Summer at Shang-Boracay
TRAVEL UPDATE By Marlinda Angbetic Tan / The Freeman

Since I had a gift certificate for a Tree House Villa for two, 2 nights with buffet breakfast, I looked forward to using it from the time I got it.

There are however embargo dates for its use (the usual!) so that I forgot about it till my sons Allen & Ian bought two family rooms during the Room Sale of ShangriLa in Ayala Mall at the onset of summer. I remembered my GC and told my sons of my free room, and to book me together with them.

Due to my inadvertence, I found out a day before departure that my GC was for a Tree House Villa. I was confirmed for a premier room. Shang Cebu’s ever dependable Corp Comm Director Mildred Amon & sales rep Carla Commendador were on top of my case. I assured them that I didn’t mind being in a suite near my sons’ rooms as we would have kids with us, so I would be helping out with their care.

Upon arrival at Caticlan airport, a Shang rep ushered us into the comfort of the Shang-Bora lounge next door.

As a party of 10 adults, 3 children below 5 years old and an infant, we had a shuttle to ourselves and the Shang staff told us to immediately board the aircon comfort of the shuttle as the little ones were unsettled by the heat. The airconditioned Shang waiting lounge at the pier was a haven, especially for those with small children. We were given cold towels upon entering and even if we waited awhile for our speedboat, we had the amenities for our comfort — ice cold dalandan juice and spacious, clean comfort rooms.

The 15-minute speedboat ride to the hotel is a treat in itself. The life vests are new and clean, the boat spacious and neat, with courteous and smiling personnel. We rounded the island and landed on the north side, where our rooms are located. I was impressed that no less than the GM himself Mark Kirk was at the landing to welcome us. (I also spot him going around the tables at breakfast. So unobtrusive but friendly, so hands-on and helpful! No wonder everyone in Shang Bora is so attentive to guest’s convenience and comfort.)

Many may have reservations, as I had, when staying in Shang-Bora because of its distance from where the action is at Station 2. Rest assured that a complimentary shuttle schedule is on track starting at 7:30am only on Sundays (resort to Budget Mart at D’Mall) and 9:30am (D’Mall to resort). For ordinary days, shuttle service starts at 11am (from resort to D’Mall) until 1am dawn; 11:30am (from D’Mall to resort) until 1:30am dawn. One must book for the rides, though, as there are only 25 seats per trip.

Be sure to get a ticket at the reservations desk as it will be demanded upon boarding the vehicle. First come, first served. Last night, my family went out to dinner at Station 2 and we came back by the 8:30 pm shuttle, in time for the little ones’ bedtime. But if the shuttle schedule does not fit a guest’s personal preference, there is a Serena van going to the three White Beach stations at P150.00/pax/per way.

And since I have to submit this column article before noon yesterday, I went down to the Business Center

of the resort after breakfast to email my article with a fresh recall of my Shang-Bora experience thus far. No hassle.

Everyone promptly directed me to the computers in the first floor. What a pleasant experience indeed!

For water fun, one can have the Shang beachfronts (Punta Bunga Beach and Banyugan Beach) all to one’s self, as the north side has a long white strip of beach for swimming and water sports activities. There is also the inviting pool area nearby with Cielo Restaurant where one can dine in one’s swimwear. Alon Bar is accessible to both beach and pool areas.

My room, facing crystal clear waters and Banyugan Beach, has a wide porch with lounging chairs, a table for early morning snacks or evening cocktails — and a jacuzzi! My little ones can frolic in the privacy of my room, if the parents would want it.

Shang-Boracay in summer is not as crowded and noisy as one expects Boracay to be at the height of the season. Despite a high occupancy, I don’t have the feeling of being in a fully occupied resort. My room is quiet and spacious and with a priceless vista that can de-stress any tired and jaded traveler.

Live well! Try a Shang-Boracay stay and you won’t regret it....memories are made this way.

Travel safely now!