A Rustic Retreat
A quaint little hotel in Boracay Island now outstrips the fancier hotels in Station 1
Written By Meriam Otarra
Photos Courtesy Of Lugar Bonito Hotel
The Welcome
Happy smiles greeted me as I was approaching the open reception area of the hotel. Even if the check-in time was still at 2PM, the staff of Lugar Bonito allowed me to check in early as the room was already empty. Their flexible check-in schedule is already a plus for people like me who prefer traveling in the morning. As I walked up the Mykonos-inspired staircase of the hotel, the refreshing white walls and potpourri decors already made me feel at home despite the fact that it was my first time in Boracay.
The Scene
Lugar Bonito is located right next to the main road where Station 1 and Station 2 meet. One walk across the street will take you to the azure waters of White Beach. It is the perfect side to be on the island when waiting for the hues of the sky to change from orange to pink during sunset. And while all the party cravings you need are easily reachable from Lugar Bonito, some of the peaceful parts of Boracay are also accessible. A short walk along a cliff northward will take you to Diniwid Beach, a rather serene landscape compared to White Beach.
The Room
The hotel puts all the right pieces together with its rustic white-painted wood, vintage chandeliers, and patchwork tiles inside the toilet. The white sheets feel as clean as they look, making any guest forget about the white sand beach that awaits them a few steps away from the hotel’s main door. The Thales Room where I stayed was cozy. The rest of the five rooms that are inspired by the white villas of Greece set against the deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea are uniquely designed to tame the eyes of a discriminating traveler.
What the room lacks in space, the comfortable bed bmakes up for. The mattresses are five-star that once you go into the bed and under the sheets, a good night’s sleep will surely follow.
The Service
The hotel offers free service water, coffee, and WiFi access. A complimentary breakfast is also served right to your room to complete your breakfast-in-bed experience in Boracay Island.
The Verdict
Lugar Bonito is the perfect place to stay in Boracay if you want the convenience and value of Station 2, but the serenity of Station 1. There is no reason to choose between the wild and the peaceful—get the best of both worlds when staying at this hotel.
Lugar Bonito Boracay is located at Station 1 Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. For bookings and reservations, visit or call (63 36) 288 1247