BY KRISTINA SUPEÑA

A refreshing break from the city life is a beach getaway where the sun always smiles even in the rainy season. It will not be complete without good food, shopping and swimming on the beach while marveling at nature’s beauty while the sun rises or sets. These are just some of the many reasons why Boracay Island is a hot destination that lures people from around the world. With its pristine beach and powdery white sand, its charm is indeed very hard to resist.

A visit to Discovery Shores Boracay, located at Station 1, is a brief but memorable experience in ultimate pampering from the time we docked in Caticlan until the final evening when we enjoyed drinks with new and old friends. It was an escape with a group of travelers to a luxurious sanctuary with a perfect view of crystalline waters and a beach butler at your service that makes you appreciate the finer things in life.

It all started when we boarded the MS Discovery Shores 2 and headed to the vacation spot where we were warmly received by the staff and were treated to a delightful lunch prepared by Chef David Pardo de Ayala at Sands Restaurant in the resort. The Creamy Aklan Oysters with Homemade Noodles was an unconventional and tasty appetizer that was a big hit among the travelers.

After the meal, some went to their rooms to unpack their things and snuggle on the big and soft bed for an afternoon siesta while the others couldn’t wait to bask under the sun to get that perfect tan. But the adventure was just beginning as Jun Parreño, Discovery Shores general manager and his team made sure that there was no dull moment on the sunny shores.

Cocktails were scheduled before dinner time at the 14-meter waterfall that spreads into open canals connected to the kiddie and the main swimming pools. Then a tour of the property followed. The island setting that includes 88 guest rooms with spacious suites offers not just a plethora of activities on shore or in the water it provides a tranquil space to those who prefer to be one with nature. A summer breeze in August or a midnight stroll under the moonlight, all these are possible in Boracay.

A feast was prepared that night and one of the desserts is something I still long for long after I’ve left the island. It was the black peppercorn ice cream, one of the home-made ice cream selections that can only be found in Discovery Shores. The treat is sugar and spice, exactly how Boracay is with its sweet pleasures, dramatic scenery and steamy stories that travelers find hard to forget.

The following day was spent shopping at D’Mall with Jun Parreño handing out bright colored shopping bags with cards that entitled us to souvenir items that we could bring home. Lunch was at Aria where we ate to our hearts content. We were all busy sun bathing and swimming, making the most of the remaining hours for we were leaving the following day. The last night was celebrated with dance music, island food and a toast to the enchanting island.

This rejuvenating holiday was made possible by Asian Spirit, Mandala Spa & Villas, VMV Hypoallergenics, Rustan’s L’Occitane and EMI Records. Discovery Shores is the newest property in the group that includes Discovery Suites in Ortigas and Country Suites in Tagaytay.

For more information, log on to www.discoveryshoresboracay.com