Sitting on the secluded shores of Punta Bunga Cove in Boracay’s northwestern end, Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay is as Instagrammable as one might expect in a resort on one of the world’s most camera-friendly locations. But therein ends the similarity because Mövenpick isn’t just another destination—it’s an experience to be enjoyed. And one that any visitor would consider coming back to again and again, if possible.

The resort offers stunning views of nature, elegant dining venues, luxurious accommodation, and other mind- and body-pampering facilities.

A Tropical Haven

Space, the abundance of it, is one of Mövenpick’s distinct advantages. The resort hugs a 4.5 hectare property of tropical gardens, coconut groves, and ponds. Mövenpick’s iconic swimming pool, which, measuring some 3,300 sq m, figures as the largest on the island. Irregular in configuration and covered in a mosaic of blue tiles, it gives the appearance of a lagoon tucked in the middle of lush greens, making the urge to just dive in an almost irresistible impulse.

Lacing the front of the resort as it faces the serene waters of Tablas Strait is a 200-meter long white-sand beach, the same sugary powder that have lured tourists from all parts of the globe. Punta Bunga Beach is tucked in a sheltered cove which can be accessed only by guests of Mövenpick and the other nearby properties.

Recently, while the island was put on a lockdown, Mövenpick’s General Manager Mr. Franck Merot and his limited workforce, extended the beachfront garden, making it more spacious and airier. He adds, “We also installed a swing by the beachfront where people can pose and take their picture. They can use #movenswing when they post it on their social media accounts. It’s getting quite popular, actually.”

Now, we all know how kids have a natural affinity for water, but if they have had enough of the pool or the beach, they can head on over to the Little Birds Club where the little ones can enjoy various activities. It’s a signature Mövenpick facility that keeps kids occupied during their stay by teaching them a host of skills–like learning to dance the tinikling.

A Fine Cuisine

In 1948, when the late Ueli Prager founded the Mövenpick brand, his vision was not to build luxury hotels and resorts. What he did was to create a restaurant that works on the concept of “doing normal things in an extraordinary manner.” Consequently, Merot’s dreams for Mövenpick Boracay aren’t just about ‘food’.

“I don’t want people to think of food when they think of Mövenpick—I want them to think about cuisine and gastronomy. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. It’s about how beautiful the food looks, and how wonderful it tastes. That’s what we want in Mövenpick,” he emphasizes.

The Market, the spacious all-day dining that offers an inviting view of the pool, now offers a redesigned menu that combines mouthwatering favorites from Brezza and Ssäm with its own popular items. So now, foodies can enjoy Asian specialities, international dishes, and Filipino and Italian cuisines under one roof.

Sol Marina Beach Club, too, that relaxing bar between the pool and beach, remains open to serve one’s favorite heady concoction, beers, wines, and other spirits. Merot has plans of developing Sol Marina as a hub where guests can take their fill of grilled treats from a barbecue and just sit back lulled by some laid-back music.

More tasty treats abound at Mövenpick. When the clock ticks 4 in the afternoon it signals the start of the Mövenpick Chocolate Hour. For a whole hour, kids and chocoholics alike can enjoy all sorts of chocolate treats–cakes, candies, and even a chocolate fountain—courtesy of the hotel. Early birds, on the other hand, get a taste of Morning Boosters, which are shooters of homemade fruit juices served in the morning to perk up the start of the day.

Great Views and More Indulgences

Of course one must return to his room at the end of the day–and Mövenpick’s accommodation is an experience in itself. When I was there, my room had walls in light sea green printed with whimsical drawings of shells and starfish that replicate the resort’s natural environment. The balconies open to views of the property’s expansive gardens, the pool, and glimpses of the sea.

It doesn’t hurt, too, that the rooms are equipped with such creature comforts as a large flat screen TV, mini-bar, coffee and tea maker, and high speed WiFi connection. The Junior Suites, Sol Marina Suites, and Premium Suites all come with separate bathrooms.

But Merot is especially proud of the resort’s beddings. “I must admit that the big advantage of this hotel is the beddings, which are absolutely phenomenal. The pillows are almost 75 centimeters long and they are not soft. When you put your head on the pillow, it doesn’t become flat. My kids keep asking me if they can take the pillows back home,” he says laughingly.

The private white-sand beach, emerald waters, and fine cuisine are some of Mövenpick Boracay’s foremost irresistible lures.

All Safe

Merot assures that the whole resort is completely safe. Mövenpick has incorporated a comprehensive list of safety protocols that follow Accor’s international standards called ALLSAFE. Upon arrival, guests will have to undergo a temperature check and present their QR code for contact tracing. Polycarbonate barriers have been set up at the front desk and in the dining areas to prevent contamination.

A reinforced cleaning program is also being implemented in all public areas, including frequent disinfection of all high-touch areas. After guests check out, the room is first disinfected and left unoccupied for 24 hours before it is thoroughly cleaned.

While many endured the stresses of being confined in the limited space of their homes during the lockdown, Merot feels blessed to be holed up in the vast resort. “One thing that I appreciated during the lockdown was that I was able to have the beach for myself at night. Before curfew, I would walk on the beach without meeting any other soul. I only have the sound of the waves and the beauty of the beach and stars. I was totally alone on the beach and it was all mine,” he relates.

This is what awaits guests at Mövenpick Resort and Spa Boracay—the feeling of owning one’s exclusive paradise filled with beauty and serenity.