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Now that summer’s here, beach trips are on everyone’s minds, and the top beach destination for Filipinos and foreign travelers alike is naturally Boracay. Now that it has been cleaned and restored, it’s more beautiful than ever. Trust me, I’ve been going to Boracay regularly, and I could really appreciate the change after the closure.

The one thing that didn’t change? The crowds. I last visited Boracay right before March this year, and you would think it was at the peak of summer because of how thick the crowd was at the beachfront, especially at sunset. So I was glad my husband and I weren’t booked on a resort along the main White Beach and instead chose to stay at Savoy Hotel Boracay at Station Zero.

Savoy Hotel Boracay

Savoy Hotel Boracay offers the luxuries of a big city hotel while giving you access not just to Boracay’s world-famous powdery white shore but also to the private beach of Boracay Newcoast, Megaworld’s 150-hectare township development and integrated/village resort. A stay at this family-friendly Boracay hotel lets you enjoy a more private and more serene stay, away from the crowds at White Beach.

Savoy Boracay offers over 500 rooms, and while you can imagine that it could get pretty busy when it’s fully booked (especially since they’re popular among Korean and Chinese tourists), there’s plenty of space for everyone in its generous floor area. They have three F&B outlets, two large swimming pools, and lots of cozy spaces, among the many facilities of this playfully-designed hotel. And in case it interests you, it’s the only establishment on the entire island with its own escalator.

Cozy spots like this one abound around the property

Exclusive location

We drove to Boracay all the way from Iloilo (it took us 4.5 hours). I coordinated with Savoy’s front office (shoutout to the very efficient Viem and Mariel), who made sure a member of their concierge was there to welcome us at Caticlan Jetty Port and lead us to where we can park our vehicle throughout the duration of our stay on the island. He also assisted us through the baggage check at the port and all the way to the speed boat of their partner supplier, Southwest. Once we arrived at Cagban Port in Boracay after a 15-minute boat ride, we were led to Savoy’s shuttle that took us to the hotel’s private location in Station Zero.

Station Zero is past Station One, close to the famous Puka Beach and the back part of the island, where you can enjoy watersports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. This is where you’ll find some of Boracay’s most exclusive and luxurious resorts (Newcoast is right across Shangri-La Boracay and beside Boracay Golf & Country Club, which is the view of some of the rooms, in case you were wondering), so you know Savoy is in good company.

Savoy Hotel Boracay’s private location gives you both the space and freedom to enjoy your vacation your way, whether you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the main White Beach area or you want to be in the midst of it all. The hotel is a short van or tricycle ride to the hottest spots of the island, from the main beach and beyond. (It’s roughly 15 minutes, but I must warn you that traffic is bad on the island’s back streets because of all the roadworks, so it may take longer.)

Savoy offers complimentary shuttles to and from White Beach every hour on the hour, with the drop-off and pick-up point close to D’Mall (it’s at the driveway of the new Jollibee there, actually). It makes enjoying what the island has to offer conveniently and hassle-free.

Boracay Newcoast Private Beach

If you want to hit the beach yet dislike the crowds at White Beach, all you have to do is walk for 7-10 minutes to Newcoast’s own private beach, which is more exclusive and tranquil than the island’s main beach, but just as stunning and spacious, complete with fine white sand. When we hung out there in time for sunrise, we shared the whole stretch of beach with only a handful of other guests.

Newcoast private beach after sunrise

Comfortable and colorful rooms

Our private balcony with a view of the pool and the sea

Savoy Hotel Boracay’s accommodations boast of high island living standards. There are four room types that offer a comfortable spot for cooling down and relaxing after a day out in the sun. Each comes decorated with its own contemporary and colorful décor. All feature private balconies with good, unobstructed views of the sea and the swimming pools or the nearby golf course. The rooms come in adequate sizes ranging from 27 to 55 square meters, from the standard Deluxe that’s great for couples and solo travelers to the spacious Executive Suite perfect for families.

We stayed in a Premiere Deluxe room, and the first thing I noticed when we came in is how spacious it is. The room is not as colorful as the ones in Savoy Manila, but I love how bright it is. The rest of the hotel is consistent with Savoy’s love of color, though, as splashes of hues are prevalent throughout the hotel. I loved the comfortable turquoise couch at the corner, close to our awesome balcony with views of the pool and the sea. Premiere Deluxe has a bit more space at 34sqm, as well as more premium amenities. There’s a large 43-inch LED TV, mini refrigerator, hair dryer, safety deposit box, and work table and couch.

Speaking of the bed, even if our room only had a queen-sized bed, it was so comfortable! My husband and I looked forward to sinking into it at the end of each day spent frolicking on the beach and eating and drinking to our heart’s content from morning ’til night during our stay. (We stayed for two nights: checked in on a Monday and checked out on a Wednesday.) We always woke up bright and rested after a good night’s sleep. But it was never difficult to leave the bed because there’s so much to explore and experience at the resort! We even woke up early one morning just to catch the sunrise.

