By Jose Paolo Dela Cruz
With more than 500 rooms fronting a 330-meter beach—the longest beachfront on the island – it’s no wonder that The Auhana, a sprawling seven-hectare homegrown resort in Boracay, has drawn attention, not just to itself but to Station 3 as a whole. And less than a year after it first opened its doors in 2019, the world is beginning to take notice.
It is said that Boracay, the popular tourist destination famed for its azure waters and powdery white shores, no longer has a low season. Crowned as “The Best Island in the World” in Conde Nast’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards (despite its closure a year earlier), Boracay is a global phenomenon—a year-round favorite by travelers in search of sun, sand and sea, regardless of their nationality (or time of the year).
What one sees on a visit to The Auhana in Boracay, seems to support such a claim.
Even in January, the resort, which opened only a few months earlier, is already bustling with guests from various parts of the world. It is almost on full capacity, just as it was in December. Whether it’s families from the Philippines and from our Asian neighbors, or visitors from Europe, Down Under and the Americas, guests have easily transformed The Auhana into a global village on an eternal holiday. It has, true to its name, become their home away from home, under sunnier climes.
Home of the longest beachfront
Powdery in texture and famed for its color, Boracay’s White Beach is on every sun chaser’s bucket list. So fine and pristine are these shores that they make the perfect setting for a barefoot stroll. And The Auhana, nestled at the far end of Station 3, fronts the longest stretch of this fine beach—offering all 330 meters of it to its guests.
Distance and proximity make The Auhana beachfront extra special. It’s at least a 20-minute walk from the bustling Station 2, where most of the crowds converge. From the comforts of The Auhana’s shore, these hundreds of people on Station 2 are mere dots on the horizon. As for the immediate surroundings, they are nowhere near as crowded. Guests share the beach mostly with each other, or those who have wandered far enough to escape the hustle and bustle of the other tourist spots.
This creates an idyllic beachside environment where guests can lounge around, take a dip, or even nap in front of the resort, under the shade of coconut trees. There’s also resort security constantly roving on the shore, so guests can spend more time frolicking under the sun, rather than watching over their things.
For those who’d like to enjoy the view from a more comfortable distance, there’s also a sunset dip and infinity pool near the beach, where guests can take a dip without getting sand in their Speedos and bikinis. The pool is also conveniently situated along The Porch, one of The Auhana’s dining outlets.
Here, one can watch the famed Boracay sunset in calming waters. While you’re at it, order The Auhana, the resort’s signature tropical cocktail, which infuses a number of citrusy flavors into one refreshing and (mildly) intoxicating drink. Ah… this is the life!
From a different altitude
Save for some beachside villas—some of which come with their own private pools—The Auhana is mostly situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean. However, a tunnel and cliff stairs connect the terrain and the shore, ensuring that guests always get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
While the beach is perfect for frolicking and fun, The Auhana’s rooms and cliffside gardens give you a panoramic view of the island. One such spot to visit is an uphill garden, where one can spend time on benches to soak in the view from a few hundred feet above sea level. The benches, made from special materials, do not heat up, despite being exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
If you’re on a contemplative mood, you may also want to visit the Chapel of the All Blessed, a quaint spiritual sanctuary on top of a hill decorated with stained glass windows and murals. The natural sunlight that streams from floor-to-ceiling windows add a touch of romance to the setting. Many brides will surely dream of tying the knot here.
The views aren’t exclusive to the common areas, either. The best views can be enjoyed from the well-appointed Presidential and Family Suites, both fronting the beach, but from the altitude of a cliff. Waking up in these rooms to the sound of the shore, mixed with an interlude of chirping birds, are the makings of a great morning. The breathtaking vista can also be enjoyed from all other room categories, ranging from Premier Twin, Junior Suite, Beachfront Junior Suite, Elite Panoramic Suite, Beachfront Royal and Beachfront Family Villa.
All rooms are also fitted with modern amenities such as sizable tubs for those long luxurious baths; plush beds with pillows and mattresses that meet international five-star standards; and, of course, the all-important Wi-Fi access (which can also be enjoyed anywhere you go within the property).
Aside from room service, guests can also enjoy a plethora of dining options. Whether it’s in All-Day Dining or Asian Eats, the gustatory possibilities are simply endless in this place.
Luxury is security
Despite the sprawling size of The Auhana, one can rest assured that enjoying the premises need not be a tiring experience. Golf carts that evoke the luxury of classic Rolls Royces and Limos are always on standby to bring guests from Point A to Point B. These modes of transportation complement the old-world charm of the resort’s colonial architecture.
The resort also has a number of pools where guests, especially those with kids, can enjoy in a fun, safe way. First off, there’s the shell-shaped Tranquility Pool, which serves as the main garden’s piece de resistance. It is the biggest of the property’s three common pools, and arguably, the most popular, too.
And then there’s the Kid’s Club, where guests can have fun in a kiddie pool that sits right across a colorful playroom, the latter of which is supervised by a specially trained activity and art supervisor. A Kid’s Courtyard by the lobby has also been built for the enjoyment of those precocious little guests. And since the property is one of Boracay’s most exclusive, parents won’t always have to worry about their kids, thanks to the premise’s tight security.
Grown-ups, on the other hand, are sure to enjoy the newly opened Auhana Spa, which has started to make a name on the island thanks to its extensive selection of essential oils and services. Open daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Auhana Spa offers various massages from expertly trained therapists, made more special by the essential oil and lotion of your own choosing.
As the cooler season draws to a close, and the summer season begins to kick in, there’s no doubt that more tourists from both the Philippines and around the world will turn their attention to Station 3 and one of the best resorts it has to offer — the rising star that is The Auhana.
