A game-changing hotel has just opened in the most popular beach destination in the Philippines.
Hue Boracay held its grand opening in October, the second hotel to be opened by Hue Hotels and Resorts. Located in Station 2, White Beach, the hotel sets itself apart in the island by having its own lifestyle center.
Station X
The retail center, called Station X, houses a number of restaurants and shops, making the resort a veritable self-contained locale. Station X is full of foodie finds and unique island knickknacks.
“We wanted to bring the vibrancy [of the island] to Hue Boracay, so that the only reason guests leave the hotel is for the beach,” says Hue Hotels and Resorts managing director Dexter Lee.
Hue Hotels partnered with Hospitality Innovators Inc. (HII) to manage the property. Frequent vacationers and property aficionados will know the HII brand for its hotels like Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences in Salcedo Village, Makati, and Azumi Boutique Hotel in Alabang.
Hue Boracay has a circular shape, with a central courtyard where one finds the pool and sunken bar—perfect for parties.
The structure itself evokes a similarity to the open arenas of the ancient world. The amphitheater-like building resembles the coliseums of ancient Rome.
The outer design of the circular structure is dominated by a latticework of brown bars. This trellis-like exterior wraps around the entire outer structure like a protective shell.
The bar in the swimming area is accessible from the pool, but the bar itself is enclosed in its own huge jacuzzi. The pool is not deep, just fine for playing games or lounging around with a drink in hand.
The hotel has an open atmosphere, with communal spaces, terraces and roof gardens. The rooms are spacious, and have ample amenities.
The lifestyle center has a slew of homegrown brands that are unique to the island. The roster of restaurants found in Station X can rival even the upscale eateries in Makati or Bonifacio Global City.
“We continue to espouse our advocacy of promoting local culture, so we made sure to prioritize entrepreneurs whose concepts are unique and world-class,” says Dennis Lee, Hue Hotels and Resorts managing director.
One can find Streetmarket, a food hall which plays host to a number of establishments that serve various cuisines.
Santo Peligrosa has a selection of tacos, short rib chili, and carnitas. Poketo serves yakitori sticks, while Diavolo offers brick-oven-baked Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Fat Rice serves authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, like Curry Crab and Cha Ca La Vong, a Hanoi dish made with big chunks of fish, noodles, fish sauce and dill. The Crab Fat Wings is particularly indulgent—chicken wings with crab fat and chili.
Nonie’s is a shop that serves deliciously healthy dishes, which is somewhat lacking in Boracay. It serves vegan fare, and is known for its freshly made juices and cold-pressed concoctions. Supermagic, has excellent burgers and ice cream.
There’s also Coco Mama’s Non-Dairy Coconut Ice Cream, served on a coconut half-shell.
With such delights, one wonders if there’s still time to hit the beach. —CONTRIBUTED
Hue Boracay, Station 2, Main Road, Boracay Island; tel. 8969999