise the glass to the good life at your home on the island. 

Where is home in Boracay? For the frequent urban escapees, there is a preferred address in the island. Is it Discovery Shores? That’s not a surprise. 

Maybe this is why the first greeting one gets at the resort is “welcome home.” Home is a state of mind and it’s not easy to mark an X to a spot and claim it as home. It takes a collective effort by a village to recreate the warmth of a comfort zone. So far, the resort has been pretty successful in turning guests to “residents.” 

How did it happen? It’s integrating look and location with Pinoy-rich hospitality and service, and good food. The formula is sure to win anyone's heart. 

Discovery Shores wowed everyone when it opened in 2007 with its contemporary architecture at the remote end of the 5-kilometer stretch of the White Beach. Along Station 1 rose an organized stack of white blocks along a sloping terrain that presents a view of the famous shore, sea and sunset from almost any point. Each cube holds a world of comfort, roomy living spaces brightened with natural light and appointed with amenities that can impress. The white resort blends with the beach landscape highlighting the green of the tropical flora. Over all, it’s a look that will never grow old. 

Now, glaze it with a generous amount of warm Pinoy hospitality, pretty much how typical Filipinos would welcome visitors to their homes. Butlers appear from nowhere to cater to guests’ needs, like a readied beach blanket, cool thirst quenchers, even orange and cucumber slices to refresh the sun-drenched face; and brilliant toque-d heads of locally diverse tongues who work as one to create flavorful dishes that’ll transport anyone to grandma’s kitchen, if not somewhere where the cuisine originated. The Italian fare and steaks are molto delizioso at Forno Osteria and the melange of local flavors prepared with the finest ingredients from land and sea at Sand and Indigo restaurants can elicit the word delicious in different dialects. 

The resort is in an area with a generous expanse of beach area in the island. “Residents” savor this sight at any time of day, from breakfast to dinner and cocktail hour as the sun kisses the horizon at day’s end. While it’s in a section that offers privacy, there’s a big space to frolic—and party! Thus, it became a most-sought after party venue in Boracay. It was a step-over-the-resort-property-line-for-a-great-time for the resort guests. Eventually, Discovery Shores became the IT address for the urban revelers. 

From the end of the first decade of 2000 to the next, Discovery Shores was an island hotspot. It gained loyalty and won prestigious awards both locally and abroad. It created memories, developed family ties with and among its residents, and most likely, was instrumental in sparking romantic relationships.
 

Falling in love WITH Boracay is easy. Falling in love IN Boracay can be as well. All it takes is one gorgeous sunset as the backdrop to a private beachside dinner for two to woo a lover — which can eventually lead to the altar. An altar set up at the Discovery Shores beachfront with an aisle of powder white sand and sea breeze whispering sweet notes through the gentle lapping of waves. Where else should the love affair be consecrated? 

And so the Discovery Shores story goes on. Couples return to celebrate anniversaries, then children are brought in for holidays and parents take them down the memory lane with stories of parties and how-I-met-your-mother/father. The kids grow up as the new generation of island merrymakers filling their memory banks with beach episodes, making new friends, falling in love with the island more with each visit, and perhaps falling in love, too. Through all these, the resort will remain in the center—the preferred residence in the island, the “home in Boracay.” It’s the Discovery Shores circle of life. 

The scene in Boracay is ever-changing but the beauty and allure of the island remains the same. As a new batch of sun, sea and sand lovers are born, Boracay welcomes them to discover each unique sunset, discover a unique experience with every visit, and discover a new home in Discovery Shores. These are constant. Through the times, Discovery Boracay will always embody true Filipino hospitality — the warmth, the attention and the good food that wins hearts. 

As another island visit is concluded for one guest, who was zoomed to the Caticlan Jetty Port on the resort’s speed boat, he smiled as he reminisced on a couple of feel good moments: the butler halting him from using a towel to clean his eyeglasses and pulls out a lens cleaner from his pocket; and discovering a new jewel on the menu—the delicious Beef Adobo savored over breakfast before check out. 

You know how moms would pack a meal before heading out of the house because “baka magutom ka sa byahe”? The chef stepped out of the kitchen to say thank you for complimenting the dish then handed over a box of “pabaon” — sandwiches filled with the new favorite Beef Adobo. Doesn’t that make for a memorable farewell? 

