Tourist arrivals grow year by year, but Boracay Island isn’t getting any bigger. Hotels sprout like mushrooms, taking advantage of every space by the beachside. As a result, hotel rooms are getting smaller, and resorts are getting cramped. Nowadays, at the famous White Beach, there remain only a few exceptions, and Astoria Boracay is one of them. Read more…
Situated along Station 1 of White Beach, Astoria Boracay maintains enough distance from the raucous party scene in Station 2. Fear not though, as pretty much everything, including shopping and dining haven D’Mall, is within walking distance. And the easy-to-spot resort, with its distinct and imposing façade, extends to the island’s main arterial road, so there’s really no problem in getting a tricycle or multicab for transfers anywhere within the island.
Complete with classy furnishing and décor, their reception area is an immaculate white space—the kind where you’re relaxed the minute you step in. Friendly local staff welcomed us and got us sorted out immediately, as we sipped on some refreshing lemongrass drink.
Truth be told, I’ve been eyeing the resort each time I’m in the island, and I’ve already been looking at photos online, so I somewhat know already what to expect. However, I’m not exaggerating when I say that their room blew me away right when I stepped in.
Tastefully decorated and masterfully laid out, the room was modern and trendy without a doubt. The bright white and sea blue paints up the walls and on the furnishings made it seem cheerful yet inviting, and I found the floral wall art they’ve added attractive too.
Our Premiere Room can sleep to four people with the two comfortable double beds fitted with high-quality sheets. Fronting the beds was a long sleek desk, where an LCD Cable TV and DVD were also set, while adjacent to the desk was a closet with an electronic safe, a pair of bathrobes, and thankfully, two pairs of rubber flip-flops for the beach.
The room had much space that it afforded to have a dining table for four and a small food prep area equipped with a microwave, a fridge, a sink, and an electric kettle. Meanwhile, the bathroom, replete with a set of towels and amenities, was perfectly large.
In the booming island of Boracay, open spaces are definitely an asset. At Astoria Boracay, well-manicured lawns and sand patches dominate their stylishly-landscaped open areas, accentuated by trendy furniture that make the place feel truly upscale. Allow me to emphasize that the resort affords much open space that it doesn’t feel boxy nor cramped.
The wooden-decked swimming pool, the centerpiece of the resort, is lined by a number of lounge beds and pod-swings. We were proudly told that the pool has mood lighting at night.
We had our breakfast at their sole restaurant, which stands towards the beach. Equally chic as the entire resort, it serves three squares buffet-style and gets transformed into a restaurant-bar at night, with a live band playing on a tent outside.
Their breakfast selection was a mix of Filipino, Asian, and Western favorites, but what caught my attention was the decadent combo of champorado (cocoa porridge) and tuyo (dried fish). I didn’t hold back in munching on their delicious tapa (marinated beef) either.
There’s no denying that Astoria Boracay offers some of the best and trendiest rooms in the island. It surely isn’t listed under budget accommodations, but the experience gives much value for money. The modern rooms, the beautiful open spaces, the warm hospitality, and the upscale facilities altogether make it among the top choices for a holiday in Boracay.
ASTORIA BORACAY
Station 1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines
Contact: +63 36 288 1111, +63 2 910 0557 (Manila office), or [email protected]
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