I appreciated that Savoy Boracay has the sustainable practice of not providing little plastic bottles of toiletries, and instead having a cute pump dispenser for shampoo, body wash, and lotion in the bathroom. They are refillable and eco-friendly. And speaking of the bathroom, did I mention how spacious it is? You can dance around inside (and yes, couples can totally shower together, haha). They also provide bathrobes and rubber slippers.

The other thing they provide that I personally liked is this red woven native tote that could fit all my beach essentials, including a change of clothes after swimming! It’s so pretty, I really wanted to bring it home (although I didn’t—it’s for sale at their gift shop, though, among other really nice island souvenirs you can shop). They also welcomed us with a nice shell necklace or lei and a box of cookies and sweets (the pink box in the photo below).

Rich food and beverage options

While Boracay boasts of some of the best restaurants and cafes in the country, Savoy Hotel Boracay’s restaurants provide several dining options for snacks, full meals, and cocktails. There are three F&B outlets within the hotel, so finding meal options is never a problem: Savoy Café, where guests can experience buffet and all-day dining featuring Asian and Western cuisines (one of two spots where you can enjoy your buffet breakfast if it’s included in your stay); Chamberry Pool Bar for cocktails and other drinks; and Vienne Lobby Lounge for more drinks and bar chow until midnight (the other spot where you can enjoy buffet breakfast and which is what we preferred because it’s less crowded). Room service is also available.

My husband and I didn’t get to try Savoy Cafe, but we did notice that the restaurant—and the whole hotel, actually—was really busy and filled with tourists, even when we stayed on weekdays. Good thing they can seat plenty: 150 inside, 98 outdoors—the ideal spot, in our opinion, as it overlooks the pool. We observed that the staff was really efficient and even the chefs come out to check on the guests.

We enjoyed our breakfast at Vienne Lobby Lounge for the two mornings we were there. This stylish 85-seater spot has retreat pods and post-modern furnishings, perfect for just chilling. At night, they have really good late-night happy hour deals from 9p.m. to 11p.m.—great for a nightcap, especially when you return to Savoy Boracay late after bar-hopping at the main beach’s renowned nightspots (as we always do). The breakfast buffet spread we had for two mornings is diverse enough. You’d be pleased to know there’s an expansive cheese and salad station, especially if you’re watching your diet maintain your beach bod’, hehe.

The Chambery Pool Bar would have to be our favorite spot, though, and the first place we visited when we arrived. We loved its view over the pool and its selection of cocktails, bar chow, and comfort food (that you can also order in the other F&B outlets). We definitely had a fun first night in Boracay here, enjoying a sumptuous dinner and sampling their drinks by the poolside, especially during happy hour from 5p.m. to 7p.m. We loved the cool breeze in this al fresco spot that offers a view of the hotel facade. It’s an intimate spot to chill, with just 30 seats.

Spaces for everyone

This being a Boracay resort, you’d have to expect that everything about it would be Instagramable, but they definitely went over and beyond with the interiors, landscaping, and decor. This contemporary resort’s youthful and colorful vibe will put vacationers in the best mood. There are so many photo shoot-worthy spots, #nofilter!

Love these paved “steps” at the party pool

This hip and contemporary beach hotel has all the amenities you would need considering how affordable the rooms are. Prices vary, but check it out and you’ll see how much of a deal it is compared to its neighbors and what it offers—they’re usually a little above or below P5,000.

View of the pool areas from our balcony at dusk

Savoy Boracay takes advantage of its large space with an impressive array of facilities, like a massive recreational area that features two huge pools situated right in the middle of the resort: the main swimming pool (open from 8a.m. to 10p.m.) with a pool bar and the party pool (open from 7a.m. to 10p.m.) with an outdoor stage, ready for live entertainment and events. There’s also a jacuzzi. You should check out the brightly-lit pool area from your balcony at night.

There’s a paved sunbathing lounge among other spots where you can get a tan and just lay around with a refreshing drink. Savoy Hotel also has lots of areas conducive for bonding, including cabanas where you can catch up on some reading or people-watch.

Fitness buffs can get a workout in at the fully-equipped fitness center—complete with treadmills, weights, and advanced exercise machines—at the lower ground floor from 6a.m. to 9p.m. After a good workout, head over to their own spa, Lila, nearby to rest and re-energize.

Plenty of activities to enjoy

Savoy Hotel Boracay’s facilities allow you to relax, play, and just be at ease. You wouldn’t even want to leave when you’re already there, as there are activities to keep you occupied and entertained all day. The facilities are vibrant, hip, and exciting so there’s never a dull moment here (but yes, chilling and doing nothing is highly recommended, too).

Upon checking in, guests are provided a brochure that lists the activities you can do around the resort, along with the complimentary shuttle service schedule to and from the main White Beach and whom you could contact (Duty Manager and Front Office) when you need assistance.

On our first night in Savoy Boracay, we kept things light and easy. To relax and recover from our long drive to Caticlan from Iloilo, we just stayed in the resort and then went for a massage at Lila Spa after dinner and drinks at the pool bar. The spa is open from 10a.m. to midnight so you can really book one right after you party, to ease you into a good night’s sleep. We got one at 11p.m. (last treatment service) and it really was such a good massage, we both fell asleep in the couple’s treatment room. We woke up long enough to go up to our room, brush our teeth, and crash in our comfortable bed, haha.

