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Changing the Landscape of Luxury
All I could hear were the trade winds rustling the coconut palms and the murmuring sea. It was one of those moments of complete bliss as I rode through this luxurious resort property, succumbing to the delights of Filipino hospitality softened by a warm welcome befitting a head of state. As I walked through the grounds of the Shangri-la Resort and Spa in Boracay, I immediately felt the authenticity, quality, and choice offered by this global chain of hotels and resorts. Just when you thought that the paradise that is Boracay has been lost to the noise and pollution of tourism and commercialism, the island redeems itself with this brand new resort property. Shangri-la Boracay exemplifies the same signature service and attention to detail that has characterized every hotel and resort that the Shangri-la brand has stamped itself with. What is awesome about this resort is the way it has blended itself with the island's magnificent surroundings, bringing nature into its fold and benefiting from its bounty. This reverence for nature shows at first glance. The shaded lane that winds through the resort hamlet sets the scene for laid-back living. Upon my arrival at the Caticlan airport, a familiar staff whom I've met back in the 80's warmly greeted my arrival. I discovered later in our brief conversation that it was management's policy to choose most of their staff from within the group or surrounding region, preventing the "gated community" feel that often permeates luxury resorts. At my spacious suite overlooking the sea and the long golden beach, total relaxation, another or the resort's bywords, comes naturally. It is difficult to summon the energy for anything more strenuous than a drink in the Alon Bar near the beach and the infinity pool and a long slumber in the shade. But meals for breakfast and lunch at the Vintana restaurant offers a varied menu to rejuvenate the senses. I chose a simple but healthy Thai tom yum soup, and Caesar's salad, and the freshest catch of the day for my main course. The resort's signature spa is also something to rave about. As I entered the award winning Chi Spa, it was immediately evident why the resort's landscaping has also won awards for its Mactan and Manila namesake. Shangri-La Boracay offers a fabulous array of the best Asian-style spas with world class facilities. The spa treatments offered reflect the Asian ways of life. The resort, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, has embraced the concept of "unmistakably contemporary Filipino," according to the general manager Andre Kretschmann. This is evident in the well planned architecture, which follows the style of Filipino dwellings and the resort's theme which when loosely translated, means purity of spirit, health, and well-being. Its well known spa brand, Chi, is a unique retreat which features Indonesian, Tibetan, Nepalese, Thai, and our own hilot treatment which the resort has popularized and revived. As I headed back to the main lobby to meet up for dinner at the Sirena, the resort's seafood restaurant on a cliff top above the crystal blue waters, I was eager to taste the combined creations of executive chef Geoff Simmons and executive sous chef Robert Davis. My dinner companions and I were not disappointed as we were treated to a generous sampling or degustation of the best dishes and meals we ever had this side of the island. Sirena's food falls into the nouveau contemporary category. The menu has a general mix of familiar infused with an international taste. According to both chefs Robert and Geoff, guests from all over can have something to their taste, showing that both have done their homework well in the creation of the evolving menu. If you are looking for a new dining destination with the charm of the island and the cuisine of an internationally run establishment, Sirena at Boracay Shangri-la is a place that shouldn't be overlooked. It is one of the few world class dining establishments in Boracay and has slowly developed a devoted base of clientele from all over the world in the few months that it has opened. From the welcoming Solana Bar to the charming and cool dining interiors of Sirena, the ambiance exudes contemporary Filipino at its finest with a refined western influence. The layout of the restaurant, while being large, offers intimate areas for dining, overlooking other patrons and different areas of the restaurant from a distance and giving enough privacy to all diners. Boracay Shangri-La seats on a 12.5 hectare piece of property with a 360 degree panorama of nature's colors in the constant embrace of the trees, the flowers, the white beach, and finally the blue sea. And around sunset, one is treated to a kaleidoscope of all the hues of a setting sun. The resort has 219 rooms offering luxurious comfort to island visitors. The deluxe room where I was billeted comes with a balcony and a magnificent sea view. The 36 villas, the smallest of which measures 108 square meters, comes with a butler, private plunge pools, and whirlpools or pergolas for al fresco dining. Coming soon, which I was privileged to get a peek of, is one of the treetop villas with a command of the most fabulous view of the sea. If there is an admirable reverence for nature outside and around the resort, the same concern for local culture is evident in the interiors designed by Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo of Hong Kong and LTW Design Works. Luxury villa accommodation is perhaps a relatively evolving concept in Boracay. The tourist market has been at the lower budget end, but it has slowly been building pace in the higher end of the market "especially with the entry of Boracay Shangri-la Resort and Spa," notes Joy Wasmer, PR director of the Shangri-la Group. This resort offers something that isn't available in many places around the island namely total beachfront villas or on the hill villas with magnificent sea views nothing short of breathtaking. "Here in Boracay Shangri-la Resort and Spa, one is introduced to a show window for the new level of luxury resorts of Shangri-La in Asia," Wasmer adds. Management notes that Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa is the first of its kind for the hotel and resort group and marks the beginning of a new journey for the company. Personally, a stay at the Boracay Shangri-La Resort and Spa is a move up to a new level of luxury. Shangri-La Reveals Some Secrets Andre Kretschmann, General Manager of the Shangr-La Boracay Resort and Spa, has been with the resort property from the start of planning and building. Previously based in Jakarta, Indonesia with other notable luxury properties, he recently shared his take on his new career at the Shangri-la Resort. It may only take a glance to realize that Shangri-la Boracay is a massive operation. "The bigger, the better" motto seems to have captured the hearts of many travelers to this Boracay property. With his soft-spoken but commanding voice, Kretschmann talks about the Shangri-La Boracay and his eyes glaze over. "During the construction of the resort, we have uncovered many artifacts that were dug in the area and are now preserved and can be seen in our Eco Center. This gives our guests as well as visitors to the island the opportunity to learn about the resort and surrounding area's marine life and terrestrial floral and fauna through specially designed outdoor activities and a series of information displays. "By adding this new resort property, we are offering our customers an added choice of a new experience for their leisure travel or meeting destination in the Philippines," shares Kretschmann. It is not surprising that Kretschmann has earned a growing reputation for his innovative management style and other island-based programs not only to sell the resort but also to promote the island to a captive market. "The Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa is definitely a place where one can truly savor luxury. It comes as no surprise that it is an ideal getaway destination and an accessible break from the busy city life. Shangri-la knows what luxury and style are all about." |
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