The escape from the rowdy and crammed is achieved, of course, through its location at the island’s northwest coast. Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay overlooks the waters of Punta Bunga Cove, which parades a 200-meter private stretch of white sand beach. Here, as the resort staffers would repeatedly say, guests wouldn’t have to fight for their own slice of paradise, as well as their own space in the pristine waters.
And in the unlikely case that space does not suffice, Mövenpick has also got the largest swimming pool in the island. Multi-leveled and 3,300 square meters in size, the pool, which is at the resort’s center, connects many of the resort’s superb dining destinations. If tourists go food hopping at the party side of Boracay; here, they go food paddling – people literally swim from one dining area to another.

Topping their eat list is the Italian restaurant Brezza, where The Beast, a wood-fired oven from Napoli, could be found. This oven, which is monstrous in size and temperament, is responsible for the sumptuous, authentic yet quickly served pizzas (Expat witnessed that it only takes The Beast less than a minute to do its work). To add to that, Brezza offers all sorts of antipasti that pairs well with their amazing collection of wines and spirits.
Another dining highlight is Mövenpick’s The Café. Don’t let its ordinary name fool you, as this lounging venue serves freshly baked goodies and Filipino merienda (snack) favorites, along with the best coffees and teas.
Speaking of merienda, The Café upholds the Mövenpick tradition of Chocolate Hour: Before the sun sets, the café serves a selection of chocolate specialties, which resort guests can enjoy for free.
“It’s a proud moment for us to officially launch this incredible property,” expresses Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay general manager Albert Ocasio. “And we are sure that guests from around the world will be delighted to stay here and enjoy the natural beauty, delicious food, warm hospitality and varied attractions that make Boracay one of the world’s most attractive destinations.”
Local touch
Wondering what makes Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay different from the other Mövenpick properties? Its uniqueness comes from its local sensibilities. Aside from coming up with a property design that emphasizes, rather than alters, the beauty of Boracay, this beach resort also showcases the warm hospitality of the locals, while reviving beloved traditions.
Since it opened its doors last December, Mövenpick, whose team members are mostly from the local communities, have been surprising foreign guests (Ocasio reveals that the resort has been entertaining guests from Europe, Greater Asia and the Americas) with their unwavering smiles and proactive service. As for the revival of old traditions, this is experienced mostly in their wellness offerings.

Sagay Spa, the name of which is derived from the Aklanon word for shell, reintroduces local methods for body treatments. For instance, their Sagay Signature Massage revives the practice of applying heated white shells – a material that’s abundant in Boracay – to one’s body. And then, there’s the traditional hilot (ancient art of healing using plants or alternative medicine), uses tuba-tuba leaves rather than the usual banana leaves. Both wellness services are said to be more effective in relaxing the body’s muscles.
Apart from focusing on employing locals, the resort has also gone out of its way to give back to the community. As Ocasio reveals: “We are active members of the Boracay Foundation and work with other key locators in the island towards improving services, facilities and infrastructure within the island. We also work with the local church and our neighbors in Barangay Yapak for outreach and educational programs for the community youth.”
A celebration of firsts and more
Apart from its large pool, seven diverse dining places, and Sagay Spa, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay also has a fitness center, a playground for kids, facilities for special events and meetings can be held, and the Sol Marina Beach Club, which is designed to host local and international performers.
During its recent grand launch, , the Sol Marina Beach Club featured Boracay fire dancers, wheel stunts, aerial dancers, showgirls, drumbeaters, a spectacular display of fireworks, and renowned DJ Tom Taus.
“Before the grand launch, we have already experienced our first Christmas, our first New Year. After the grand launch, you’d think that things would slow down, but it won’t. Nowadays, there’s no such thing in Boracay. It seems to be always the peak season,” quips the resort’s marketing communications manager Kristine. “Many firsts will come right after. There’s Valentine’s, then our first Laboracay. It’s going to be very busy, but we’re very excited for all of it!”
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is 30 minutes away from the Caticlan Airport. For more information, visit www.movenpick.com/boracay.
 
By JV RAMOS