Home JOURNAL City Secrets | Emi Jorge's Boracay

City Secrets | Emi Jorge's Boracay

Known for its endless beaches with white, talcum-soft sand, Boracay Island is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Philippines - and the world. Having everything from kiteboarding and scuba diving to the most relaxing massage you will ever have, it is a wonder how Boracay has remained a secret for so long. In 2012, Boracay was ranked first on Travel + Leisure's "Top 10 Beaches" - with good reason. A favorite L-atitude designer, Emi Jorge, whisked herself away to Boracay and gave us the insiders guide to living luxuriously while on the island.

Known for its endless beaches with white, talcum-soft sand, Boracay Island is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Philippines - and the world. Having everything from kiteboarding and scuba diving to the most relaxing massage you will ever have, it is a wonder how Boracay has remained a secret for so long. In 2012, Boracay was ranked first on Travel + Leisure's "Top 10 Beaches" - with good reason. A favorite L-atitude designer, Emi Jorge, whisked herself away to Boracay and gave us the insiders guide to living luxuriously while on the island.

1. What is your ideal day in Boracay?

An early morning run or a stroll is the way to wake up. It?s an incredible sensation to dig my feet into Boracay?s unmatched powdery fine white sand. Boracay offers a variety of activities such as sailing, island hopping, windsurfing, snorkeling and many other water sports. For lunch you will find a wide selection of restaurants to satisfy your gastronomic cravings.

In the afternoons, I?d opt to lounge or indulge myself to a relaxing massage (Terra Wellness Spa in Discovery Shores is a highly rated spa, pictured above). Try a local traditional massage called ?hilot? for their exotic body rubs like the Moringa extract with sea salt and virgin coconut oil.

For the more adventurous, you may want to try and learn kiteboarding (www.kiteboardingboracay.com) or do some sun salutations at True Yoga or Mandala Spa (boracayyoga.org). At 4pm, we stop everything and enjoy Happy Hour cocktails like Watermelon and Mango Mojito at half the prices!

People-watch and wait for sunset, hailed as the most spectacular view in Boracay. Witness the sky transform into a kaleidoscope of crimson and orange hues.

2. What is your perfect night in Boracay?

The island?s tranquility changes as the sun sets. From the beauty of its great white sand beaches, one will find the hard-driven beat of its bustling night life. The newest party haunt is called Epic, where DJs serve up club music. Further down is Summer Place Bar where the vibe gets more local. Last stop is to grab a ?Chorizo-burger? by the beach (favored among the locals).

3. Where should travelers stay in Boracay?

A resort that we frequently go to is Discovery Shores, ideally located on the widest beachfront in the island. No other resort in my opinion has matched the service of this resort. They have fabulous beach butlers who whip up special treats like mango popsicles, homemade facial sprays and small bites to the delight of the guests lounging by the beachfront. You?ll be surprised that after taking a dip in the water, you?ll find your stuff neatly arranged in the spot you camped out and your shades impeccably clean. A stay in this resort is a novelty.

4. What are the best shops and markets in Boracay?

D?Mall is a great place to score amazing handmade souvenirs like Raffia bags and hats made by local craftsmen. The Lonely Planet shop features amazing beach wears as well as exclusive hand painted shirts. Nautilus offers eco chic products, unique finds handcrafted by local artists and homemade coconut oil products.

5. What are the best restaurants in Boracay?

Catch the freshest seafood and tropical nouvelle cuisine at Indigo. For other epicurean pleasures, head to Kasbah for an authentic Lamb Merzouga. Go to Cyma for fresh Greek salads and Aria for Italian pizzas. Not to be missed is the taste of a local lime muffin called ?Calamansi muffin? an original from Real Coffee (a nipa hut caf? located in Station 2).

Kasbah Restaurant

6. What are the best beaches in Boracay?

We regularly stay at Station 1 of the White Beach (where our resort is), which also has the best beachfront on the island. Go island hopping and visit Diniwid Beach, a peaceful cove away from the busy White Beach. Balinghai Beach is good for snorkeling, with a coral garden not too far from shore.