I believe it does. I am grinning ear to ear as I take a bite on one of the delicious sandwiches while waiting for the airport’s boarding announcement. The rest will be enjoyed at home in Davao. Yes Discovery Shores Boracay, I will be back in your loving arms again soon. 

Boracay. If the plan is to cocoon in the cool comforts of a well-appointed suite in the island paradise, no, it won’t happen. Although Crimson Resort’s suite is a world of comfort where everything is within arms reach: a private plunge pool, a bathtub, coffee, call in the entire menu, and a firm bed to lie in all day and watch movies or view the sea and sunset, that’s just one R in R&R. 

A Boracay vacation doesn’t happen that way. The allure of the island is too hard to resist. Everyday is a frolic-at-the-beach day: bask in the warm tropical sun, get a tan, dip in the cool, crystal clear sea water, walk on fine white sand, feast on the island’s flavorsome bites, grab a cocktail and catch the glorious sunset from the shoreline. 

From fiery orange the skies turn deep blue and the suite beckons. But don’t call it a day just yet. 

What is the benchmark of a remarkable vacation? A good massage. This is how to appropriately end a day.  

Crimson Boracay has Aum Spa for a much-deserved therapeutic indulgence. Any one of the spa’s unique therapies is healing. It can quiet the mind, relax and energize the tired body, and rejuvenate the sun-drenched skin. 

By design, Aum Spa is located in a quiet section of the resort, where the serene surroundings give an assurance of undisturbed tranquility. This, and the modern interior in slate and wood with curated chic accents in tropical hues, set the mood of a relaxing journey to wellness. 

The first level of Aum Spa holds the receiving area, where guests go through the customary evaluation, and the “Foot Lounge” discreetly hidden along the hallway where the elevator and flight of stairs that lead to the upper level are as well. 

On the second level is a Tea Lounge and seven therapy rooms— four Single Rooms, two Couples Room and one Vichy Room.

Within the walls of each chamber, the noise of the outside world is hushed. Only the soft tones of calming music fill the room. The volume of which can be set upon request. So are the room temperature and the lighting. All aspects of a restorative journey are fashioned according to the guest’s wishes. 

The prelude to each therapy is a cleansing ritual, a foot bath where a gentle massage is applied. 

Comfortably lounged on the massage bed, the therapist begins the body treatment, asking if the pressure is suitable. Perhaps these are the last words one can remember before drifting to slumberland. 

It’s amazing how time flies when getting a good massage. 

Now, put yourself in this story. Change all words referencing the third person to “I” and immerse yourself into the Aum Spa experience. 

Always remember that to deprive oneself of this much-deserved pampering is a disservice to one’s soul. 

What's a fabulous vacation without a good massage?

Summer, temperature in the high 30’s. Where do sun worshippers want to be? Where the sea breeze is blowing and the water is blue and cool. Boracay, in a heartbeat. 

Deprived of travel to paradise for over two years, the best island welcome should be nothing less than a red carpet. Better yet, one in a deeper shade of red, like a “Crimson” carpet. It will be a well-deserved indulgence. 

It’s a VIP treatment that starts upon arrival at the Caticlan airport. Guests are escorted to the Crimson Boracay’s Welcome Pavilion a short drive away for refreshments and a first dose of fresh ocean breeze in the privacy of a seaside lounge. No mob, no queues, nothing of the Caticlan Jetty Port bustle. The private satellite facility is the first of its kind by any Boracay Island resort. It’s a unique service that sets the bar high in providing guests with an exclusive and seamless arrival experience. It also presents a preview of what lies ahead in the island resort— warm hospitality, modern comforts, refreshing retreat, the serenity of seclusion and most importantly, superb service. 

Departing from the marina of the Welcome Center, the scenic speed boat ride offers a glimpse of the island action as it zips through the 5-kilometer stretch of Boracay’s White Beach. Station 3, Station 2, Station 1, are seen from a different perspective. The ride slows down as it approaches a cove with a secluded beach, stopping at a private floating jetty. It’s the destination: Crimson Resort & Spa at Station Zero. 

