Boracay Resorts- The Deal
 

Any opinions on the following two resorts:

1) Fridays Resort
2) Mandala- I think this is relatively new

I am looking for the nicest and most upscale place to stay on White Beach.

Any scoop on these two or any other places would be greatly appreciated. I think a cottage would be nicer to stay in rather than a hotel style place.

How is Niggi Noos Resort? Is that more lower end than the two previously mentioned?

Thanks all.

Hi Dougjeo! Fridays is definitely a very good choice and Mandala is a spa resort, which is as good. Both are not new resorts.

Fridays has rustic feel made by the wood construction and thatched roofs, which is very appealing. Since the resort is at the far end of White Beach, you'll enjoy a more peaceful vacation.

Mandala on the other hand offers the best spa services in the island. It mainly concentrates on laid-back style and "wellness" thingie! Check out the spa menu and you'll know! If ever you decide on not staying in this resort, a visit is still worth your while. You can have a day at the spa and have a good massage.

Nigi Nigi Nu Noos is a typical cottage type accommodation but enjoys a beach front location. It is somewhere in the middle of white beach so you're close to almost everything...

There's a new resort called Asya Boracay! Havent been to this resort though but heard much about it. Check out their website>>>> www.asya-boracay.com.

When are you travelling to Boracay? I will be there this Sept and let me check out the other resorts for you.

Hi Doug

I would check out Waling waling or seawind as well. Fridays is nice but in the end of white beach which is nice and quiet but if you want quiet but not too far from the action do check out Waling waling or Seawind which are beside niginigi, both beach front by station 1 the more upscale area. If you want to be by the action junction you can try Le Soleil or Boracay Regency. Asya is beautiful but not beachfront. Hope this helps.

Sometimes "nicest" and "upscale" don't go hand-in-hand. We've stayed at Friday's and thought it was overrated. On the other hand, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Waling-Waling, over at Station 1 also. The cabanas fronting the white sand beach were heavenly. Each came with hammocks where you can lie down for hours as well as small table where you can order drinks, lunch or dinner. Perfect!!

How far of a walk is it from Waling Waling to Fridays?

Since you stayed in both which beachfront cottages would you say is nicer and more high end? and which overall property is nicer in your opinion?

The Asya resort looks real nice but I really wanted to stay in a cottage right on the beach. How far of a walk is it from the Asya resort to the beach?

Thanks

one other thing:

does anyone know the website for Fridays resort if I want to book directly with the hotel and not with an agent?

Thanks

I think Friday's beachfront cottage "rooms" are more high-end plus Friday's has more facilities e.g. swimming pool since its a bigger resort size-wise. Its location is on the far end of Station 1 right on white Beach. To walk to Waling-Waling will probably take you 5-10 minutes. IMO, I like the feel and location of Waling-Waling but definitely Friday's is a nicer property.
Don't know about Asya Boracay but I think its more inland, not beachfront.
Friday's website: fridaysboracay.com

Originally when we stayed in Boracay this year we were leaning against Friday's but instead chose "True Home" which a privately owned small homely hotel. We got the presidential suite (for only $170 a night) with kitchen, living room and seperate bedroom, not to mention a terrace overlooking the entire beach. We walked over to Fridays to check it our and where SO glad we chose not to stay there. They are the last hotel of the white sand beach and had music blasting all night long!

Hi Dougjeo,

Just got back from Boracay and had a look at many resorts there. If you want the "Fridays atmosphere" at a lower price, try Nigi Nigi Nu Noos. It is in between boat stn 2 and 3.

However, if you really want Fridays and want to book directly, here's the website: www.fridaysboracay.com

I read from your previous post that you want the most upscale... too bad The Panoly is closed for renovation. The Panoly has its own beach and at the most northern end of the island. It is even farther than Nami Private Villas (a resort where each villa has it's own jacuzzi).

But you shouldnt miss the Mandala Spa services if you are not staying in one of their villas. Make sure to book spa service in advance as they are always busy and spa villas are always fully-booked.

The last time I went to Boracay was 1999. But Boracay still got the best sea and sand. They have friendly mall now called "d'mall" where you get souvenirs, food and entertainment!

Island Hopping and Boat trips would complete your visit.

oh by the way, forgot to tell you that there are 2 Nigi Nigi's the original one is at stn 2 while the new one is at stn 1.

I nearly go for Fridays Resort for our vacation in mid October but after reading this thread, I have hesitation.

We want a nice and clean hotel with a little bit of charm (not too rustic with a dark interior, and preferably with a bath tub), by the White Beach and within easy stroll to happenings and little shops (if there are any). I was told that accommodation in Boracay is not up to the standard in Thailand, so we're prepared to some extent, but we really want a vacation that is memorable. And since we're not really into water sports, some facilities or activities nearby would be a great benefit.

Any advice on the resort to be chosen?

ttt

The most upscale resort right now is the Discovery Shores. It is on the White Beach and is very accessible, but also in the more quiet part. My sisters were just there 2 weeks ago and were raving about it. I will be going by the end of September.

www.discoveryshoresboracay.com

instead of starting a new thread on this, want to ask the experts who posted here for any feedback on Red Coconut. it's listed as 3 star property and the rates for the very peak season of Dec 26-Jan 2 seems reasonable at about $120/nt. has anybody on this board stayed in this property? thanks for your feedback.

Hi, I am also looking to go to Boracay in March and just checked the white shores website. It is part of the SLH chain and it looks nice.prices are in the US$ 350 range.
I am still looking around but fridays still seems the best option to me. any advise?

$350 for Discovery Shores- I'd say go with Fridays- this place does not measure up given the price that they want. Its a 5 star price but if you look on Trip Advisor the place maybe rates a high 3 or at best a low 4 star. No way this place is worth $350.

Take note that there is a new Shangri-La Boracay due to open first quarter in 2009- this may be the only true 5 star property on the island- there is not much info right now on the Shangri-La website so watch for more info in the months ahead.