It was a good eight years in the past when I first set foot on what is now dubbed as one of the best islands in the world, Boracay. The island’s long stretch of white sand, beautiful sunset, clear waters and vibrant island lifestyle was then its main draw. Fast forward to 2019 and I have not been back to Boracay until an invitation to experience Megaworld’s spanking new Belmont Hotel arrived to which I said yes.
After two flights and a quick speed boat ride, I finally arrived at the posh Belmont Hotel Boracay.
Art of arriving
Opened by Megaworld, through its subsidiary brand Global-Estate Resorts, Inc., the 442-room Belmont Hotel Boracay is located inside the 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast tourism township located on the Northeastern tip of Boracay Island. Setting foot onto the hotel’s lobby, I was greeted by artwork and installations that are inspired by the island’s waters and rocky cliffs accentuated by the warm smiles of the hotel’s associates.
The rooms of the Belmont Boracay were spacious and came with their own balcony where one can dry their clothes and towels or just chill and hang out. Each room came with a large LED TV with cable, high speed WiFi internet, and super comfy beds.
“Our second hotel under the Belmont brand will offer an exclusive nature experience in the paradise island of Boracay, as it allows guests to see the island’s panoramic natural scenery from one building to another – from the vast sea to the lush mountains and hills of the island and other nearby islands,” says Raymundo Melendres, managing director, Luxury Global Hotels and Leisure, Inc., the company operating Belmont Hotels under the Megaworld Hotels Group.
Art of dining
Aside from beautiful art pieces that can be found in almost every nook and cranny of the hotel, the Belmont Hotel Boracay’s culinary creations were also a joy to taste.
Belmonth Hotel Boracay offers all-day dining at the Belmont Cafe, featuring cuisines with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Located within the ground level, the restaurant utilises local fresh farm produce to support farmers in Aklan and other nearby provinces.
For those who want to take a sip while they dip, there is also a Zabana Pool Bar at the hotel’s second level deck which serves cocktail drinks and grilled favourites.
Roland Galano, Area General Manager, Belmont Hotel Boracay shared that the hotel will soon open a second restaurant to add to the growing needs of diners.
Art of having fun
While staying in my comfortably cool room at the Belmont Boracay or having a massage at its spa may be nice options to while away my days, the draw of Boracay’s many attractions beckon.
The Belmont Boracay has free scheduled shuttles to take guests from the hotel to Boracay’s Station 2. Although it is a bit of a ride, I was able to see the positive changes happening all around the island. With its wider roads and cleaner sidewalks Boracay is now easier to explore. The long white sand beach has been cleaned up with no structures blocking beachgoers from access the sea. The crowds are still there but what is Boracay without the requisite people watching while having a beer?
Of course for those who would rather escape the crowd and enjoy their own piece of paradise, the Boracay Newcoast also has its own kilometre long coastline with three natural, white-sand beaches which are just a short walk to the Belmont Hotel and its sister property, the Savoy Boracay.
A lot has changed in Boracay and everything for the better. And with the opening of the Belmont Hotel Boracay, every moment on the magical island just got even better to savour.
