Boracay is a tropical paradise renowned for its powdery white sand, breathtaking sunsets, and warm, hospitable locals. Over the years, this island has transformed into a vibrant, tourist-friendly destination, offering accommodations that range from luxurious 5-star hotels to charming boutique inns. Its bustling malls, supermarkets stocked with local and imported products, and diverse restaurants cater to every palate.
I’ve been to Boracay multiple times—single, engaged, married, before and after its temporary closure—and extensively explored Stations 1 and 2. Yet, nothing compares to my recent stay at Station Zero, specifically in Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay. Here’s my honest hotel review of this Green Globe-certified, family-friendly paradise.
But first...
Choosing Where to Stay in Boracay
Boracay’s main beach is divided into three key areas:
- Station 1: Known for its upscale resorts and quieter ambiance.
- Station 2: The heart of the action with bustling nightlife and restaurants.
- Station 3: Ideal for budget travelers.
Station Zero, however, stands apart for its exclusivity, tranquility, and sophistication. If you’re looking for a more relaxing and secluded experience, Mövenpick Resort & Spa is the perfect choice.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay: Our Memorable Experience
Seamless Transit
Mövenpick Boracay ensures a hassle-free transfer experience, making arrivals and departures smooth and stress-free.
Key features of the transit service:
- Punctuality: The staff was on time for the airport pickup. (We didn’t get the transfer to the airport, as we stayed in a different hotel before our trip back.)
- Efficient Coordination: We were warmly greeted and guided to the exclusive Mövenpick van upon arrival at the airport. The transition to the speedboat was seamless, with staff handling our luggage every step of the way. There was no waiting.
- Comfortable Journey:
- The van was clean and air-conditioned, offering ample space for our party of two couples during the pickup.
- The speedboat ride was swifter than when you were taking the public boat.
- Warm Welcome: At the resort, a welcoming staff greeted us with Mövenpick’s signature iced tea and cold towels, setting the tone for a luxurious stay.
This well-orchestrated process made travel to and from the resort effortless, allowing us to focus on enjoying our vacation from the very start. We’re glad we paid extra for this service; it was worth it.
Free Shuttle Service
- Convenient free shuttle service makes exploring the island easy and hassle-free.
- Schedules are regular and well-managed, ensuring guests can comfortably visit nearby attractions or the D’Mall shopping area.
5-Star Service & Experience
Our arrival wasn’t without hiccups, as there was an issue with the first room assigned to us. However, the management resolved it swiftly, upgrading us to a Junior Master Suite. The room’s spectacular view and luxurious amenities more than made up for the initial mishap.Stunning View
The Junior Master Suite
The suite was a harmonious blend of modern elegance and cozy charm. Here’s what stood out for me:
- Design: The room featured warm wooden flooring, soft ambient lighting, and a plush panel-style headboard that exuded understated luxury.
- Bathroom: A frosted glass partition added a contemporary flair while maintaining an open and airy feel. The dual vanity and massive bathtub were perfect for couples.
- Balcony: Sheer curtains provided privacy without obstructing the view of lush greenery and sky. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in.
- Amenities: Every detail was thoughtfully curated, from the sustainable comb and brush to various teas and toiletries.
The suite was a sanctuary, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. We didn’t mind that it was stormy during our first three days in Boracay because we were cozy in our room.
Dining Options
Mövenpick offers four dining establishments, each with its own unique appeal:
1. The Market: Specializes in Filipino cuisine.- Serves an extensive breakfast buffet we enjoyed every morning.
- Breakfast includes fresh juices, pastries, and options for meat lovers and vegetarians.
- Limited choices for strict vegans during lunch and dinner.
- Ideal for cocktails, dinner, or enjoying the sunset.
3. The Café: Located near reception.
- Serves desserts and café-style food overlooking a serene garden pond.
- The truffle pasta stood out, and the decadent chocolate mousse was unforgettable. They also serve scrumptious pizza.
