If you want to jump into bed immediately after you cross the entrance then DON'T go to this location. Everything here has a waiting time, because of the huge area this hotel covers (you can actually see it from the plane when you land or take off).
If you're a golfer then don't even think about other hotels, this is the place for you.
The biggest thing you have to adapt to when coming here is the size of the whole resort. From the main gate to the reception it takes around 7 to 10 minutes by bus (!!), depending on how many stops it does on the way there. There are shuttle buses going 24 hours from the main gate to the reception and they make two stops on the way: the private beach and the night bar. The longest wait for the bus was 10 minutes and the fastest just a few seconds. But on average you can expect to wait around 5 minutes to get into one. The staff coordinating the whole transport are really kind and helpful and are actually doing an awesome job. They have 3 shuttles going from the hotel to the city centre (D-mall) for free. They leave at 9 AM, 3 PM and 9 PM. If you want to go there on other times or in different places then you're only options are the tricycle cabs that can be seen everywhere on the island. As prices have been updated recently, one trip to D-mall by cab will cost about 150 pesos, although you can try to negotiate for 100 but some drivers will ask if they can get more people inside for that money.
Rooms are quite spacious, beds are comfortable enough but nothing wow. The things that bothered us were the position of the air conditioning right above one of the beds, making it impossible to sleep with the aircon on (too cold) for somebody on the bed below it; and the low shower pressure when turning on the hot water. I think the guys at the reception have a predefined line to tell people that they have been upgraded to superior/premium rooms because they booked online, but our booking was already made for a superior room so basically we got what we should have in the first place 😂.
Breakfast is good (except the coffee) but i would say the variety of foods is more adequate for 3 stars rather than 4. And it can become quite difficult to find a table if you're going during the popular hours.
In terms of facilities there are two main swimming pools which are quite nice and popular. One is located very near the reception and the other (the infinity pool) is at the first bus stop from the reception (near the private beach). Both are very nice and clean. There are also one or two others but they are near some of the villas that the resort has, it doesn't really make sense to go there just for that, unless you stay at those villas. There is also a very nice gym located in the lobby. The private beach is quite beautiful, it's a piece of sand connected somehow to Ilig Iligan Beach. It's also very close to Cujo's Keyhole, a very nice place to take pictures (just 5-10 minutes walk from the bus stop). The downsides are that this side of the island is frequently hit by jellyfish so going inside the water is often forbidden and it's a lot windier than the side with White Beach.
The hotel can help you organize water activities at the reception at very decent prices (in some cases even cheaper than the vendors around the beach) and they also have a massage service (slightly more expensive than around the island), but they don't actually have a massage room so the therapists can only do it inside your own hotel room. That can be good somehow but you will not have the same atmosphere as in a normal salon.
Overall, the experience was really interesting and the value for money is really good, even with a few drawbacks. It is a cheaper yet good quality option than what you would get in the...
Read moreYour expectations are way up high when a golf course is located on the best island in the world as voted by readers of the respected international travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller. About 300,000 of them gave their thumbs up for Boracay in the Philippines in the magazine's 2017 Readers' Choice Award.
The Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club comprises several blocks of hotel accommodation and service apartments, and an 18-hole tournament course. The whole complex occupies a fair bit of real estate in the north-east region of Boracay, which itself is an itsty-bitsy island famed for its White Beach on the western side.
The course used to be an exclusive members and guests only enclave. It would been a wonderful experience to play that course in its exquisite condition.
Nevertheless, this course that is now open to non-members and walk-ins is still worth the almost three-hour coach-boat-van journey to Boracay from the nearest international airport.
Despite the heavier foot fall, the course conditions stood up well to the low pressure weather conditions from a passing typhoon when I played the first day. Intermittent rain, coming down like liquid darts because of the gusty winds, caused play to stop several times.
But patience and persistence were rewarded with fairways and greens that took the punishment in good measure. The gusty winds that continued unabated were another matter altogether, which cannot be blamed on the course.
The typhoon headed away from the Philippines the following day, and my second round on the course was a much better experience. With the sun out and winds still blowing, but not as strong, the game improved much.
This has to be one of the bounciest course on the planet. The ball can come up six feet or more once it hits the fairway. And if you thought it hit something hard, you won't find a shower head or a piece of rock any place near where it landed.
The bounce will continue with long runs up and down undulating stretches of the fairway, hopefully avoiding cambers directing it away from the green.
Both nines open with challenging par 5s that are fairly long and hazard-laden. Makes you wonder whether it is going to get worse or get better. The front nine continues with many holes that mix water hazards with dog legs, bunkers and a tree or two on the fairway. Listen to your caddy and you won't go far wrong.
The back nine eases off after Hole 10 as there are less hazards to contend with, only terrain that may be unkind to your ball roll. But watch out for Hole 13's green which is an elevated platform with bunkers to catch short balls that roll down and jungle behind to trap balls too long.
Hole 16 is the best opportunity to reduce your score. With a tee box shooting down two storeys to a fairly expansive green about 117 yards away, it's a matter of how close to the hole you can get for a birdie or a par; provided you do not three putt.
So I went to Boracay on an impulsive whim, caught some low pressure weather conditions, but managed to get in two decent games on a respectable course and enjoyed some of the pleasures of the world's best island. There should not be cause for complaint. Yet things could have...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of staying at Fairways and Bluewaters in Boracay, and I must say, the experience was absolutely fantastic. From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the incredible amenities and the exceptional service provided by the staff.
Let's start with the amenities. The gym at Fairways and Bluewaters is top-notch. It is spacious, well-equipped, and maintained to the highest standards. Whether you're looking to maintain your fitness routine or get in a great workout while on vacation, the gym here has everything you need. The range of equipment available is impressive, and the gym staff are always on hand to offer assistance or guidance if needed.
Next, the pool area is simply magnificent. The resort boasts multiple pools, each with its own unique design and ambiance. Whether you prefer lounging by a serene infinity pool or enjoying a refreshing swim in a lively pool with a swim-up bar, Fairways and Bluewaters has it all. The pool areas are well-maintained, clean, and provide breathtaking views of the surroundings. The poolside service is impeccable, with friendly staff ready to cater to your every need.
Now, let's talk about the foam party. It's an experience like no other. The foam party at Fairways and Bluewaters is a blast! The atmosphere is electric, with music, dancing, and, of course, tons of foam. It's a fun-filled event that guarantees a memorable time for everyone. Whether you're traveling with friends or family, the foam party is a must-attend activity that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Moving on to the breakfast buffet, it is simply outstanding. The variety of food options available is incredible, catering to all tastes and dietary preferences. From fresh fruits and pastries to made-to-order omelets and local delicacies, there is something for everyone. The quality of the food is exceptional, and the presentation is visually appealing. The attentive staff ensures that the buffet is always well-stocked and promptly refilled, making sure every guest has a satisfying breakfast experience.
Lastly, I must mention the staff at Fairways and Bluewaters. They are the true gems of this resort. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and a genuine eagerness to assist. The staff members are incredibly welcoming, kind, and courteous, going above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels valued and comfortable. Their attention to detail and willingness to accommodate special requests truly made me feel like a VIP.
I wholeheartedly recommend Fairways and Bluewaters to all tourists planning to visit Boracay. If you want to have a wow-inducing experience, this is the resort for you. With its fantastic amenities, amazing breakfast buffet, and exceptional staff, Fairways and Bluewaters promises an unforgettable vacation. Trust me, you won't be...
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