Fairways & Bluewater

With a vibe that's part beach resort and part country club, Fairways & Bluewater is a relaxing, self-contained destination away from the island's busier tourist spots. Stairs leading up from a circular cobblestone driveway open onto a handsome, teak-ceilinged lobby scattered with low-slung club chairs and overhung by geometric glass pendant lights. Sun streams in from glass walls and open-air verandas, where rattan dining tables and chairs overlook manicured grounds and the golf course's lush fairways. 

Multilevel, Mediterranean-style buildings with outdoor walkways dot the property, some overlooking stunning mosaic tiled pools. While there are no oceanfront rooms, there are views of a pretty (but too rough for swimming) beach near the large, free-form infinity pool. With a golf course and plenty of outdoor activities, the hotel is ideal for families. However, its secluded location with access to a private beach also makes it a good pick for young couples.

The hotel is in a remote location on the northeast side of the island, away from the crowds of central Boracay. Set on 100 hectares of fairways and landscaped grounds, it's necessary to take a shuttle to reach the private beach as well as some facilities within the resort. A free hotel shuttle to D'Mall, a popular shopping and dining spot in Station 2, runs hourly and takes about 15 minutes. Guests can also rent tricycles that cost 100 pesos each way.

The resort can be reached via 45-minute flight from Manila to Caticlan, followed by a 15-minute boat ride to Boracay Island. The transfer from Cagban Jetty Port takes about 20 minutes. 

The hotel has 500 contemporary rooms housed in Mediterranean-inspired buildings scattered throughout the property. Choices range from smaller hotel rooms to Two-Bedroom Suites with kitchens, living areas, and dining areas. Rooms are generously sized and come with flat-panel TVs and Wi-Fi (for an additional fee). The decor includes tile floors and contemporary rattan furniture in a muted neutral color palette. Smaller rooms have wet bars with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. Suites come with updated L-shaped kitchens. All rooms open to balconies with garden or golf course views. Spacious modern bathrooms in the same color scheme feature large vanity areas and walk-in showers, and some come with deep soaking tubs. Some guests have complained that their rooms are far from key features and too close to construction projects. 

This resort has the most features in Boracay. The hotel's four tranquil and beautifully designed pools with hot tubs and swim-up bars are the focal point for guests when they're not on the championship golf course or the white sand beach. Segway tours, ziplining, and horseback riding are also available. Among several dining options is a daily breakfast buffet that's included in the rate. Private dinners by the pool or beach can be arranged. There's an on-site market for non-perishable foods, beverages, toiletries, and golf gear. Guests can work out at the fitness center which features a hot tub, steam bath, sauna, and cardio equipment. For relaxation, guests can have a massage by the beach at Maris Spa or head to Bluewater Spa. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but is only free in the lobby. Because of the resort's large nature, some of the facilities are spread out and require a free shuttle ride.