A trip back home to the Philippines doesn’t seem complete without traveling to Boracay, especially now that summer’s here. However, if you’ve been to the island several times and would like to stay and explore someplace apart from the more crowded main White Beach, you may want to explore the fast-developing, leisure-oriented community called Boracay Newcoast, local real estate developer Megaworld Corporation’s 150-hectare township development and integrated tourism estate in Boracay.
Boracay Newcoast is made up of hotels, resort facilities, condominiums, and even a retail and entertainment center, located on the opposite side of the island from the more popular (and populous) Stations 1, 2, and 3. One of the resorts worth checking out here is Savoy Hotel Boracay, where you can enjoy the luxuries of a big city hotel and a more private and serene stay away from the crowds at Boracay’s world-famous powdery white shore—which you can still go to via the resort’s free scheduled shuttle service anyway—as well as to the private beach of Boracay Newcoast.
Savoy Boracay is under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, the largest homegrown hospitality group in the country with an inventory of almost 4,000 rooms to date. Savoy Boracay alone has over 500 rooms, and while you can imagine that it could get pretty busy when it’s fully booked, there’s plenty of space for everyone in its generous floor area. They even have two large swimming pools.
Private location
You can arrange for Savoy staff to pick you up from the airport and take you to Caticlan Jetty Port. They will also assist you through the baggage check at the port and all the way to the speed boat of either Savoy or that of their third-party provider like Southwest Tours, which the resort can pre-arrange for you prior to your arrival.
Upon arrival on the island, Savoy staff will get you and your luggage in their van and take you to the resort’s private location on Boracay Newcoast, the entrance of which is right across one of Boracay’s most exclusive and luxurious resorts, Shangri-La Boracay. Savoy also happens to be located right beside Fairways and Bluewater Boracay’s golf courses—which is the view of some of the rooms—so you know Savoy is in good company.
Savoy Hotel Boracay’s private location gives you the space and freedom to enjoy your vacation your way: You’re billeted away from the hustle and bustle of the main White Beach area; you can choose to enjoy the private beach within Newcoast; and you can still access White Beach within minutes (depending on island traffic—yes, it’s not exempt) via Savoy’s shuttle. Just ask Savoy’s front desk for the complimentary shuttle schedules to and from White Beach from 9AM to 10PM, with the drop-off and pick-up point close to D’Mall (at the driveway of Jollibee in Station 2). Even if you want to leave the hotel at your preferred time, you can also just take an e-tricycle ride to the hottest spots on the island, from the main beach and beyond. Just ask concierge to hail one for you.
Comfortable rooms with amazing views
Savoy Hotel Boracay offers four room types, each tastefully furnished. 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.
KUBO recommends the Premiere Deluxe Room With Pool View, which is adequately spacious at 34sqm. There is a comfortable turquoise couch at the corner, close to the balcony with seats facing views of the pool and the sea. The queen-size bed can fit two adults. You may need to request an extra bed if you’re traveling with a child. There’s a 43-inch LED TV, mini refrigerator, hair dryer, safety deposit box, work table, and coffee and tea-making facilities. They welcome guests with a plate of sweets on the coffee table by the couch. The shower is comfortably spacious, too. They also provide bathrobes and slippers.
Prices vary, but room rates are more of a deal compared to that of its neighbors and what it offers. Deluxe Room rates usually start at PHP3,400 per night, with Premiere Deluxe Rooms with Pool View starting at around PHP5,900 per night, depending on when you book. Do note that if you plan to stay there for Holy Week, room rates are definitely going to be a lot more expensive, given how many people travel to Boracay during that time.
Delicious food options
While Boracay boasts of some of the best restaurants and cafes in the country, Savoy Hotel Boracay’s in-house restaurant, Savoy Café, likewise offers delicious meals. Savoy Café is where in-house guests have their daily buffet breakfast, and they also serve a la carte dishes from Pinoy, Asian, and Western cuisines for lunch and dinner. We love how Savoy Café is right by the pool, so you can enjoy the view while you savor your meals.
Among the a la carte dishes KUBO recommends you try at Savoy Café for lunch and dinner are the Sinigang with Lechon Rondalla (PHP600), Gambas (PHP700) in aligue sauce, Buttermilk Cornflake Chicken (PHP700), and Sesame Tuna Salad (PHP650), which has a generous portion of seared tuna steak. If you’re traveling with kids, they will definitely love the Sweet Spaghetti With Meatballs (PHP500).
If you want to enjoy drinks by the pool, just walk or swim up to Chambery Pool Bar. They have Happy Hour from 5PM to 8PM everyday, with Buy One, Get One deals on select cocktails and discounts on single orders of cocktails and beer buckets. It is also the focal point of their foam party every Saturday night (weather-permitting) from 6PM to 10PM.
Impressive facilities
The contemporary hotel’s fresh and Instagrammable interiors and spots will put vacationers in the best mood. And it has all the amenities you would need considering how affordable the rooms are. Right at the lobby are play spaces for kids, including a foosball table.
Savoy Boracay takes advantage of its large space with an 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 is where the pool bar is located, with kiddie pools on either side; while the party pool has an outdoor stage, ready for live entertainment and events.
There’s a paved sunbathing lounge among other spots where you can just relax with a refreshing drink, in-water loungers, as well as cabanas where you can hang out with the family or catch up on some reading.
In case you like working out while on vacation, there’s a fully-equipped fitness center right by the main pool. It comes with treadmills, weights, and other exercise machines, as well as space to do yoga.
Beyond the pool area are the retail spots of Savoy Hotel, which also face the upcoming retail hub of Boracay Newcoast, where shops and restaurants, including the newly opened Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill, are soon to serve Boracay Newcoast guests and residents.
Explore Boracay beyond White Beach
You don’t even need to go to White Beach at all, as Boracay Newcoast has its own private beach, Cove 2, which is a 7- to 10-minute walk from Savoy. It’s more exclusive and tranquil than the island’s main beach, has fine white sand too, and is just as stunning and spacious. The Newcoast staff also regularly cleans and maintains the beachfront so it’s always picturesque whenever you go there to take photos, lounge, and bask in the sun. There’s also a play area for kids.
Cove 2 is the perfect spot to catch the sunrise. It’s open from 5AM to 10PM. There’s also a complimentary shuttle service to and from Cove 2, Newcoast Beach; just approach front desk for assistance.
Once at the Boracay Newcoast beach area, there are several activities to enjoy besides just lounging. You can walk to the iconic Boracay Keyhole rock formation to take photos, hike to the highest point of Newcoast to enjoy exhilarating views of the entire community, Go Kart or ride an ATV ride to get there and explore more with your friends and family.
Savoy Hotel Boracay is a good option for a comfortable stay in Boracay if you’re traveling with a big group of family or friends and want more reasonably-priced accommodations compared to others on the island. Book here if you prefer a more secluded, safe, and spacious resort away from the crowds at the main White Beach, and love lounging by large swimming pools (especially if you have kids). Staying at Savoy can feel like a sanctuary from the flurry of activity elsewhere on the island.
Savoy Hotel Boracay is located at Newcoast Drive, Boracay Newcoast, Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. To book, visit savoyhotelboracay.com.ph.