Boracay, an award-winning island destination in the Philippines, has become a sought-after vacation spot of Japanese tourists seeking a balanced blend of natural beauty, lively local culture, and exciting recreational activities in a stunning seaside setting. The island’s irresistible allure lies primarily in its powder-fine white beaches, crystal-clear jewel-toned waters, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
While most beachgoers are familiar with Boracay’s famed Stations One-Three, home of its storied White Beach, there is another side to the island; a more idyllic and laidback locale between the lush hills and sunny seashores of Barangay Yapak. This stretch of paradise boasts a number of luxury resorts, including Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, which has christened the area “Station Zero” — a moniker that has since been recognized by the island’s local government unit.
Here, on the other side of paradise, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay reflects the island’s legendary loveliness and celebrated conviviality. Moreover, the resort’s push towards crafting a more mindful and meaningful stay is particularly pleasing to Japanese travelers with a passion for vacation destinations that place a premium on sustainability.
An enticing, enchanting escape
Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay is a mere 15-minute boat ride from the port of Caticlan, where the resort has its very own exclusive Welcome Pavilion. This world-class beach hotel offers an enchanting escape, enticing Japanese travelers to immerse themselves in a lavish tropical retreat like no other. With the resort’s well-integrated layout and elegant façade, the arrival experience by boat is an eye-catching treat; one that is made even more special by the catchy beats of tribal drummers on the beach. Clean, contemporary lines and touches of Filipino design flair, such as the weaving pattern integrated into the masonry, characterize the sprawling property. The resort boasts 192 luxuriantly-appointed guestrooms, each of which incorporates a calming neutral palette and minimalist style to complement the relaxing beach vibe. Every guestroom opens to a balcony from which to enjoy the brisk sea breezes and verdant views.
At the Crimson Boracay, guests are spoilt for choice with a variety of villas and deluxe accommodations, many of which overlook the resplendent waters of Sibuyan Sea. Lush landscaping adds to the luxurious paradisiacal ambiance that resonates with the refined tastes of Japanese tourists seeking sublime sophistication in their travel experiences.
Heartfelt hospitality, gratifying gastronomy
The luxurious island lifestyle permeates every aspect of the Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay guest experience, and is readily evident in its heartfelt hospitality and gratifying gastronomy. Personalized and attentive service awaits every guest, mirroring Japan’s gracious and genuine brand of omotenashi hospitality. At the Crimson, sincere smiles and seamless service are the order of each day, creating a comforting and comfortable stay for guests. Thoughtful touches—such as well-curated in-room amenities, a topnotch turndown service, and an elegant cotton yutaka that guests can use during their stay—make for an even more pleasant getaway. As Patrick Menthe, the resort’s GM notes: “We deliver a consistently high-quality experience, across all touchpoints, to create memorable moments for our guests.”
Dining delight is likewise a cornerstone of an elevated island escape, and the resort delivers on its commitment to culinary excellence. From authentic Filipino delicacies and Asian specialties to international cuisine and an array of snacks, in between, the resort’s restaurants cater to the discerning palates of Japanese travelers. With executive chef Nickolai Stoyanov at the helm, making sure that only the freshest and finest ingredients go into each dish, mouthwatering meals are on the menu at each of the resort’s restaurants — and always with more than a touch of local flavors to savor. Enjoy comforting Filipino fare and hearty international dining at Saffron Café, relish Mosaic Latin American Grill’s culinary masterpieces, and go on a journey throughout Pan-Asian cuisine at Azure Beach Club. Bespoke gastronomic offerings — such as romantic dinners on the beach and floating breakfasts at the villas’ private plunge pools — are likewise available.
Indeed, the resort’s unique epicurean experiences, coupled with vivid views of the sea, create unforgettable moments for those seeking to appease their appetites and satiate their senses.
Escape to conscious luxury
At the core of Crimson Boracay’s latest campaign, Today & Beyond, is its focus on a more sustainability-minded and eco-conscious concept of luxury. The thoughtfully-curated room package includes a roster of accommodation choices, from deluxe guestrooms to an array of ultra-luxurious suites and villas. Among the exciting features are a four-hour guided bicycle tour of the island, a multi-course healthy dinner on the beach, and a tour of J’s Garden — a recent initiative of the resort which, when fully developed, will provide Crimson’s kitchens with good-for-you hydroponically grown greens. “While we are quite condensed in terms of available space, onsite, we’re using ever inch that we can to grow herbs and greens, with hydroponics, to use in the resort’s kitchens and in our staff canteen. We have also recently started a project with our team, to encourage them to plant and grow greens,” Menthe noted.
It is likewise worth mentioning that Crimson Boracay has a tie-up with the Aklan mainland’s Ati Village (an Indigenous Peoples settlement) for livelihood training. The village also supplies the resort with fresh produce, as well as with handicrafts made by members of the indigenous group. Additionally, Crimson Boracay’s unique Artist in Residence Program is a vital component of its sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. The program not only stages annual art exhibits and regular workshops with featured artists, but also supports an ever-growing art outreach for youths throughout the island.
Activities for all to enjoy
On top of all that, there is the superb slew of water activities that one would expect of an island resort of Crimson’s caliber: snorkeling, scuba diving, and other aquatic adventures all serve to capture the interest of Japanese travelers with an affinity for the sea. Boracay’s abundant marine life and coral reefs offer an exciting underwater experience, attracting Japanese enthusiasts eager to explore the diverse ecosystems beneath the surface.
On the other hand, guests who prefer to take a slower pace out of the sea will be happy to lounge at the resort’s 3,000 sqm beachfront, take a dip in its amply-sized infinity pool and satellite pools, or indulge in pampering treatments at its lauded AUM Spa. Meanwhile, guests with children in tow will be thrilled about Crimson Kids’ Club, which offers a range of activities at Crimzone Kids, its signature indoor and outdoor play den — the highlight of which is the Pirate Ship play area.
Mindful respite, in luxury’s lap
At Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, Japanese travelers in search of mindful respite find not just a destination, but a sanctuary where sustainability intertwines with serenity. Amidst the ocean’s wondrous whispers, rippling in time with the wind whistling through the trees, the elevated yet easygoing island lifestyle, and the staff’s sunny smiles, every moment becomes homage to the beautiful balance between nature and nurture. With Crimson’s promise of preservation, Japanese travelers embark not only on a vibrant vacation, but a heartfelt journey towards a more sustainability-conscious way of life.