Festively Filipino: A Seaside Holiday In Boracay’s Station Zero

This luxury resort and spa launches their ‘Dito Tayo Sa Pasko’ series of holiday offerings with a festive tree-lighting ceremony by the beach.

It was a much needed pause from Metro Manila’s overwhelmingly fast and furious city pace. Upon landing at Caticlan, we were warmly welcomed by Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay’s hotel staff who whisked our party of five off to their private jetty where the resort’s speed boat was waiting. Absolutely no crowds and in no time our tiny group arrived at Crimson’s pristine beach front and I said a quiet prayer of thanks to the heavens for allowing me some time and space to reconnect with nature and myself. That was the agenda I had declared in my mind during the quick flight to the island.

Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay

We headed to Azure Beach Club where a hearty lunch was served-vibrant grilled prawns, nourishing salad, and comforting warm roti canal for me. Dessert was a gorgeous plate of Mangomisu and succulent coconut ice cream. I couldn’t help but feel the island vibe after such a satisfying lunch of fresh sea food and tropical dessert.

Azure Beach Club

After a cheerful chat over lunch with the resort’s general manager Patrick Manthe, Carmela Bocanegra, Chroma Hospitality’s vice president for sales, and Ronie Reyes, Crimson Resort and Spa’s marketing manager, we checked in and enjoyed some free time as a prelude to the hilot treatment awaiting us in the resort’s Aum Spa. It was easily one of the highlight’s of the trip, as my therapist, Carla warmed my exhausted upper back with heated banana leaves, lulling my sleep-deprived body ever so gently towards a blissful nap.

The Couple’s Room at Aum Spa

Mind and body replenished from my treatment, I had renewed energy and accomplished my office work remotely from my Suite. I was grateful to catch a glimpse of the glorious Boracay sunset and continued the article I was writing, eager to finish it up before getting ready for dinner. I was excited about the Art On A Plate at Mosaic knowing it would be a six-course menu to be devoured during a live art session with artist Govinda. The evening ended with Govinda presenting his finished artwork as we toasted to a festive holiday season.

Mosaic

The al fresco area of Saffron Cafe held space for a slow breakfast of yogurt and fresh fruits like bananas, watermelon, and papaya while relishing the ocean views and sea breeze. Soon after we walked over to the beach pavilion where our art teacher Govinda was waiting. Even I was surprised with my art work depicting the wondrous Naked Rock juxtaposed against the white sands, aqua waters, and blue skies.

Saffron Cafe

Next on the itinerary was a visit to the Presidential Villa where a lovely Filipino menu was served by the executive chef, Nickolai Stoyanov.

Presidential Villa

We were back at Mosaic during sunset as we waited for the tree lighting ceremony which kicked off the formal launch celebration of Dito Tayo sa Pasko series of offerings for the Christmas and New Year holidays. According to the resort, “Here, guests seeking a tropical touch for their celebrations can choose from a variety of well-appointed rooms, suites, and villas, all equipped with world-class amenities, as well as access to an excellent section of indoor and outdoor sports, leisure activities, sightseeing opportunities, and the best dining experiences in Boracay.”

Crimson Boracay team celebrates the tree lighting ceremony with guests while being serenaded by the Holy Rosary Parish Music Ministry

Furthermore, the brand adds, “Standard package inclusions are special package rates, daily breakfast, exclusive access to Crimson’s Welcome Center in Caticlan, roundtrip land and boat transfers, dining credits, as well as discounts to various services offered on the property.

Likewise, Crimson Boracay’s culinary team will be pulling out the stops for sumptuous lunch and dinner buffets featuring delectable examples of traditional Filipino and international Holiday fare on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

The New Year’s Eve buffet on the 31st will also be a gala dinner that will lead guests into the new year with a Countdown to 2023 towards midnight.

Guests can also enjoy a wealth of tempting treats from resident dining establishments, including exquisite Christmas cocktails that blend the finest flavors from the East and West.”

Manthe shares, “For those of us who are away from our homelands and loved ones, Christmas in the Philippines is truly a meaningful experience. Here, I have noticed that there are no strangers at the Holiday table: everyone is a friend, a brother, or a sister. Here, you are welcome and are welcomed as one of a loving extended family.”

The general manager continued by explaining the Dito Tayo sa Pasko theme, translating the phrase as “Let’s be here for Christmas” and that the resort becomes more of a home rather than just another tropical getaway for the Holidays. He added that the different offerings under the promotion were specifically created to help guests feel joyously welcome during the most wonderful time of the year on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Visit crimsonhotel.com or follow @CrimsonBoracay on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Photos courtesy of Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay.

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