Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa

At Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, set on a wide expanse of lush tropical grounds perched above two beaches, the focus is on tranquility and luxury. Several low buildings and stand-alone pavilions house the hotel’s 219 rooms and villas, all tucked away amid towering bamboo and palm trees, and most offering expansive ocean views. Two reflecting pools surround the lobby, housed in a striking open pavilion with several seating clusters, large lamps, and a romantic atmosphere. Candle-lit paths wind through tropical plants and manicured grass lawns, adding to the overall exotic and secluded vibe of the property. 

Throughout, hardwood floors, thatched roofs with exposed wooden beams, traditional local artifacts, the use of indigenous materials such as abaca, and wooden furniture with shell inlays lend the property a local feel. Of all the public spaces, the CHI Spa  is probably the most stunning. Located on a small peninsula jutting out over the beach, the spa wows at first sight with stunning treatment rooms featuring hardwood floors, large window, and private jetted tubs with candles and flower petals in some. A serene atmosphere emanates from the space.

The hotel has a remote location away from the hustle and bustle of central Boracay. Set amid lush grounds on the northern side of the island, the only thing that can be found within walking distance are two lovely beaches and another beachfront resort. Nightlife and dining areas in Station 2 are a 15-minute drive away, and the hotel has free shuttle service to D Mall and central Station 2 at least once an hour. There is also free land and sea transfer service to and from Caticlan Airport.

The hotel has 219 units, including 174 Deluxe and Premier Rooms, nine suites, and 66 villas. All have at least a small seating area, a terrace with a double daybed, and either a king bed or two twins. Decor is stylish and elegant throughout, with soft earth tone palettes and lots of local touches, such as abaca rugs, shell inlays, hardwood floors, and traditional Filipino ornaments and artifacts. All units have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, minibars, electric kettles, and safes. Bathrooms are large and luxurious, with marble floors, two sinks, large mirrors, and separate soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Suites have ocean views, hot tubs on the decks, and spacious living areas. Butler service is free for suite and villa guests.

Villas, and particularly Tree House Villas, are in a league of their own. They're housed in stand-alone buildings with private entrances and thatched roofs, and all come with private pools and an indoor/outdoor design. Tons of traditional local artifacts are displayed throughout, and huge living areas with polished hardwood floors add to the luxurious ambience. Tree House Villas are housed in stunning private glass-enclosed pavilions with outdoor whirlpools and panoramic ocean views. Some villas have small kitchen areas with microwaves, fridges, sinks, and coffeemakers. 

The hotel is a short walk to both Punta Bunga and to Banyugan, two lovely stretches of sand and pebbles set against gorgeous tropical landscapes. The hotel has lounge chairs and bar service on both, but there have been some complaints of shortages of seating during peak season. A huge freeform pool with lots of lounge chairs and umbrellas is a good alternative to the beach. There are two other pools on-site, including a quieter adult-only one a little away from the central part of the resort. Pool and beachside bars serve drinks and light snacks, and four restaurants offer varied cuisines -- one has an international buffet and the others serve Mediterranean, seafood, and Italian specialties. Solana Lounge is perched on a clifftop overlooking the beach, and has private outdoor areas with couches, daybeds, pillows, and ocean views. 

With luxurious treatment rooms, an outdoor pool and whirlpool, a hair salon, private yoga classes and a remote location away from the rest of the resort, CHI Spa is one of the best wellness centers in Boracay. The resort also offers a wide array of on-site activities, including tennis, private and group fitness classes, water sports, and indoor games for all ages. The fun kids’ club comes complete with slides and toys, and there's a large, pleasant gym with natural light and up-to-date equipment. The resort also has 11 fully equipped meeting rooms, and private airport and pier lounges. Great freebies include buffet breakfast, resort-wide Wi-Fi, shuttle service to Station 2, and land and sea transfers to/from the airport.