- The ambiance with Italian music and a sunset view made for a perfect dining experience.
Signature Chocolate Hour
Every afternoon from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, guests are treated to an array of FREE chocolates: brownies, chocolate fondue, cookies, and more. It’s a delightful indulgence for both kids and adults. Let’s just say we didn’t hold back!
Seasonal Events & Programs
We stayed there during the week of Halloween. The resort organized family-friendly events, including games and activities for children.Private Beach
One of the biggest perks of staying at Mövenpick is access to its private beach. This beach, accessible only to guests of Mövenpick, Crimson, and Shangri-La, offers a peaceful retreat from the busier main beach.
Here’s what stands out:
- Tranquility: No constant interruptions from vendors. Those present at the far edges respect boundaries and approach only if called.
- Sheltered Location: Nestled between Crimson and Shangri-La, the beach is naturally shielded from strong winds, even on stormy days.
- Safe and Comfortable: Lifeguards are on duty, with clear swimming condition flags. I recommend wearing water shoes due to some coral along the shoreline (it’s not the signature powdery sand of Boracay in this area).
- Extra Touches: Towels are provided after a swim. Tip: Ask for towels fresh from the laundry because these are warmer.
The soft white sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets make this private beach a slice of paradise.
Multi-Level Pool
The resort boasts one of the most beautiful pools I’ve seen, with:
- Multiple levels spanning a vast area.
- A safe 4-ft depth, suitable for kids and non-swimmers.
- Water volleyball, jacuzzis (blower only, no heater), and a dedicated shallow section for toddlers.
The pool offers breathtaking views of the beach, creating a stunning backdrop for relaxation. It’s only a few steps from the restaurants, so you can quickly get snacks and drinks.
Sagay Spa
As spa enthusiasts and self-proclaimed spa critics (lol), my husband and I were impressed with the treatments at Sagay Spa:
- Exceptional Therapists: Jenny (?), my husband’s therapist, and my own, MJ and Sun, were highly skilled and attentive.
- High-quality oils: I love that they used premium oils that absorbed beautifully, leaving skin soft and subtly scented. (They don’t have to wipe you with hot towels after the session like in other spas.) I believe lavender, floral, and peppermint are the scents available.
- A serene ambiance complete with soothing scents and music.
Although pricier than other spas (2,500 Php or $43 for 60 minutes), overall, it was a pleasant experience.
Note: I pride myself on sharing only honest reviews on my blog, so I’d like to add that I’ve had just as good massages at cheaper prices in Dumaguete (350 Php or $6) and Punta Bulata (less than 1k Php or $17). There are also massage places outside the resort that offer good services for a cheaper price.
Suggestions for Mövenpick
While Mövenpick Boracay delivers an overall fantastic experience, a few areas of improvement could make a significant difference:
Enforcing the No-Smoking Policy: Smoking outside the designated area was a recurring issue during our stay. Some guests were smoking in spaces like the sunbeds near The Market and behind Brezza, both of which are just steps away from the designated smoking zone. 🤯 This is not the resort’s fault (some people just have a hard time following the rules), but it detracts from the resort’s otherwise serene environment and compromises the comfort of non-smoking guests. Adding clear signage around the property and reminding guests of this policy during check-in would go a long way. A gentle but firm approach to enforcement is essential to maintain the resort’s pristine atmosphere.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Pescatarian Dining Options: While the breakfast buffet offered a great variety, the lunch and dinner menus, particularly at The Market, could use more inclusive options for guests with dietary preferences or restrictions. Expanding the vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian offerings would enhance the experience for a broader audience.
Maintenance at the Fun Hub: Certain facilities, such as the billiards table and cue sticks, showed signs of wear and tear. Ensuring these are well-maintained would keep the Fun Hub an enjoyable retreat for guests.
