Having been regular visitors to the island over the years, both Joey and I had our favorite hotels and resorts dotted along Stations 1 and 2. However, wanting to try something different, we decided to broaden our horizons. After extensive research, we opted for a resort that would afford us with a bit more privacy than the bustling and sometimes overcrowded shores found along White Beach.
Day One
Exiting the terminal at the Caticlan Airport, we were met by the smiling face of our guide, Marlon. Despite the hot, scorching heat of the almost noontime sun, Marlon was a breath of fresh air with his pleasant demeanor, and kept us comfortable and entertained all the way to the resort.
Found along Diniwid Beach, the journey to the Microtel Inns & Suites Boracay took a bit longer, but we were rewarded for the wait by the homey comfort that was waiting for us. We were received by no less than the resort manager, Bingo, together with Cathy, who was manning the front desk. Both were every bit as pleasant as Marlon, with Cathy efficiently facilitating our checking in, making sure that we were immediately provided with cool, refreshing tropical drinks, and cold towels that had a hint of peppermint in them that perked us up completely. Once in our room, we made a beeline for the bed, which looked every bit as inviting as the photos on the website. All weariness from the journey melted away as we sank into its cool plushness, and were soon reminded of how hungry we both were.
Joey and I decided to have lunch at the resort’s in-house bar/restaurant, which offers a wide array of delectable dishes that will easily satisfy even the most finicky eater.
After satiating our hunger, we decided to hit the water. How can you resist, with this as your view?
That night, after spending the day in the sun and later on having dinner at D’Mall, we returned to our room and were both surprised with this:
I had inadvertently let it slip that we were celebrating our anniversary that day, and this was the resort’s gracious and very generous gift to us. We enjoyed every last drop, of course. *wink*
Day Two to Five
We began each day with the hearty complimentary breakfast that came with our room reservation. There were set meals per day, although guests who opt for different fare may order something else from the menu ala carte.
Once sufficiently fueled up, we were more than ready to go about our day.
Diniwid Beach is located at a considerable distance (approximately 20 minutes or so on foot) from the shops and restaurants dotting D’Mall. Although the distance is relatively manageable, and the sights along the way breathtaking, it was quite a comfort that the resort provided a transport service that operated from 6AM ‘til midnight. Service was prompt, and again very efficient, and we never had to wait for long before we were picked up.
On what was supposed to be our last day (we had originally booked a 4D-N stay), Joey and I made a snap decision to extend our stay by another day influenced by the marvelous sunset and the fact that for the first time in the longest time, we hadn’t felt as relaxed and as taken cared of even in the more exclusive hotels and resorts that we’d stayed in during previous visits to the island.
Our stay at the Microtel in Boracay was truly an experience. Not because its facilities were particularly luxurious or glamorous, or because its guests were celebrities and/or politicians, but because of the quality of the people working there. They are of a different caliber, often going above and beyond the call of duty in an effort to make each guest’s stay as personalized and as pleasant as possible.
So, will we be going back? Of course. Will we consider staying at another Boracay hotel or resort? Probably not. =)
