Hotel-resort offers more than the usual Boracay experience

THE INFINITY pool at Alta Vista de Boracay. Photo by Camille Anne M. Arcilla

Looking for a quiet spot in Boracay, a vacation island known for its partyplace-like aura? Don’t worry, as this resort still has that.

The famed white beaches of Boracay nowadays may be full of foreign and local tourists all year round, according to Malabanan, but the resort-hotel Alta Vista de Boracay he is working for as front desk manager still offers that privacy and exclusivity for those who would want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. “Our strength lies in privacy and exclusivity. Down [at White Beach] there are a lot of people, whereas here it’s quiet [and pristine].”

NESTLED on one of the highest points on the island, Alta Vista de Boracay offers a stunning view of the landscape. Photo by Camille Anne M. Arcilla

Culled from the Spanish words “Alta” (high) and “Vista” (view), Alta Vista de Boracay is nestled on one of the highest points on the island, secured at the hillside across 4 hectares. It is located at Barangay Yapak, touted to be the center of development in Boracay in a few years, Malabanan said.

Seventeen Southeast-inspired midrise condominiums spread out across the white landscape of the hotel-resort, each bearing the name of the world’s tallest peaks, like Everest, Fuji, Olympus and Apo. Its amenities include an infinity pool with an expansive command of the sea and the fairways and blue-water golf course; a spa facility; an expansive view deck; a sports bar complete with a karaoke and lounge area; and a café that offers a sumptuous morning buffet and serves up a little native flavor with a cultural show on weekend nights.

THE VIEW from the balcony of one of Alta Vista’s rooms is magnificent. Photo by Camille Anne M. Arcilla

It has 45-square-meter studio and the 62-sq-m loft suites feature two queen-size beds, easy chair with Ottoman, writing desk with drawers, a mini bar with refrigerator and a bathroom complete with tub and other amenities. Each room has a 32-inch LCD television with cable and movie channels, air-conditioning units, microwave oven and electronic coffee/tea maker and WiFi service, upon request and for a small fee.

Alta Vista also boasts its nearness to the secluded Puka beach, also in Boracay, which Malabanan said to be “so pristine and quiet that you would only want to walk around and enjoy the sunset.” He said that Alta Vista has its own kubo (nipa hut) and beach beds at the place for guests. “It is seldom visited by people so it looks secluded; others would have to take a tricycle to get there. But for us it’s just 5 minutes away.”

ALTA Vista has its own rest areas at Puka beach for its guests. Photo by Camille Anne M. Arcilla

Although far from Boracay proper, Malabanan said that will not be problem as “we have eight vans that for every hour shuttle guests from our hotel to D’ Mall and back, starting 8:40 a.m. to 12 midnight.” He added that the shuttling service is extended until 3 a.m. during peak seasons like Labor Day, Christmas, New Year and Holy Week. “For guests who are partying down [at the White Beach], we have available [vans for them]—just give us a call.”

“For those who are looking for that kind of vacation [the quiet and relaxing one] this is the perfect location, other than the fact that we are strategically priced compared to other resorts,” Malabanan said.

Alta Vista de Boracay, a project of developer DMCI Homes, opened in Oct. 16, 2009 and is managed by DMCI PDI Hotels Inc.