I watch as my daughter and talented photographer assigned with me on this trip heads out of the crystalline ocean, bent on taking one last dip before our flight back to Manila. Azure and cerulean hues roll into deeper shades of sapphire as the waters gently pull away from her and then spill out again, drenching the reinvigorated shoreline. Our trip to the “New Boracay” – our first visit since the six-month, government-mandated closure of the island for rehabilitation – is winding down, and we lap up every minute we still have on the raved-about paradise on the northwest corner of the Philippine’s Panay Island.

My offspring barely sets foot on the soft, powdery sand of the isle’s famed White Beach when a smiling-faced butler, garbed in smart tropical attire, runs up to meet her, blue beach towel in hand. I am surprised by the gesture, but only mildly so – after all, it is our third day at the Discovery Shores Boracay, and we have become well-acquainted with this level of sincere, seamless service. Already, we are spoilt silly, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

I lose myself in thought and reminisce about the Boracay of many moons ago. While some things on the island have changed (thankfully so), it is good to see that others have stayed the same – and are, in fact, better. The twelve-year-old beach hotel, for instance, is still at the forefront of all things hospitable, only even more so. With its signature brand of radiant hospitality, Discovery Shores Boracay wears its heart on its five-star sleeve and simply, sweetly says, “Welcome home!”

TRAILBLAZERS IN THE TROPICS
Since its opening in March 2007, Discovery Shores Boracay has blazed a distinct trail in the industry, breaking boundaries and paving paths as one with a true pioneering spirit.

“We were the very first luxury resort on the island to offer unique experiences to guests such as air conditioned boat transfers, big, luxurious suites, beach and pool butlers, personalized service and more,” shares Jun Parreño, president of Discovery World Corporation, and president and COO of its hotel management arm, Discovery Hospitality Corporation. “Ever since we opened, we’ve always made sure to have something new to offer our guests. And at the same time, we’ve retained the little touches that they love and enjoy most.”

To date, the expansion goes on; figuratively, as the multi-awarded hotel continues to dominate the leisure travel market, and literally, as it stretches its physical borders. The original property has grown, with the addition of 11 Signature Suites to the initial 88 guest abodes. While each guestroom affords a lavish stay, the newest rooms boast an even more indulgent, bespoke foray into luxury. The Signature Suites experience includes dedicated Guest Experience Managers, exclusive access to The Great Room lounge, private lap pools and Jacuzzis, picture-perfect panoramas of Boracay’s environs in every room, to list a few next-level nuances.

“Discovery Shores Boracay stays relevant to the travel market by offering something new all the time and offering experiences that are focused on the specific geo-market. For example, we started the Boodle Fight on the island several years ago. Now, almost all establishments offer it. So this time, we came up with something new – ‘The Boodle of All Boodles.’ We improved what we currently have, which our guests already love, and made a better version of it, because we know things can still be made better,” Parreño illustrates.

HOSPITALITY, TO THE HILT
Of course, one cannot speak of Discovery Shores Boracay without harkening to its very heartbeat: its unfaltering and unrivaled spirit of hospitality. The hotel aims to deliver “service that’s all heart” in their quest to become the most esteemed Filipino hospitality brand. And the hallmarks of this commitment are everywhere.

The group’s mission shines through in the sunny smiles and gracious gestures of every team member. In a world all too often marked by cold, calculated callousness, the genuine kindness you feel at Discovery Shores Boracay is endearing. Indeed, this is the warmest lap of luxury I have ever had the privilege of climbing onto. With hand held to heart, team members not only greet you every chance they get, they also greet each other the same way. Butlers wait on guests by the pool and at the beachfront, serving canapés and sweets, offering to mist your face with Evian water, and pouring you a glass of the hotel’s signature pandan-infused water just because you look like you could use a nice, cool drink.

This hospitable heart also beats in more unexpected ways. For example, if you have had too much fun in the (oft scorching) Boracay sun, fresh aloe vera sap is on its way – the hotel grows potsful of the plant, precisely for this purpose. When you retreat to your super comfy room, snacks such as chocolate, fruit and pastries await, daily. Then, there’s Bogart the oversized plush bear mascot, who has become popular with guests of all ages.

“He symbolizes warm hugs,” Discovery team member Ms. Angela, clues us in upon our arrival, after a relaxing foot washing and mini-massage in our room. “And look at his shirt – each shirt has a different motivational quote.” I could go on gushing about the sincerity and sense of care; the service is just impeccable.

