THE beaches in the Northwest part of Boracay Island has more private feel to it. Some are not even accessible unless you check in one of the luxury hotels in the area. Puka Beach is a favorite. Not crowded, the sandy beach is expansive and the seawater is gorgeous. On a good day, it paints a clear picture of what Boracay was before it became a popular destination—all natural, no fancy eateries. More so today when beach beds and sari-sari stores are banned along the shoreline.
It’s back to the reliable banigs or sarongs to lie on.
Whenever a visit to this part of the island occurs it was only for the day. Last year was different. I got to stay for a couple of nights at the Savoy Boracay Hotel, the first hotel development at the Megaworld’s Boracay Newcoast. The property includes a cove with a 259-meter white sand beach which offers a view of the stunning sunrise.
It wasn’t fully operational yet, but it was busy. Savoy was operating with less than 400 rooms and only the integral hotel facilities open. High occupancy rate was a daily thing for the hotel.
Then came the island’s closure for rehabilitation. It was a good time to finish the hotel.
After 14 months, I was back in a 100%-operational Savoy Boracay Hotel. It was time to “color my experience.”
“Color Your Experience is Savoy’s way to connect to our guests in the most unique, personal, and experiential way,” said Marie Jehan Balbanero, Savoy’s Marketing and Communications Department head, adding, “Our team makes sure we color everyone’s experience with us. If we can excite the guest’s senses, then we can create a long and lasting bond with them.”
With the hotel in full operation, a colorful experience is waiting to happen. All 596 rooms with a view of the outdoors are open, so are the rest of the guest facilities: the VIP guest relations desk service is now offered; the Vienne Lobby Lounge and Zabana Bar adds to the Savoy Café and Chambery Pool Bar food outlets; the Lila Spa for those seeking to relax after a day of frolic; and the electric cars transporting guests around the complex is part of the hotel’s move to a greener facility.
What has not changed? The warm island hospitality and the demand for rooms. Even with more rooms, the hotel is experiencing fully-booked days regularly. The scene at the public area is still busy, if not busier with more people in the hotel.
Boracay’s magic can lure people back to its womb again and again. With Savoy coloring their guests’ experiences, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if they’d be back in the hotel for another colorful escapade.
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