A private haven in paradise

If there is a destination akin to paradise on earth, it’s the Philippines island called Boracay.

Known for its powdery white sands and aquamarine waters, Boracay has regularly been named among the world’s best, from National Geographic magazine to the TripAdvisor website. Apart from the colorful markets and bustle of the island’s popular white beach, is a place ensconced in a tranquil nature reserve, a place man can call his own haven, his own Shangri-La.

Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, the first international deluxe resort on Boracay Island, and has recently been named in the Conde Nast Hot List of 2010 and the Travel + Leisure 2010 IT List. The resort encompasses 219 rooms and villas sprawled on a vast 12-hectare land.

With area space beginning at 108 square meters, the villas can serve as one’s own island abode with a touch of ethnic elegance. The one and two-bedroom pool villas each offer a veranda that opens to a lap pool, daybeds, and a gazebo for al fresco dining at any time of day.

The two-level tree house and loft villas, perched on the resort’s hillside, provide a breathtaking view of the ocean on the horizon. All villas offer personalized butler service. The rooms are just as spacious, starting at 60 square meters for a Deluxe. Outdoor balconies with daybeds all face the magnificent sea or beautifully landscaped garden.

Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa features a variety of restaurants and bars located within the resort, each one offering an array of dishes and drinks to suit every palate. Vintana is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, offering a world-class menu selection of international cuisine.

Dine on the day’s finest catch at Sirena, or fall in love with the romantic tree house restaurant Rima. The poolside Cielo restaurant serves fresh and light dishes for easy dining, complemented by Alon Bar situated right by the private beachfront.  For sundown drinks, this can be best enjoyed at Solana Bar, with private cabanas, or the Lobby Lounge, offering panoramic views of the sea.

With two private beachfronts, a fully-equipped Health Club, and exciting Entertainment Centre and Adventure Zone, one will never run out of recreational activities in the resort. A dive centre offering a myriad of water sports activities is located within the resort for guest convenience.

Guests looking to soothe their travel-weary senses will find their sanctuary in CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La.

The nearly 6000-square-metre spa village is located on a rocky peninsula overlooking a private bay, with eight garden villas, couple’s suites and VIP suite. A 12-metre lap pool sits in the landscaped garden.  CHI features treatments based on ancient Chinese and Himalayan healing philosophies and ingredients and practices with local origins.

The luxury of first-class facilities and conveniences goes beyond the resort and is extended to guests on their journey to the island. Upon landing at the Caticlan Airport, an exclusive lounge at the jetty port serves as a calming repose while Shangri-La’s own speedboat where a mere 15 minute cruise is all that stands between you and paradise.

A destination within a destination, there is a piece of paradise that can be yours at  Boracay Resort and Spa.

info: For reservations, please call (6336) 288 4929 or e-mail [email protected]

What: 2011 Out Travel Expo

When: Wednesday, March 2

Time: 4pm-7.30pm

Where: Kinselas , Taylor Square

More: www.outandabouttravel.com.au