The stylish arrival by sea, a secluded beach, an enticing pool and multi-level white structure in modern tropical architecture collectively incites excitement, whispering amorously, “Everything you need and want is here.” And the message etches deeper into the subconscious as one takes a walk thru the impressive resort facilities and manicured courtyards, thru the tropical chic lobby onto a stately suite where large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows frame the picturesque Boracay skyline. Fair warning, sunset viewing from the private sanctuary can draw intimacy. 

It may be a challenge to let go of the suite’s lavish embrace and suppress the call of the Boracay sun, sand and surf. The suites are spacious, showered with comfort and modern appointments that can pamper any worldly traveler. The private plunge pool or the bathtub will seduce anyone to stay in. It’s an option. 

But don’t give in too soon. There’s still a world to explore in Crimson Boracay, the cuisine is one. Whether you want to extend the romantic interlude over fine wine and mouthwatering grilled fare at Mosaic Latin American Grill, or kiss ocean-view mornings with a hearty breakfast at Saffron Cafe, or prefer the sight and sound of lapping waves and sea breeze at the seaside Azure Beach Club, the restaurants’ international food listing can take you on a gastronomic journey across the globe. Italian? Indian? Japanese? Whatever your palate desires, the chefs can whip up delectable savories and saccharine wonders. 

Undeniably, the allure of Boracay is its turquoise blue waters and fine white sand. Crimson Boracay has its fair share. The location in a fine corner of a cove blesses the resort with a stretch of shoreline it can call its own. Its seclusion paints a picture of Boracay’s distant past when only a handful of people were lucky enough to walk the powdery carpet and swim in its cool waters. To frolic in the exclusive stretch in solitude is to relive the island’s yesteryears. 

While the cooling sea is an escape from the heat, so are the infinity pools molded on the different levels of the resort’s sloping terrain, each presenting a view that connects the still water to the ocean seamlessly. The difference? The absence of waves in the pools make the summer drink or the sunset cocktail on hand safe. 

Calling it a day? Not just yet. You may be longing to be back in the arms of the suite’s sweet embrace after a day of basking in the warmth of the tropical sun and watch it set in the horizon, frolicking at the beach and feasting on flavorsome bites, but an indulgent therapy at the spa is how to appropriately end the day. Any one of Aum Spa’s unique therapies is healing. It can quiet the mind, relax the tired body, and rejuvenate the sun-drenched skin. A good massage is a benchmark for a remarkable vacation. To deprive oneself of much-deserved pampering is a disservice to one’s soul. 

Now, sleep soundly on the firm bed wrapped in crisp white linen. Wake up to a brand new day with the hues of blue of the sky and sea glowing through the window. And, repeat the Crimson Boracay indulgence. 

Art runs in the veins of Crimson Boracay and artist-art lover-general manager Patrick Manthe is the beating heart. The man infused art into the resort’s ecosystem, even going beyond the walls of the resort and getting the community involved. 

Art is uplifting, a morale booster for both the creator and the spectator. The pandemic makes the thought more relevant than ever. Thus, a plan was conceived: to advocate art in all its forms and make the resort the art hub of Boracay. 

Initiating the art program, he invited Angono artist Eric Egualada to be the resort’s resident artist. Creative activities were formulated and executed. 

Inclusivity is exercised in art workshops. Not only are art classes offered to in-house guests, it also welcomes local residents and staff members, too. Why limit the glow of positivity art can exude? 

The adult classes take an interesting turn with the art and wine pairing sessions at the shoreline studio using the Azure beach Club at an appointed date and time. Perhaps fine wine can aid in the creation of fine art? 

Out of the studio to the dining hall, Art on a Plate merges art and cuisine. It offers a multi-sensorial experience that feasts the eyes with visually attractive plating, tickles the palate with the play of flavors while artists stage an audio-visual indulgence. 

The ARTS in Youth program aims to develop a new breed of talents. The Crimson Boracay will sponsor a select group of students through their artistic education. From color theory to style, the different media to discussion on art movements, the talents will be able to broaden their knowledge of art and perhaps discover their personal style. The artworks of the program’s first batch of students are on exhibit at the resort. 

The pursuit of creativity is unending. Expect more art activities at Crimson Boracay in the coming days.