With its peaceful location, delicious food, and exemplary service, Discovery Shores Boracay continues to be one of the best choices for a relaxing retreat on the famous island

The Welcome

The whole Discovery Shores Boracay experience kicks off the minute you step inside the arrival hall of Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan—a Discovery Shores bracelet is fixed upon your wrist by a friendly hotel attendant, and after your luggage has been tagged, you will be whisked away via van to the nearby private jetty port.

From here, an air-conditioned speedboat will take you the island. A cold towel, water, and snacks are offered in the boat, in case you get hungry or thirsty during the less than 10-minute ride. Finally, upon arrival on the island, you’ll board another van which will take you to the hotel in Station 1, where you will be offered another cold towel and more welcome drinks. As this wasn’t my first time in the hotel, I had already come to expect all of this from Discovery Shores for my recent stay.

What I didn’t expect was the hotel providing our group with a waiting room since we had arrived earlier than standard check in time, on a day where their rooms were fully booked. This was no ordinary waiting room, mind you—it was a two-bedroom suite with two bathrooms and cable TV. After munching on the welcome snacks, my companions and I claimed one area each for ourselves and even managed to sneak in a nap before we were escorted to our actual rooms.

The Scene

I prefer quiet beach getaways, and I’ve always appreciated Discovery Shores’ location in Station 1. The area is secluded enough for those who don’t like crowds, but is near enough the happenings in Station 2 for people who are after the island’s vibrant nightlife. This spot also provides a blanket of privacy in the hotel’s beachfront.

You can just spend mornings or afternoons in one of the hotel’s loungers and take in the beach view without having to tune out unwelcome distractions. Best of all, Discovery Shores’ butlers are always on hand for whatever you may need—be it a refreshing drink or an extra towel.

The Room

My Junior Suite was located near the pool and with a great view of the hotel’s man-made waterfall. I was amused when I saw more welcome snacks on one table, along with a framed picture of me. Also in the spacious room was a welcome letter, a banner welcoming me home, a beach bag, and several different bottles and tubes of sunblock.

All rooms also come with a complimentary foot bath, which I redeemed as soon as I had taken the room all in. It was refreshing to have a bamboo peppermint foot scrub, especially after having very little sleep.

The Service

What always makes me fond of Discovery Shores with each visit is its top-notch service, which only gets better with each stay. All of the hotel staff never fail to greet the guests when they cross paths, and their psychic-like intuition guarantees that everything you need is presented to you, even before you realize you need it.

Coming from a sunset paraw ride? A beach butler is ready with a refreshing face mist as you approach the beach.

Going for a dip? A pitcher of iced water will be ready by your lounger, and your beach umbrella adjusted for your comfort. Want to explore the rest of the island? A shuttle that can drop-off and pick you up may be booked.

The Pool

Located right next to the restaurants, the pool is conveniently sectioned into three parts: the main pool, the kids’ pool, and the Jacuzzi—ensuring that everyone can enjoy a dip safely. Guests may also swim up to the sunken pool bar for some drinks.

The Food

The hotel’s restaurants make sure that guests dine well during their stay. Sands offers hearty Filipino dishes all day—definitely try the Bacolod Kansi, the Sisig Fried Rice, the Leche Flan with Mango Chevre, or if you’re dining with a big group, the Boodle Fight.

For a more fine dining experience, have dinner at Indigo. My favorites would have to be the Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with garlic mashed potato, baby carrots, and field mushrooms in a burgundy mustard reduction, the Calamansi-Lemon Sorbet, and the Pears Belle Helene.

The Spa

I was able to experience the Touch Signature Massage at the hotel’s spa, Terra Wellness. The relaxing strokes actually lulled me into a state of almost-sleep, where I was just able to de-stress in peace. I appreciated the fact that I was given an option on what therapeutic oil and what kind of pressure to use for my treatment.

The Turn-Down Service

During my stay, I always looked forward to the hotel’s turn-down service, as not only does it come with Filipino snacks (like small servings of maja blanca or bibingka), but also with a postcard with an inspirational quote.

At Checkout

To me, a stay at Discovery Shores Boracay is never long enough. Although their stellar service extended up to the time their van dropped us off the airport (and with more snacks served along the way!), I missed the whole resort experience the minute I boarded the plane back to Manila.

The Verdict

For a serene and hassle-free sojourn in Boracay, I would definitely recommend booking at Discovery Shores Boracay, whether you’re aiming for a solo getaway, a romantic holiday, a barkada trip, or even a family adventure.