Boracay Before Closure: Our Discovery Shores Boracay Experience

Six months ago, the Philippine government ordered the temporary closure of one of the ‘World’s Best Island‘ – Boracay!

Needless to say, me and my wife were shocked. Having been to the island for a number of times in the past 8 years, we have fallen in love with it. It had its own share of island and tourism problems, but we personally believe there were other ways to solve the problem aside from the total shut down.

Nonetheless, it’s all water under the bridge now. We just want to be glad that the island got to breathe for a while and there were a number of renovations and tourism policy revisions moving forward. YOu also have to give it to President Duterte who had the political will to actually close the island for renovation. And it was so.

Boracay
Old Boracay (March 2018)

Today’s local travel news is all about the upcoming re-opening of the island of Boracay on October 26, 2018!

I just want to share a little story from our recent February 2018 trip to Boracay and stay our favorite resort in the island – Discovery Shores Boracay!

Our Discovery Shores Boracay Experience

I’m sure the resort may look a bit different when it opens anew in the next few weeks. But perhaps, our story and the photos we’ll share below may provide a nostalgic respite on how it was in the not so distant past; and how beautiful, clean, and prestine the resort was even then.

This was actually our 2nd time at the Discovery Shores Boracay (DSB). We were very much looking forward to this leisure vacation as our maiden stay way back in 2015 was nothing short of luxury.

Discovery Shores Boracay
Speedboat Ride to the Island
DSB
Van Ride and Transfers
Boracay island
Boracay Island, Philippines!

And when we came back, we received the same warm welcome from DSB’s friendly and courteous staff. From the Caticlan airport, we were ushered to the van going to Fairways and Bluewater Boracay where our speed boat awaits. The quick 10-min sea trip going to the island was an adventure in itself as the waves excitingly lifted our ride from time to time while light snacks were distributed. *wink

Upon landing at the island port, we had another van transfer which brought us to the main resort. Not too long, we found ourselves at the beautiful shore of White Beach in Boracay, right in front of the DSB hotel lobby. It was a stunning beach, just like before.

The Junior Suite

For our room, we got a Junior Suite room at the second floor overlooking the adjacent swimming pool; calling us amidst the afternoon sun.

Discovery Shores Boracay  Junior Suite
Junior Suite @ Discovery Shores Boracay
Bogart The Bear
Reading & Relaxation with Bogart The Bear!

At the center of the room was a King-sized bed with fluffy pillows and soft duvet. Alternatively, you may request for a two double-size beds if you’re with a sibling or a friend.

A refreshingly cold pandan infused water, local fruits, and dessert will greet you as a welcome treat. And just like before, there was a personalized note and welcome banner inside!

But the best part was the signature foot wash awaiting to soothe our tired legs after a long trip. 🙂

For the ladies such as my lovely wife who are conscious of the details, the toiletries were updated. It is now infused with Argan oil. The set included a shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and an Argan soap.

Discovery Shores
Welcome Fruits & Sweet Treats
DSB Service
Personalized Notes & Greetings!
Discovery Shores Rooms
Wifey’s Favorite Morning Spot by the Porch
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One more thing that’s unique with Discovery Shores is their Nespresso machine with complimentary Nespresso capsules and the mini tea facility. We’ve been to many hotels in the country but seldom do we see a Nespresso machine included in the room amenities.

Late into the night, we enjoyed watching late night movies with the 42″ HD LCD Smart TV with cable TV. There was 1 night though where we slept early after a soothing body massage from Terra Spa (wait for its feature story on Seats For Two).

Our room had everything a luxury guest would need for a relaxing vacation – from the soft bathrobes to hypo-allergenic pillows and more! On the other hand, the cleanliness and orderliness of our room were consistently maintained by the staff day and night.

Resort Lobby
By the Resort Lobby where a Wedding Reception is being set up.
Boracay White Sand
Boracay‘s White Beach

Discover More

There’s so much you can do in Boracay, moreso when staying in Discovery Shores!

The white powdery sands of White Beach Boracay is your hotel beach front – just a few steps away from the pool and the hotel restaurants – Sands and Indigo (catch our foodie feature of these 2 restaurants at Seats For Two).

Every morning after breakfast, we would lounge by the beach and swim in its crystal clear waters. The warm beach with white powdery sands run long and shallow; it’s this wonderful beautiful feature which made Boracay famous worldwide.

Discovery
Walking by the Beach
Boracay Waters
Ready for the afternoon dip!
Discovery Shores Boracay Rates
Signature DSB Service!
Discovery Shores Boracay Pool
By the Pool: Discovery Shores Boracay Swimming Pool

When you get tired at the beach or when it gets too crowded, you can always go back the exclusive resort swimming pool of Discovery Shores.

Cheapskates like us love the complimentary snacks and drinks served on one side of the pool every morning and afternoon. For bigger appetites, there’s always Sands restaurant to dine-in or request for a room service.

Sunsets to Remember

The late afternoons were for sunset-gazing that would never fail to end your day almost perfect. By this time, you would really praise the Lord for His wonderful creations.

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Boracay Sunset
A Different Hue of the Boracay Sunset

At night, you can walk by the beach barefoot while holding the hand of your loved one. Visit stations 2 and 3 and perhaps enjoy a drink or two or say hi to a fellow traveller or a friendly local.

Moreover, we make sure not to miss the warm jacuzzi of Discovery Shores right beside the main pool. It’s also our way of getting rid of the sands from our feet before we go back to our room.

The rest of the story is R-18 and is subject to approval by the MTRCB (Philippines’ local movie regulatory board) – joke!

Discovery Shores Boracay Station 1
Discovery Shores Boracay Beach Front
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Here’s our Youtube video from our video shoot in 2016

Discovery Shores Boracay
Excited for the New Discovery Shores Boracay When it Re-Opens soon with Boracay!

Discovery Shores Boracay
Address: Station 1 Barangay Balabag Boracay Island, Malay, 5608 Aklan
Telephone: (+63.2) 720.8888 / (+63.36) 288.4500
Mobile Number: (+63) 917.625.8507
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.discoveryshoresboracay.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoveryShoresBoracay/

Follow our couple adventures through Seats For Two by subscribing to our blog via email and liking the Seats For Two Facebook Page. Follow our Twitter and Instagram accounts too!

Now that the new Boracay is opening soon, we’re excited to go back and see how much the island has changed, including the new Discovery Shores Boracay! Now pondering on booking that next flight!

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