Check out these locally-owned hotels in Boracay, where you can experience life like a true local!
Image: Jonys Boracay Facebook page
As tourism began to thrive in Boracay in 1970, savvy local families recognized the opportunity to invest in lodging rooms. From humble beginnings, some of these lodgings have matured into large hotels, while others have been acquired by prominent multinational corporations. Nevertheless, these places to stay in Boracay still proudly embody the original Boracay brand.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, experience the essence of Boracay through the authentic and hospitable atmosphere that only these locally-owned hotels can provide.
Casa Pilar Beach Resort Boracay is a front beach resort.
Image: Casa Pilar Beach Resort Boracay Facebook page
Casa Pilar Beach Resort Boracay is in Balabag, Boracay, and is owned by Filipino-Chinese businessman Yap. One of its heirs engaged initially in politics; among them is former Malay Mayor John Yap. This place to stay in Boracay has been a favorite for conferences and meetings of various national and government agencies since the 1980s. They started their resort by making it from a nipa hut, and now their rooms are concrete. They are now in the three-star hotel category.
Location:Station 1, Roberto & Gloria Tirol Park, Boracay Island, Malay, 5608
Rates:Start at PhP6,500 a night
Sea Wind Boracay is a beachfront luxury resort on the island.
Images: Department of Tourism – Philippines Facebook page (L); Sea Wind Boracay website (R)
Like Casa Pilar, Sea Wind Boracay started as a nipa hut hotel. This place to stay in Boracay emphasizes that its rooms, including its villas, are nipa-hut-inspired. The hotel has sports facilities, a swimming pool with an area for kids, and its family's private museum, a collection of artifacts collected in Boracay throughout the years. Its published address is Station 1 Roberto and Gloria Tirol Park. The resort is also one of Boracay's favorite receptions for weddings and events.
Like Sea Wind Boracay, the Tirol family owns White House Beach Resort.
Image: White House Beach Resort Facebook page
Located at Station 1, White House Beach Resort also belongs to the Tirol family. The management promotes the resort as a family destination on this resort island. They advocate safety first on the island and volunteer in rescue efforts, including fire and drowning incidents. They package their hotel as casual, providing clients with a personal experience. Their Los Indios Bravos Restaurant is one of the most popular tourist dining places.
Rates:Start at PhP2,000 (during low season from June to August), PhP2,500 (during peak season from September to November), PhP3,000 (during super peak season from December to May) a night
This beachfront resort in Boracay is owned by the mayor of Malay.
Image: Bans Beach Resort Facebook page
The Bans Resort is owned by the Bautista family, among those considered to be one of the oldest inhabitants of this resort island. One of its family owners is Frolibar Bautista, who currently serves as the mayor of Malay town. The resort usually caters to families and groups of friends. Compared to other hotels in Boracay, they offer quadruple rooms that are perfect for barkada and small families. The resort started to operate in 1985. Their Bermuda grass is always trimmed, making it an added color perfectly combined with the famous white sand beach and the tranquil blue waters of Boracay. The residents of Mayor Frolibar Bautista can also be found in the compound, making the resort one of the safest places to stay.
Jonys Beach Resort is owned by the Salme, although they are said to have originated from the Negros Island province. The Jony’s are known as this resort island's original, best-tasting fruit shakes. Throughout the years, its owner has been involved in several community services. They are a few meters away from the famous Boracay Rock, a classic icon of this resort island. Aside from the elegant rooms and fruit shakes, they also offer Filipino and Mexican foods. Jonys Place brands itself as a boutique hotel in Boracay.
If you’re looking for authentic places to stay in Boracay for a local experience, check out these five locally-owned accommodations, which will make your stay unforgettable!
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About Jun N. Aguirre
Jun Aguirre is a mobile journalism (Mojo) practitioner and a freelancer covering mostly Panay Island to include Boracay. In 2020, he was the only Filipino featured via online conference promoting MOJO during the Mobile Journalism Congress in Asia.
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