This past fall, our family had a delightful stay on Boracay Island in the Philippines. We’d heard some buzz about the Boracay but didn’t know that the island was about to be awarded Travel and Leisure’s #1 vote for best island of the year.
I’d also heard great things about the family friendly, beach-front resort Discovery Shores. I was delighted to visit and write about this property.
Thanks to Discovery Shores for hosting our group in order to facilitate this review
Even before I checked into Discovery Shores, I had a delicious taste of their welcome. I had visited the property earlier that week while on a separate press trip, and had enjoyed a delicious and lavish “Boodle Fight” lunch at their restaurant. Boodle fights, or feasts are a traditional meal served on banana leaves and eaten with your hands. It includes rice, grilled meats, fruit and condiments. We began the meal with a ceremonial washing of our hands with lemon water and then we dug in!
Everything was so fresh and delicious and the oceanfront location of Discovery Shore’s restaurants – right on White Beach – offers views that cannot be beat. I was to become very spoiled by this view over the next few nights that we stayed at the hotel. In particular I enjoyed the fresh pressed juices with breakfast. Who wouldn’t love fresh cool watermelon juice, sipped while wiggling your toes in sugar-fine sand?
Filipinos love food and it shows. The choices on the menu at this hotel’s restaurant will make you forget that you are on an island. There’s just so much to eat and something for everyone. My pickier eater was happy to see some kid classics, like pizza and mac and cheese. My more adventurous eater was ready to dig into the delicious lumpia and chicken adobo.
There are so many things that make Discovery Shores a perfect stop for families, and many packages and deals, to choose from. Families with little ones will appreciate the kids club, and the comfortable set up in one or two story rooms.
All of the rooms here are arranged in condo style, on multiple levels leading down to the pool, sand and restaurant. Close to the restaurant and bar you will also find the concierge, the spa and the swimming pool, which is a hub of activity all day long.
I think what really made our stay at Discovery Shores so memorable was the attitude of the staff. They managed to make us feel like family and like royalty at the same time which is a very tricky business!
Every detail seemed to be taken care of for us. Our room was personalized upon our arrival with framed photos of our family and stuffed animals. We all enjoyed a welcome foot washing/foot massage which is a custom of the hotel. It was pretty funny seeing the look on my 12 year old son’s face when he was offered a foot rub!
The rooms themselves are quite comfortable with ample air- conditioning and a modern, open and airy style of construction. Bedding and decor are white, fresh, and spotlessly clean which is always most welcome in a tropical setting.
Our room had two full sized beds and a twin, which provided plenty of space for us and our two young sons. The room had large windows and a balcony facing the pool and the ocean – a delightful view to wake up to in the morning.
So many simple things were convenient about these rooms – small details make a big difference.
Some of Discovery Shores Boracay’s attention to details:
- Ample storage for your belongings and suitcases
- Multiple well placed outlets for charging devices
- A large sink outside of the bathroom, perfect for rinsing things off
- Privacy shades that allowed you to block your room from view, without blocking out all light
- Drying racks on the balcony, for your swimwear
- Slippers, robes and extra amenities for the whole family
This is the sort of hotel you don’t have to leave, but if you want to venture to other parts of the island, explore or arrange for activities, the staff is available to assist with that and can also arrange to drive you and pick you up.
We had no problem arranging for snorkels and fins when we wanted to visit Puka beach and the hotel van drove us directly to the gorgeous beach.
Extra special touches at Discovery Shores Boracay included:
- The welcome footbath/massage
- Personalization of the room for us with our names and photos and adorable stuffed animals for the kids
- Specially prepared local sweet and treats brought each evening by the staff
- Fresh fruit & bottled water
- Daily Towel animals for the kids
- Transfers via private van and speedboat to/from Caticlan airport
Everything about this hotel was warm, welcoming and easy to love. Luxury without pretentiousness. We felt perfectly at ease and could have spent a few more nights if we’d had the time!
One of our favorite features of this property was the wishing stone upon which guests are invited to paint their wishes with water.
I think we all made the same wish here. I’m sure it is one the wishing stone gets requests for all the time.
Hopefully our wish will come true!
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