Our therapists at Lila Spa eased our tired muscles through the invigorating Nemo Relaxing Swedish massage (P1,500 per person for 60 minutes) we chose for that night. This traditional oil-based massage technique features gentle kneading using massage oil with natural ingredients. It offered the ultimate relaxation while helping increase oxygen levels in the blood, easing muscle tension, and promoting circulation and flexibility. The massage soothed and rejuvenated us for the rest of our stay on the island.

My husband and I in the Savoy shuttle going to the main White Beach

On our second day, we spent our entire day at the main White Beach. There’s no reservation required to take the shuttle to D’Mall, you just need to line up at the lobby. However, you’ll need to inform them and reserve a slot for the return trip. If you prefer a special trip beyond the shuttle schedule or to go elsewhere on the island apart from D’Mall, you may reserve through the concierge too (you may incur fees, though). They can also help you get an e-tricycle or multicab.

Savoy Boracay E-Cart that can take you to the Newcoast private beach

On our last day at Savoy Boracay, we woke up early to catch the sunrise at Cove 2, Boracay Newcoast’s very own lovely private beach that you can hang out in from 6a.m. to 6p.m. There’s a Cove 1 and 3 you can check out, too, but Cove 2 is closest to Savoy. The walk to catch the sunrise at the beach was beautiful and serene. We could have stayed at the private beach all day if we didn’t have to check out that day. According to the nice lifeguard stationed at the beach, you can also walk to the neighboring coves of the neighboring resorts if you want to, since Newcoast has made an arrangement with them to allow their guests to visit. But it’s at Cove 2 that you can enjoy eco-friendly tours and water sports activities like kayaking.

View of Cove 2 from a lookout point nearby during our sunrise walk

I wish we stayed longer, because they have other fun activities for guests throughout the week. There’s Zumba at 10a.m. at the Party Pool every Monday; jogging and sunrise watching at 7a.m. at Cove 2 and 3 every Tuesday; circuit training at 4p.m. at the gym every Wednesday; Aqua Aerobics at 10a.m. at the main swimming pool every Thursday; beach volleyball at Cove 2 from 4p.m. to 5:30p.m. every Friday; Tai Chi at the Party Pool at 8a.m. every Saturday, and Poolside Movie Night by the main swimming pool at 6p.m. every Sunday.

Party Pool

The kids have their own set of activities, too, at 4p.m. everyday: Coloring Experience on Mondays, mask painting on Tuesdays, “Let’s Cut and Paste” on Wednesdays, “Puzzles and Giggles” on Thursdays, “Let’s Dough It” pizza making on Fridays, and Beads Craft on Saturdays. They must be accompanied by their parents or guardians, of course, who must also make sure to book their slot 24 hours ahead.

Why we’ll be coming back

Savoy Boracay has spectacular rooms, views, amenities, facilities, and food options. But what truly stood out for me and my husband—and the deciding factor for our return—is the amazing service of the entire hotel staff. From the moment we were picked up at Caticlan Jetty Port to the time we were brought all the way back to where we parked our car at Caticlan, the Savoy Boracay staff took care of us with a smile.

Savoy Boracay Lobby

We appreciated that they gave us such a warm welcome when we arrived at the hotel, complete with the delicious sparkling dalandan cooler that I couldn’t get enough of—they even kindly sent a couple more glasses up to our room and assured me I can ask for more anytime during our stay. Check in was done in our room, swiftly and efficiently. There was some trouble with the lock in the room, but they fixed it and were very nice and apologetic about it. We were warmly accommodated wherever we went, from the pool area and lobby to the restaurants and spa. The Savoy Boracay team was ready to help and tell us more about the property and how we can enjoy it most.

Kudos to Savoy Boracay for being a professionally managed resort that offers such warm, efficient service, considering a stay here is more reasonably priced than at some of its peers. It’s great for couples like us, families (even those with small children), groups of friends, or even those traveling solo. Book at Savoy Boracay if you prefer a more secluded, safe, and spacious resort away from the crowds at the main White Beach. Our room at Savoy felt like a sanctuary from the flurry of activity elsewhere on the island.

Staying at Savoy Boracay also allowed me to enjoy the perks of my Club Access Card (learn more about it here), like 50% off when dining with one companion and 10% discount on spa services.

Savoy Hotel Boracay is Megaworld’s first hotel under its homegrown Savoy brand. The second Savoy Hotel opened in Manila, while another Savoy Hotel is expected to open in Mactan Newtown soon.

Savoy Hotel Boracay is located at Newcoast Drive, Boracay Newcoast, Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. For reservations, contact (02) 3188834 to 37, reservations.manila1@savoyhotelboracay.com.ph, or reservations.manila2@savoyhotelboracay.com.ph. You may also coordinate with the front desk in Boracay via (0917) 8284496.

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