SUMMER, temperature in the high 30s. Where do sun worshippers want to be? Where the sea breeze is blowing and the water is blue and cool. Boracay, in a heartbeat.
Deprived of travel to paradise for over two years, the best island welcome should be nothing less than a red carpet. Better yet, one in a deeper shade of red, like a “Crimson” carpet. It will be a well-deserved indulgence.
It’s a VIP treatment that starts upon arrival at the Caticlan airport. Guests are escorted to the Crimson Boracay’s Welcome Pavilion, a short drive away for refreshments and a first dose of fresh ocean breeze in the privacy of a seaside lounge. No mob, no queues, nothing of the Caticlan Jetty Port bustle. The private satellite facility is the first of its kind by any Boracay Island resort. It’s a unique service that sets the bar high in providing guests with an exclusive and seamless arrival experience. It also presents a preview of what lies ahead in the island resort — warm hospitality, modern comforts, refreshing retreat, the serenity of seclusion and most importantly, superb service.
Departing from the marina of the Welcome Center, the scenic speed boat ride offers a glimpse of the island action as it zips through the five-kilometer stretch of Boracay’s White Beach. Station 3, Station 2, Station 1, are seen from a different perspective. The ride slows down as it approaches a cove with a secluded beach, stopping at a private floating jetty. It’s the destination: Crimson Resort & Spa at Station Zero.
The stylish arrival by sea, a secluded beach, an enticing pool and multi-level white structure in modern tropical architecture collectively incites excitement, whispering amorously, “Everything you need and want is here.” And the message etches deeper into the subconscious as one takes a walk through the impressive resort facilities and manicured courtyards, through the tropical chic lobby onto a stately suite where large, floor-to-ceiling picture windows frame the picturesque Boracay skyline. Fair warning, sunset viewing from the private sanctuary can draw intimacy.
It may be a challenge to let go of the suite’s lavish embrace and suppress the call of the Boracay sun, sand and surf. The suites are spacious, showered with comfort and modern appointments that can pamper any worldly traveler. The private plunge pool or the bathtub will seduce anyone to stay in. It’s an option.
But don’t give in too soon. There’s still a world to explore in Crimson Boracay, the cuisine is one.
Whether you want to extend the romantic interlude over fine wine and mouthwatering grilled fare at Mosaic Latin American Grill, or kiss ocean-view mornings with a hearty breakfast at Saffron Cafe, or prefer the sight and sound of lapping waves and sea breeze at the seaside Azure Beach Club, the restaurants’ international food listing can take you on a gastronomic journey across the globe. Italian? Indian? Japanese? Whatever your palate desires, the chefs can whip up delectable savories and saccharine wonders.
Undeniably, the allure of Boracay is its turquoise blue waters and fine white sand. Crimson Boracay has its fair share. The location in a fine corner of a cove blesses the resort with a stretch of shoreline it can call its own. Its seclusion paints a picture of Boracay’s distant past when only a handful of people were lucky enough to walk the powdery carpet and swim in its cool waters. To frolic in the exclusive stretch in solitude is to relive the island’s yesteryears.
While the cooling sea is an escape from the heat, so are the infinity pools molded on the different levels of the resort’s sloping terrain, each presenting a view that connects the still water to the ocean seamlessly. The difference? The absence of waves in the pools make the summer drink or the sunset cocktail on hand safe.
Calling it a day? Not just yet. You may be longing to be back in the arms of the suite’s sweet embrace after a day of basking in the warmth of the tropical sun and watch it set in the horizon, frolicking at the beach and feasting on flavorsome bites, but an indulgent therapy at the spa is how to appropriately end the day. Any one of Aum Spa’s unique therapies is healing. It can quiet the mind, relax the tired body, and rejuvenate the sun-drenched skin. A good massage is a benchmark for a remarkable vacation. To deprive oneself of much-deserved pampering is a disservice to one’s soul.
Now, sleep soundly on the firm bed wrapped in crisp white linen. Wake up to a brand new day with the hues of blue of the sky and sea glowing through the window. And, repeat the Crimson Boracay indulgence.
It’s summer. Traveling is once more hassle-free. Tell me, in a heartbeat, where do you want to be?
P.S. Travel safely. Crimson Boracay’s Covid-19 safety protocol is still in place.