jeepneyjinggoy: Boracay

Showing posts with label Boracay. Show all posts

Catch the sunrise on this side of the island in Boracay

Good morning! And it will always be a good morning waking up to a captivating sight of the horizon casting colors of yellow, orange, red as the sun rises over the Sibuyan Sea. What makes it priceless? It’s a “daily catch” in this part of the island paradise of Boracay.

Northeast of Boracay Island is the beachfront enclave of Boracay Newcoast. It’s Megaworld’s 150-hectare integrated tourism development, a private community for those who seek solace in one of the world’s most popular beach destinations. Facing East, it’s an address that greets the first light of day.

Northeast of Boracay Island is the beachfront enclave of Boracay Newcoast

However, there’s more to Boracay Newcoast than glorious sunrises. Since it broke ground, it is constantly evolving. Across the rolling terrain two homegrown hotel brands have risen, Savoy and Belmont, with a third opening soon. It has become a favorite spot for lovers of the island and sunrise chasers who fly in for some R&R. But if it’s business that brought people in, the island relaxes the work vibe. The sea breeze, blue sky and verdant path make the walk from the hotel to the convention center as calming as a stroll by the beach.

Th first of Megaworld's homegrown hotel brand in the island, Savoy Hotel at Boracay Newcoast

Where’s the beach, you ask. It’s an easy-breezy stroll not too far from the hotels’ doorsteps through the Promenade, Grand Plaza and Boardwalk. Boracay Newcoast is blessed with a generous stretch of coastline it can call its own. If privacy is what you cherish when stretched on the powdery white sand to get a tan or dip in the crystal clear water of the Ilig-Iligan beach, as the island locals refer it to, then you're on the right spot. From the exclusive beach and accessible on foot, is a view of the famed Boracay Keyhole, its natural formation makes for an alluring addition to the picturesque beachscape’s charm.

Boracay Newcoast is blessed with a generous stretch of coastline it can call its own- the exclusive Newcoast Beach

Like having the beach to yourself.

Own it.

One at a time, shops are unveiled. It’s a glimpse of a bustling Ibiza-inspired commercial and retail strip happening soon. Food? Aside from the hotels’ restaurants, dining spaces at the Newcoast beach lay a feast at sundown. Tired? How about a relaxing therapy at the spa?

Savoy Cafe serves chef's specialties

Pop up eats by the Newcoast beach

It’s not a surprise if Boracay Island’s charm lures you to stay longer. Or perhaps even entice you to nestle in its bosom in permanence. Boracay Newcoast was conceived for the likes of you.

Many have chosen to own a unit in one of the several upscale residential condominiums. Today, the Oceanway Residences condominiums are home addresses to a few and a vacation house for others. A few more towers are set to finish soon. Or perhaps you opt to build a dream house in the exclusive residential village and villas? Go ahead.

Oceanway Residences condominiums are home addresses to a few and a vacation house for others (Photo: Megaworld)

Soon at the Boracay Newcoast, the daily rising sun will wash its morning rays over the estates growth: luxury and boutique hotels; the shophouse, commercial and retail districts; wellness and leisure centers, including a golf course; and even a church.

Remember while the White Beach is where you can catch amazing sunsets, at Boracay Newcoast you will have the sunrise to wake you with a gentle kiss. Everyday.

Also published in the SunStar website & SunStar Davao newspaper.

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Sunsets make Boracay very memorable.
View it from "a higher ground" at Discovery Shores Boracay

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.

Why is Discovery Shores a favorite address in the island? Read on...(Photo: Discovery Shores)

The serenity of the resort at night

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.

The warm "Welcome home!" greeting. The resort is rich in Pinoy hospitality.

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.

Built along a sloping terrain, Discovery Shores frames the view of the sand, surf & sunset from almost any point of the resort

How "suite" is it to wake up to this view.

Your "home's" Junior Suite (Photo: Discovery Shotes Boracay)

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.

Butlers appear from nowhere to cater to residents’ needs. Twice a day, this team offers nourishment for the body.

Your island home knows that way to your heart is through your tummy. Thus, they curated an excellent list of good food to suit your every craving.

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.

Space to frolic & party. Discovery Shores' "front yard" is one of the widest beach area in the island, a most sought-after venue for events.

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?

Romance. All it takes is one gorgeous sunset as the backdrop to a private beachside dinner for two to woo a lover

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.

Cocktails & sunset. The scene in Boracay is ever-changing but the magic, beauty & allure of the island remains the same

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.

"Baka magutom ka sa byahe." Memorable stay, memorable farewell.
It's the people in Discovery Shores that makes the resort a home.

With the health restrictions relaxing, isn’t it time to breathe the sea air and relive the good times? Or make new ones at Discovery Shores, your home in the island paradise? The resort is eager to have you back and say, “Welcome home.”

Dream team, always ready to welcome you to your home in Boracay. Julius Alegre, F&B Associate Director; Erwin Lopez, Hotel Manager; & Sofia Ibarra, Guest Relations Supervisor