Unplug, unwind and hook up with each other at these intimate, honeymoon-perfect destinations
By: Veronica MullenBorocay, Philippines
It takes about 30 hours of plane rides, car trips and a speedboat transfer to get from the U.S. to Boracay—but it’s worth it. Located a short flight from the capital of Manila, the island was for decades a weekend getaway spot for city-based Filipinos, until word of its beauty started spreading. Now, you’ll find visitors from all over the globe coming for the top-notch diving and kite boarding, the fun nightlife and the superwide white-powder beaches.
At the Shangri-La Resort & Spa in Boracay the name is fitting. (Photo courtesy of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts)
In addition to the island’s two largest beaches—main drag White Beach and kite boarder-favorite Bulabog Beach—you’ll find several smaller sandy strips and picturesque coves on the seven-mile-long island. The fun is in exploring by foot, boat or tricycle pedi-cab and finding your favorite hideaway. (Thanks to no-smoking laws and vigilant patrolling, the beaches are very clean.) Swimming and snorkeling can be done off the strands. The underwater world is full of colorful coral, stingrays, clown fish, sponges, sea fans and abandoned wrecks.
The common areas at Boracay’s Shangri-La. (Photo courtesy ofShangri-La Hotels and Resorts)
If you’re looking for a little action, head to White Beach, a nearly two mile stretch of powder-fine sand lined with bars, restaurants and cafés. During the day, you can pop into the boutiques along D’Mall, then enjoy a Calamansi lime muffin from Real Coffee & Tea Café, a local institution owned by an American who came for a visit in the 1980s and never left. Beachside vendors peddle henna tattoos, massages and sails on traditional outrigger boats. Come evening, you’ll find restaurants showcasing a number of world cuisines—from German to Mexican—plus several traditional Filipino beachside barbecues, complete with roast pig and live entertainment.
Where to Stay: The Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa sits about 15 minutes away from the main island drag, alongside two secluded beaches. The 219 suites and villas all face the crystal-clear waters of the Sibuyan Sea and are decorated with native Filipino materials and furnishings, such as tribal drums and glittery shell handicrafts. There are hammocks and beach beds to lounge on, a spa highlighting local ingredients, and a cliff-top bar where you can watch the sunset (room rates start at about $400 a night; shangri-la.com).
