Boracay is indeed a perfect destination for someone like us who only have a day or two to relax and escape the hustle & bustle of Metro Manila.. Only 45minutes plane ride from Manila to Caticlan and another short boat and tricycle ride to get to your preferred station in the island and viola.. in less than 2 hours you are now in Paradise!!!
We arrived in Boracay at around 1pm and went straight to our hotel accommodation in Hampstead Boutique Hotel located at station 1. Its not beach-front but very close to the beach by 3 minutes walk which is perfect for someone like my boyfriend who have sensitive ears because the location is quite far from the nightlife at the beach but still close to the main action. From the jetty port, tricycle ride to station 1 is Php125.00. We booked their superior room via agoda and paid Php6300 for 2nights (inclusive of taxes and complimentary breakfast).
I have no wonder why Hampstead Boutique hotel has an 8.8/10 rate in agoda (and even exceeded the rate of other luxury hotels) because of its excellent service and personal touches. The moment we arrived in the hotel, the staff gave us a welcome pineapple juice drink and explained to us the amenities of our room. They also provide free use of beach mat, umbrella, and towels--which were very useful to us. And when we checked out, the staff even gave us a gift-- an eco bag and portable speaker. How thoughtful is that? The Hampstead Boutique Hotel may not have the best amenities but their personalized service is what makes them unique. We would surely stay in this hotel again when we come back in Boracay.
Free use of Beach mats, umbrellas and towels available for in-house guests of Hampstead Boutique Hotel.
Gift from Hampstead Boutique Hotel. How's sweet!
After a restful nap, we went to the beach for an afternoon picnic and swimming..
Frozen grapes, grilled hotdog, fries and refreshing mango shake.. Perfect beach snack, indeed!
I love my one-piece swimsuit from Cinderella Dept Store. It fits me perfectly and gives me enough coverage to hide the imperfections of my body.
For a cover-up, I used my blue denim short from forever 21. I also love my black & blue stripe tote bag from the same brand.. it has enough space to fit in all my beach essentials.
For dinner, we ate at Jony's beach front restaurant also located at Station 1. Their signature lechon kawali and laing are a must try!
And ofcourse, you are not in Boracay without experiencing its night life.. we decided to try Shi Sha for the first time in one of the bars located at station 2.. I forgot the name of the bar but they have one of the most relaxing vibe with comfortable couch in the beach. Neither of us smoke so it was a fun first-time experience for us. Sorry mom but sometimes you know, it doesn't hurt to be a little experimental. 
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The next day, we availed our complimentary plated breakfast at the hotel's restaurant. I ordered American breakfast while Jan ordered beef tapa with garlic rice and egg. I regret that I didn't order the same because their beef tapa is superb--tender and so flavorful! I just wish I took a photo of their yummy beef tapa.
Plated american breakfast of Hampstead Boutique Hotel
We went back to our room right after breakfast and watched the semi finals of NBA. And before we know it, its time for lunch. Jan wanted to dine in Boracay Mandarin Oriental Hotel's Italian Restaurant called Don Vitto. It is where he had his OJT back in college . I was surprised that their menu price is actually quite affordable.. we ordered asparagus and mushroom soup, chef salad, chicken herbs, don vitto pizza and pasta. Yes, we ordered a lot for just the two of us. Takaw tikim lang.
Chef Salad of Don Vitto Restaurant
Chicken Herbs
After lunch, we went to the D'mall for some souvenir shopping. But first, we need to take another selfie pose because our background is just so beautiful.
At around 4pm, we went back to the beach again for another afternoon swim. Our snack are left overs from our lunch in Don Vitto, frozen grapes (again), Chippy and cloud 9 chocolate bars. Yummy!!
I love picnic. When the time comes that we'll have our own family, I will always arrange picnic dates for our family. I imagine how fun it will be!
See how fine the sand is? Its like walking in a stretch of a baby powder!
To swim in the warm salty water while watching the sunset is indeed one of the priceless things to do.. This is indeed the beach life.
Glorious Sunset of Boracay
Suddenly, the sky turns into this..
After a refreshing swim in the beach.. we went for a hilot massage in Shore Break Spa located in Station 2. They are the guys who offers massage in yellow uniform along the station. The hilot massage costs 400 pesos. A pretty descent massage to take all the tensions away from your body. We also dine in the famed Smoke Restaurant.. Again, i forgot to take a picture but I highly recommend their khao pad .. very delicious. They have two branches inside the D'mall.
For dessert, just across Smoked Restaurant.. we ate at Coco Mama Ice cream served in a coconut shell. The icecream itself is made from coconut milk which they claimed to be dairy-free with a much lesser calorie. Perfect for diet-conscious dude out there.
So that concludes our short trip in Boracay..in just 2 nights.. we pretty much did a lot.The kind of a short weekend trip that we've been looking for-- no long drives in between, no itinerary needed, no tour packages to avail but just a short trip of pure relaxation. Thank you Lord for this another opportunity to travel together. I am forever grateful. <3
Always,
Rica ♡
