This ‘secluded surprise’ is Boracay’s newest gem

A different face of this island paradise greeted us one fine Thursday mid-afternoon in September.

It was a clear day and the famed Boracay Island welcomed us with a bright sun sparkling across its clear blue waters, waves that were a little choppy then, and fresh sea breeze enough to fan out the heat. But rather than heading out to the bustling, crowded row of hotels that line the equally world-famous white beach, our group was instead whisked off to this secluded surprise: the 442-room Belmont Hotel Boracay, just a short ride off the main beach.

We were to stay for three days at this newly opened hotel, developed by property giant Megaworld, through its subsidiary brand Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI). Belmont was the second hotel to open within the 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast (which comprised 12 percent of the whole Boracay Island, we were told), next to Savoy Hotel.

Belmont Hotel Boracay lays down all the elements that make for a truly relaxing, laidback getaway, from the inviting lobby, the Trellis garden where you can savor some fresh breeze, to your well-appointed room that’s snug, comfy and warm.

Laidback vibe

Filipino hospitality was displayed at its finest the moment we stepped inside Belmont Hotel Boracay: sprightly tropical music, refreshing drinks, shell necklaces, and of course, a festive spread of mouthwatering dishes from healthy salads, fresh and fried seafood, slow cooked prime ribeye, risotto and other sumptuous Filipino dishes—which for me, was a preview of what was shaping up to be another relaxing getaway.

Belmont Hotel Boracay is for those seeking a more laidback vacation, said area general manager Roland Galano, who told us of the many different ways one can take a breather in this paradise.

The vistas from Belmont alone are such a refreshing sight. This three-tower hotel is located within the sloping area of the estate just beside Savoy Hotel Boracay, and overlooking the eastern beach of Boracay Island, thus providing spectacular panoramic views of the vast cobalt blue sea as well as the lush greenery of the mountains and hills here and in other nearby islands.

Belmont’s design, too, enhances that laidback vibe with the clean lines, light neutrals and earth tones that evoke warmth, healing and peace. Impressive, colorful installations that greet one at the lobby make one long for some Vitamin Sea: jellyfish-shaped lighting fixtures hung in the high ceilinged lobby, a cobalt blue carpet at the reception area featured a design of corals and seaweeds, while a metal installation of a flock of birds is mounted on the wall.

We took a quick tour of the facilities and amenities at Belmont Boracay after a hearty lunch, and all it did was make me realize that I needed this tropical respite to soothe my frazzled nerves.

Fall in love with this island paradise anew when you step inside Boracay Newcoast.

I saw several quaint nooks where I can soak in some sun and quiet and catch up on my reading, but my favorite was this whimsical Trellis Garden, a landscaped deck where I can enjoy the stunning views around the property including the lush greening of a nearby well manicured golf course. You can hit the well-equipped gym here to squeeze in some quick workout, go to the spa to loosen those muscles. Then you have a right-sized pool that’s perfect for a refreshing dip or for lounging with friends while you enjoy a cocktail or two at the bar.

Greatest adventure here

Beyond the amenities, Galano told us that there is so much more that one can look forward to when you stay at Belmont Hotel Boracay.

“This township alone will be a destination. Your greatest adventure in Boracay will be here,” he claimed. “We have our private beaches, we have our own pontoon, and soon, we’ll have the Promenade, which will have rows of retail shops and dining outlets where guests from other hotels can go to. We will also have a convention center (in the near future).”

From Belmont, you can either take a shuttle or walk going to the coves and beaches within Boracay Newcoast. Galano pointed out that the beaches here remain pristine and unsullied, while the island’s Instagrammable keyhole that looks out to the vast open sea would be a great addition to your feed. Water sports and other similar activities can be done within their beaches, from kayaking to scuba diving, he added.

Should you find yourself wanting to stroll along the white beach and get a dose of the familiar Boracay, you can easily do so as Belmont Hotel Boracay offers free shuttle rides to other stations. But I doubt that you would: I never had so much of an inkling during those three days to get out from this side of the island. Just imagine once Boracay Newcoast is in full swing—meaning all the other districts and shops have been completed and are operational—you will never want to leave here. And I won’t be surprised, too, if many would want to invest here to get a slice of that island life.

Jellyfish shaped lighting fixtures and a carpet featuring corals greet guests at Belmont.

“The potential here is great,” Galano added.

One pleasant surprise for us was this exclusive pontoon that’s just a few minutes away from Belmont. This meant that we didn’t need to trudge the roads (portions of which are still under construction) in the island as we simply hopped on to our boat that brought us directly to Caticlan where we then made our way to the airport via a short ride.

Nothing beats that reduced travel time, that kind of exclusive convenience, and for the eco-warriors, the reduced carbon footprint.

Belmont Hotel Boracay is indeed the new face of Boracay Island—having all the trappings that make for a perfect summer getaway, except that, it’s in a more serene, pristine and sustainable setting. Here, you can still have a glimpse of the famous Boracay sunset, get that famed tropical party lifestyle, or enjoy the easygoing, unhurried pace that this paradise can offer.