PAMPERING IN PARADISE
The Discovery Shores touch is likewise readily evident in the posh yet tasteful neo-Asian ambiance of the property. Verdant gardens, a delightful mix of old trees and new tropical greenery, feature a charming man-made waterfall. Quirky touches – like hallways and walls designed as the white sand’s striations, a wishing stone, and a gong for good vibes – all lend an air of fun and frolic. The pool is captivating, especially at night, when it comes alive with splashes of colored light; on occasion, a bubble machine heightens the fantastical feel.

As one would expect from a high-end hideaway, pampering may also be had at the Terra Wellness Spa, with its array of treatments and massages. Just outside this facility, a number of beach beds are meticulously lined up, for guests who wish to soak up the rays. Since the island’s reopening to visitors, establishments are no longer allowed to set their beach beds out on the beachfront – an excellent idea, which has freed up space on Boracay’s best asset – and this rooftop deck is the hotel’s answer to the dilemma. Discovery Shores has stringent measures in place to help protect Boracay’s natural beauty, and this is just one of many eco-friendly practices the hotel has adopted.

Speaking of roofdecks, the hotel boasts one of the finest on the island by way of its 360 Roof Lounge. Make sure to head on up for a sweeping, panoramic view of the island: seascapes on one side, lush mountain views on the other, infinity pool in between.

SAILING THE APPETIZING SEAS
Part and parcel of every enthralling escape to a deluxe destination are the culinary creations in store. Boracay has become known as a foodie’s destination, and Discovery Shores does not disappoint even the most discerning of epicureans. With three food outlets, Sands, Indigo, and Forno Osteria, Discovery Shores again raises the industry bar.

Sands Restaurant not only provides numerous local and international dishes, but also an utterly relaxing ocean view. What better way to relish your mouth-watering meal than by feeling the ocean breeze on your face? While the restaurant has a wide range of dishes, you shouldn’t miss the scrumptious Adobong Pusit, tender baby squid, stuffed with fresh chopped tomatoes, braised in a tangy, flavor-rich mixture of soy sauce, vinegar and squid ink. The refreshing local ceviche, Kilawin na Tanigue is a concoction of vinegar-marinated kingfish, ginger, cucumber and red onion that makes for a nice companion to and cuts the richness of the squid ink sauce. My daughter particularly raved about the Healthy Burger, a new addition to the menu, which showcases an entirely vegan combo, from patty to cheese and bread, but tastes just like the real thing. Don’t pass on dessert, because the Mango Cheesecake made of quezo de bola, goat cheese and kesong puti, and the Chocnut Torte whipped from 64% Davao dark chocolate, are sure winners.

Indigo Restaurant, meanwhile, is all about coastal cuisine; among our favorites from there is the Mascarpone Chicken, a hearty helping of juicy chicken breast atop truffle risotto, served with asparagus, mushroom ragu, and a mascarpone-bourbon sauce. The signature Four Cheese Pasta is another dish to drool for, with its chewy, al-dente fresh papardelle pasta, bacon lardon, roasted mushroom, mascarpone, cheddar, gruyere, goat cheese and truffle oil.

Not to be outdone, Italian-inspired Forno Osteria offers handcrafted pizza and pasta dishes, as well as juicy steaks cooked to perfection. We dined on an almost sinful Sette Formaggi, loaded with homemade tomato sauce, Fontina, pecorino Romano, gorgonzola, homemade ricotta, tallegio and goat cheese atop quite possibly the best hand stretched pizza crust I’ve ever had. To round off the meal, an order of Petite Rib Eye, perfect in doneness and texture, with truffle fries and house steak sauce, was in order.

CHART YOUR OWN HEARTFELT ADVENTURE
Leaving the island aboard the hotel’s Poseidon speedboat, I could not help but feel a twinge of longing – we had barely hit water and there it was: a dull gnawing to return. Apparently, others feel the same way.

“The overall experience in Discovery Shores Boracay is one of the many reasons people go back to the island. It’s a feeling that you would like to relive over and over again; the feeling of being taken care of, the feeling of family, the feeling of being carefree, the feeling of love. All these add to the magic of this beautiful destination,” Parreño puts it ever so aptly.

Looking for your own heartfelt Boracay adventure? Look no further. The path has been forged; the way is clear.