Boracay

Boracay is the favourite holiday destination in the Philippines. Apart from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also famous for being one of the world's top destinations for relaxation, tranquility but also nightlife. In 2012, Boracay was awarded as the best island in the world from the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

Boracay White Beach is divided into station 1, 2, 3. I searched for its meaning and apparently it used to be old boat stations. Station 1 has nice hotels like Discovery Shores and some private villas, station 2 is super crowded and busy (for me was too much, too much pub crawls, crowds and cheap stalls), than we found station 3, which I actually loved. It didnt have the seaweed floating and the water was deeper so you actually can really swim. I visited numerous hotels on the beach and than we found a treasure right here. Beautiful apartments with big terraces right on the beach and you can even have freshly made pretzels - only on Saturday though :) The German attention to details combined with Philippine hospitality was the reason we moved here and the location of course. You can ask them in the kitchen to buy you a fresh fish in the local market and then prepare it for you the was you like it. We had Lapu Lapu fish Portugese style and it was superb! For sundowners head to nearby Congas. They dont have Happy Hour (unlike all the other bars nearby) but the drinks are just proper.

And then there is Shangri-la hotel with its own beaches. Its feels different here. Big gardens, quiet surrounding, beautiful villas and great spa stands it apart from the other properties. It also has its own speed boat so you are pick up and delivered back to the airport by a private charter :) Shangri-la provides all day shuttle to station 2 and has its own covered shuttle station there with security for you to come back. I very much liked the Seaview suites and Two bedroon Ocen Villa with a great view, private pool and lot of space. If you book early enough you can get a pretty good deal.

While you are here you can try to bargain down a pearl necklase, drink coconut water infused with local rum and try to get to Sunny Side Cafe for breakfast. Its numero uno.