Localized Social Media Presence: Creating dedicated social media accounts for individual Mövenpick locations would improve direct communication. Guests could ask location-specific questions without being redirected to general email or phone contacts.
Summary: What to Expect at Mövenpick Boracay
Our rating for this hotel resort? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This resort checks all the boxes for a luxurious, family-friendly getaway:
- Exceptional service with staff trained to perfection.
- Tranquil and exclusive location away from the bustling crowds.
- Gorgeous views, top-notch amenities, and thoughtfully curated activities.
How to get to Movenpick Resort & Spa
From Caticlan Airport
- Exit the airport: Once you arrive at Caticlan Airport, walk past the vans and look for the tricycles waiting outside.
- Take a tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port: The fare is around PHP 75 if you’re traveling alone or PHP 50 per person if you’re traveling in a group. The ride takes about 10 minutes.
- Pay the fees: At Caticlan Jetty Port, pay the necessary terminal fees and register with the Department of Tourism (DOT) by showing your hotel reservation. Then, board the boat (a pump boat or an Oyster ferry) for a 15-20-minute ride to Boracay Island.
- Arrival at Cagban Jetty Port: Once you arrive at Cagban Jetty Port, you can take a tricycle or van to Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay. The resort is approximately 30 minutes away by road.
From Kalibo Airport
- Exit the airport: Upon arrival at Kalibo Airport, look for the local buses or vans heading to Caticlan Jetty Port.
- Take a bus to Caticlan Jetty Port: This journey takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a local bus to Kalibo town and then transfer to a bus heading to Caticlan.
- Arrive at Caticlan Jetty Port: Go through the registration and verification process.
- Pay the fees: There will be a terminal and environmental fee.
- Board the ferry: Take the Local Bangka Boat from Caticlan Jetty Port to Cagban Jetty Port. Then, board your boat for the 15-20-minute journey to Boracay Island.
- Arrive at Cagban Jetty Port. Take a tricycle or van to Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, about 30 minutes away.
The fare from Cagban Jetty Port to Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is about Php160 to Php200 (around $3 to $4), but some transport companies may charge more. Depending on traffic, the trip takes around 8 minutes by taxi or e-trike. You can also arrange a private transfer through the resort for a varying cost.
Note: The rates may have changed, so it’s best to research and prepare enough cash for transit.
FAQs
Are the pools in Mövenpick heated?
No. But the sun heats the pool water when it gets hot during the day, making it warm.
Do they provide warm towels?
Some towels are warm when fresh from the laundry, but typically, they are not. Please ask for availability.
Can you access the neighboring resorts for free?
Yes. You can simply walk from Mövenpick beach to Shangri-La and Crimson, as they are just a few steps away.
Do Mövenpick offer a daypass?
Yes, the Mövenpick Resort & Spa allows you to spend the day and experience its luxury without staying overnight. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but reservations are encouraged. The day pass is all-inclusive of:
- Entry to Boracay’s multi-level swimming pool, which covers 3,300 sqm.
- Access to a 150-meter semi-private beach at Punta Bunga Cove, ideal for stunning sunset views.
- Receive PHP 1,600 in credits for dining and spa services.
- Utilize sun beds, towels, and shower amenities.
- Welcome drink provided upon arrival.
- Take advantage of the Happy Hour Promotion at Sol Marina Beach Club from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
- Attend DJ sessions, live performances featuring fire dancers, and sunset duo shows at Sol Marina Beach Club (availability depending on schedule).
- Join daily wellness activities, such as cultural dances like Tinikling, Aqua Aerobics, Zumba, and more (availability depending on schedule).
Check out their website for more information.
What is the old name of Mövenpick?
Movenpick took over Sheraton Karachi.
What is the parent company of Movenpick?
Accor under CEO Olivier Chavy.
Would we return to Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay? Absolutely! For a serene escape that combines luxury and relaxation, there’s truly no place like it.
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1 comments
Sounds like heaven especially in the middle of cold December!
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