Photos by Fernan Nebres
MANILA, Philippines - If there is a vacation app, people would just type Boracay and they would be zoomed instantly, in person, to the island. Well, one can dream, and dream about Boracay’s world-class beaches and blue waters. But how about finding a home away from home in Boracay? That would be even better. Everything’s within reach, without the insanity that the city brings. In fact, we are thinking of Crown Regency Boracay, and how it makes for an enticing stay.
Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center, located in Station 2, is the largest of its three resorts on the island. It is an eight-hectare resort consisting of 671 rooms and a 1,600-capacity convention center. The bigness factor extends to the rooms, so spacious they can fit four persons.
In terms of room amenities, there is a Posture-Pedic bed and a kitchenette. This is great news to guests who want a more comfortable, homey feel. For honeymooners, they can luxuriate in the penthouse with its fabulous outdoor Jacuzzi. For businessmen and, yes, social media hounds, the rooms have LAN Internet while the lobby has free Wi-Fi. Yes, folks, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are joining the vacation party, the way it should be.
Step outside and check out the pride of Crown Regency: the Water Adventures. The main centerpiece is the 1,800-square-meter Tsunami Pool that resembles the motion of the ocean, including the waves that surfers go for. The fascinating Waverider lets surfers ride on a jetstream of water.
There is also the Oceanarium, the longest underwater tunnel that features a mermaid show, complete with marine creatures. It is opening on July 15. Guests can also do the Ocean Walk or aquarium scuba diving to get closer to the friendly fish. If hanging out on dry land is preferred, then there is the Ocean Bar with its selection of bar chow and karaoke fun. Other developments include the Land Adventures, featuring team-building facilities, an animal show amphitheater, and more. These adventure facilities are also welcome to walk-in guests.
Crown Regency makes the stay even more complete with its 24-hour convenience store called Pricelite Outlet at the lobby. There are grocery items, garments, and beverages from the US.
One might wonder how is it possible to bring all these different attractions into a harmonious whole? Crown Regency president and CEO Richard King says, “Crown Regency Hotels & Resorts always believes that our guests deserve more. It is not only limited to service and rooms anymore. We aim to be true to our mission: to become a destination of a destination. If the city or island is a tourist destination, Crown Regency will offer its own amenities and adventures, thereby making the hotel a destination in itself.â€
“The resort is an ideal place to relax. It is not the usual resort by the beachfront that is noisy because of the loud music,†King continues. “You can take it easy here. You can choose your own adventure here. People love adventures, trying new things to do and watch.â€
Such a grand display of fun features is complemented by Crown Regency’s trademark service, that is giving value to its guests and ensuring that their stay is, well, crowned by the best things the resort has to offer.
Case in point is their offerings at the Fifties Café Bar & Restaurant which opened last May. The restaurant time-warps the guests back to the fab 50s, with its authentic and vintage memorabilia lining the walls and everywhere else. Its signature drinks, named after artists from that bygone era, are becoming huge favorites of the party crowd. As for their dishes, well, King is particularly proud of their seafood kare-kare. He declares, “It is the best! It is a must-try.†Some already did, and came back for seconds.
Truth to tell, Crown Regency Boracay has gained a loyal following of its own. It continues to win the newbie holiday-goers with its affordable rates, bigger-than-usual rooms, and value-for-money packages, accommodations, and adventure activities. Surely, a stay at Crown Regency Boracay is all it takes to make that a holiday fit for royalty.
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The Crown Regency Boracay is located at Station 2, Main Road, Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan. For more information, call (+6336) 506-3111, fax at (6336) 506-3131, e-mail at reservations@crownregency.com or log on to http://www.crownregencyhotels.com/boracay.php.