This hotel can be your own private paradise in Boracay

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is situated far from the sometimes-maddening crowd at Boracay’s White Beach. It’s a beachfront paradise nestled at Punta Bunga Cove, far off on the northern tip of the island, and a great place to be for travelers who want to spend a little (or a lot of) time away from the busiest tourist spots just enjoying the sun and surf.

Much as we also love the vibe at White Beach, it was a struggle to tear ourselves away from the comforting cocoon that the resort’s location provides. It doesn’t help that everything one might need from a beach vacation is here; not least of which is a diverse collection of restaurants to suit different palates and moods.

There’s The Market and its continental cuisine; Ssäm, which offers a pan-Asian range of bold flavors; and the Ligurian-inspired Brezza with its authentically made pasta and pizza (ask about “The Beast”, their pet wood-fired oven) — along with strong liqueurs to start and end every meal.

Boracay’s jewel-blue waters are more enticing than ever, thanks to the island-wide clean-up and rehabilitation efforts. But if elsewhere the beaches are full, Punta Bunga Cove remains pretty serene. Despite the resort’s size (there are 312 rooms and suites on the property), it’s a pleasant surprise to find that the beachfront is never crowded — you’ll often find yourself enjoying a lonesome swim in the sea.

That said, the resort’s massive 3,300m² multi-level swimming pool offers a decent alternative to the saltwater, not to mention access to a poolside bar that serves up heady cocktails to go with Boracay’s famous sunsets (or lunch; you’re on vacation, and no one will judge).