Catch the sunrise Get a front-row seat on Bulabog Beach, the eastern side of the island, and watch the sun come up with such a stunning palette of colors you’d think it was showing off. You can either sit on the beach or hope that your timing is perfect and there’s a sunrise ceremony happening at Levantine Boracay (tel: +63 999 507 4611, levantinboracay@ yahoo.com). The Romanian bar, which derives its name from the French word “levant” meaning “where the sun rises,” is an ideal sunrise-viewing spot: there are hammocks tied to palm trees, low lounge chairs facing east, and music in the background. Their sunrise anthem, “Bolero” by Maurice Ravel, leads a playlist of sun-inspired songs. Go from brunch to lunch Island life is slow and easy, so it’s no surprise that meals unfold over at least a couple of hours. Dine Boracay-style in chef Julia Lervik’s spot of sunshine called Lemoni Café (tel: +63 36 288 6781/6782, lemonicafe@yahoo.com. ph) at D’Mall Plaza by the Ferris wheel. Awash in citrus colors, the restaurant serves a comfort-food menu of all-day breakfast and other healthy dishes, from granola to salads with fresh seafood. In a less prominent spot is an enduring old favorite, Real Coffee and Tea Café (tel: +63 36 288 5340, realcoffeeboracay@gmail.com). At Boradise Compound, it’s squeezed in a little alley between Free Willy Dive Shop and the Havaianas shop in Station 1. Coffees are hand-ground and prepared stovetop; they also use Philippine blends for the brews and imported blends for the espressos served the Italian way. A must-try: the island-famous calamansi muffi n. Sail aboard a paraw To borrow from Zen wisdom, “be the water.” A great way to explore Boracay is from the ocean, and the most environment-friendly way to explore Park yourself on a hammock and watch the sun come up Boracay’s coastline and nearby islands is to sail on a paraw or native outrigger. The fi rst time I ever experienced paraw sailing was with Captain Joey Gelito of Red Pirates Sailing Tours (tel: +63 921 782 1494, redpiratesboracay@ hotmail.com), who has been sailing the waters of Boracay for 20 years. Aside from knowing all of the island’s best-kept secrets, he and his friendly crew of pirates can cook a mean beach barbecue feast, native-style. Longtime Boracay residents and native Boracaynons, Captain Joey and his group are defi nitely the coolest bunch ever to set sail, with amazing stories and tales to match their interesting characters. They even move to the slogan, “Live slow, sail fast!” The boat has a capacity of 10 passengers and is equipped with an icebox onboard for beers and soft { 50 } drinks, which come in handy for day trips, island-hopping tours and sunset cruises. Popular trips are to Puka Beach and Crocodile Island. Get a massage There’s nothing like a soulful massage to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul: it lets you take a break from all the stresses of life and feel fully aligned. You can either book a massage with your hotel’s concierge (if they don’t have their own spa service, they usually call the local co-op), or head to Mandala Spa along the main road in Manoc-Manoc towards the end of Station 3 (tel: + 63 36 288 5858, www.mandalaspa.com). We highly recommend the Watsu or water shiatsu, a treatment in a special heated pool designed to take you to a state of deep relaxation.
ON SHIN NAUTICAL STRIPED MINI-DRESS BY BILLABONG C OOL SUMMER { 51 } Clockwise from top: Relax on a paraw; wake to a hearty breakfast at Lemoni Café; surround yourself with nature at Mandala Spa; jam with Joey and guests at the Red Pirates Pub in Angol Point; Mandala Spa treatments. Opposite page: Viewing deck at Levantin
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