La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel and Convention Center
“Life’s a beach and I’m just playing in the sand.” – Unknown
Since March 2022, my friends and I have been to Boracay eleven times and we are now making our twelfth! All these years, Boracay has been our favorite destination for number of reasons. I have ten!
A part of Panay, it is six hours away, if you commute, or four hours if you are taking a private transport, from Iloilo City. Of course, there’s the usual processes at the Caticlan Jetty Port. But once when you get to the island, it’s another story.
The famous Boracay Beach
A view of Boracay Beach from the water
The famous Boracay Sunset
Now, here are my reasons why I keep coming back to Boracay (not Bora).
La Carmela de Boracay Resort and Convention Center. The four-building (Main Building, Executive Wing, Premier West and Premier East) and 540-room hotel, which straddles on two barangays – Balabag and Manoc-Manoc, is my home away from home on the island. Its staff is welcoming, efficient and charming. Food is good, ambience is great, and pricing is reasonable. And we are always billeted at suites with the best view of the beach and pool.
One of the best beaches in the world. Boracay was chosen by DestinAsian Reader’s Choice Awards 2024 as one of the Top 10 Favorite Islands in Asia for its beaches and island vibes. After the clean-up in 2018, the pristine white sand and blue waters were revived. In fact, there is a volunteer group of environmentalists who regular clean the beaches of trash and seaweeds.
Boracay sunsets never cease to amaze me.
La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel and Convention Center at night
Club Summer Place party scene
Sunset. Every time I go back, the Boracay sunset never ceases to amaze me. The orange, yellow and purple hues blend together for a picturesque view.
Star spotting. Invariably, one can bump into celebrities, beauty queens, athletes, models, or politicians. Most often, they say “yes” to a photo op while others simply pass you by.
Nightlife. Once the sun is down, partying in the island is frenetic. Bars, clubs, holes-in-the wall, speakeasies, bistros and restos are full. Each have its own gimmick. One can choose between a drag show, disco, raggae, acoustic or sound of the waves.
Starspotting: Joel Catong and yours truly with Teejay Marquez
Starspotting: Yours truly and EA Guzman
Food. From Station 1 to 3, everything in between, and front and back of the island, there are countless specialty restaurants that offer traditional and fusion cuisines from reasonable to wallet-busting prices. Menu-checking online is a must!
Sights. There are many spots to visit in the island. Just ask your friendly e-trike driver; he might even be your guide.
Having my soup by the beach as the sun sets
It’s food galore!
Shopping. One can get good buys at various Talipapas in the island. This where your haggling talent will be put into good use. Best time to shop is right after the shop keepers open their shops.
Friends. There is nothing like vacationing with your friends. Better, when do it with your family and loved ones!
Water sports. Boracay is also famous for its water sports. But I’m more of a spectator than a participant!
Wine and oysters by the beach
A refreshing shake by the beach
It’s shopping time for Nacy Hechanova, Orson Orleans and Joel Catong.
Friends striking a pose: Nacy Hechnaova, Joel Catong, Dado Tan, Orson Orlleans, yours truly, Joel Uy and Jimmy Uy.
Crystal kayak
Keyhole at Newcoast is a must visit.
Helmet diving, a water sport for the adventurous
Hello my friend! I wish to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include approximately all significant infos. I would like to see more posts like this.