Swoon-worthy beach resorts in Boracay for a stay in tropical paradise

The white, angular exterior of Discovery Shores Boracay is a striking juxtaposition against the clear blue sky. Contemporary suites look as if they were plucked from a trendy city apartment block. Slip into the soft linen sheets of your personal space, admiring the minimalist artworks and soaring ceilings. To up the experience, choose from rooms with plunge pools on private balconies, to bathrooms with full glass walls that overlook a pretty rock garden.

A must-see is the hotel’s exclusive 360 roof lounge, where you get panoramic views while you sway in a hammock. Alternatively, grab a cocktail and slip into the Jacuzzi or infinity pool. While the adults are relaxing, kids can hone their creativity at The Sandbox’s daily activities, such as arts and crafts and cookery lessons.

On its postcard-perfect stretch of white sand, Astoria Boracay takes luxury seriously. You get front-row seats to the island’s most staggering views here – literally. Sunloungers on the beachfront let you top up your tan all the way until sunset. If you’re after some unique experiences to add to your holiday list, seek your dose of adventure through sailing and reef walking.

The daily breakfast buffet puts out a scrummy spread of American and Filipino cuisine. With hotel room service available any time of the day, though, you might just opt for a lie-in in crisp linens followed by deliciously lazy breakfast in bed.

With its white exterior and swaying palm trees, Boracay Ocean Club Beach Resort looks every inch a tropical beach haven. You’re right on the shorefront here, putting you in a prime position to access the aquatic action. Staff can also sign you up for off-site adventures – swim through coral reefs in an aquarium scuba experience or take to the air for parasailing above the island’s waters.

Rooms here are airy and inviting, with air-con and tiled floors to cool your feet after a day sunning and strolling on the beach. Book into an Asian-inspired Diamond Suite to watch the sunset while you soak in the outdoor bath on your private terrace. Savour a sumptuous seafood platter for dinner in the onsite restaurant, then kick off the night with drinks at the rooftop bar.

The funky, neon-lit exterior of Red Coconut Beach Boracay immediately sets the tone for a fun tropical getaway. At night, its statement latticed balconies are awash with colour, mirroring the area’s bright tropical flowers and azure waters. Cabana-style interiors, with rattan furniture, wooden floors and intricate dark wood cornices, will get you into holiday mode from the moment your bags hit the floor. For added luxury, book a suite for long, languid soaks in a bubbling Jacuzzi.

Start each breezy day with a complimentary buffet breakfast and a swim in the beachfront swimming pool. Need tips and insider knowledge about things to do? The friendly staff manning the tour and activity booth can help you book island activities like sailing or a helicopter beach tour.

This is your holiday retreat sorted: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa sits on 12.5 hectares of lush grounds and verdant hills. In your spacious suite, stretch out on cabana-style furniture or opt for a midday snooze in plush bedding. You’ll find thoughtful touches that draw from the region’s culture, like woven rugs and accent lighting crafted from seashells. Order a tropical fruit juice to sip while you gaze over gardens from your private veranda.

Visiting families should hit up the Adventure Zone, where kids can release their energy at the indoor playground with drop slide and activity corner. In the Entertainment Centre, belt out a karaoke tune, get competitive over games of ping pong or billiards or enjoy the old-school challenge of retro arcade games.

Henann Prime Resort pairs the buzz of its beachfront location with a serene atmosphere within its walls. Pleasing on the eye, guest rooms are decorated with neutral earthy tones and polished wooden furniture. Lounge on plush cushions as sunlight gently streams through wooden shutters – even better with a room service cappuccino on the way.

Your health and fitness regime won’t miss a beat thanks to the state-of-the-art equipment in the hotel’s gym. After working up a sweat on the treadmill, make your way to a reclining sunbed beneath the palm trees on the beach. Lie back while a waiter brings you an icy drink and the tropical breeze mingles with the sound of ocean waves.

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay‘s on the northern tip of the island in Punta Bunga Cove. When you’re not sunning yourself on the sand, splash into the enormous multi-level swimming pool to get in your laps or just float the day away. Soak up the sunset from the private balcony of a Premium Sea View room, or upgrade to a swanky and spacious Junior Suite to chill out in your separate sitting room.

Pop into Brezza’s colourful tiled interior for hot, wood-fired pizzas made to order. If you have an adventurous spirit, try your hand at sizzling your own tasty Korean BBQ on tabletop grills. As for non-edible indulgences, have a signature treatment at SAGAY Spa. The serene sanctuary’s named after the island’s powdery white sand, formed of seashells ground by ocean waves. If you want to work up a healthy glow, friendly instructors can guide you through yoga, Zumba, Latin dance and hip-hop classes that take place in the gardens.

Coast Boracay celebrates the island’s heritage. The five room types all proudly display one-of-a-kind pieces handmade by local weavers, so you really get a sense of the surroundings. In your airy, whitewashed room, rinse off the day’s sand and sea salt in your luxurious walk-in rain shower.

After taking a leisurely dip in the pool, you can cool your throat with tropical cocktails from the pool bar – not to mention house-made popcorn and ice cream. Looking for a souvenir or special gift to take back? Coast’s own shop, The General Store, showcases artisanal products made with fine Filipino craftsmanship, such as hand-bound books and organic soaps.