Discovery Shores

Situated along the powdery white sand of aptly named White Beach, the Discovery Shores Boracay has a relaxing atmosphere throughout. Serene, manicured grounds are dotted with bamboo, palm trees, and other local plants, and the sound of kids playing in the pool is the only thing that can be heard. The open lobby is modern and appealing, with dark wood accents that stand out against the white floors and walls, and a bar area with golden pillars and seating. Huge openings bring the outdoors in, and high ceilings make the space feel particularly bright and airy. The main reception area opens on one side onto the pool deck, and on the other directly onto the beach. An artificial rock waterfall blends easily with the lush grounds surrounding the lovely three-story buildings housing the hotel’s 87 rooms and suites. 

The hotel draws celebrity guests and well-heeled couples, but the spacious rooms, wonderful services, events spaces, kid-friendly amenities, and beachfront location are well-suited to all types of travelers. 

The hotel is located in the northern edge of White Beach, Boracay’s most stunning stretch of sand. The area is a little away from the action in Stations 1 and 2 and is therefore quiet and relaxing, but attractions such as Willy’s Rock and the Holy Rosary Parish can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes. There aren’t many restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity, but a short walk along the beach gets guests to the heart of the action in Stations 1 and 2. The hotel has free shuttle service to all stations. Guests can also stroll to Diniwid Beach, a smaller but also more secluded stretch of sand north of the hotel. 

Rooms at Discovery Shores Boracay range from Junior Suites to Two-Bedroom Premier Suites. All are spacious and airy, with a king-size or two queen-size beds, large windows overlooking either the lush grounds or the beach, and seating areas in earth tones. Decor is contemporary and appealing, with platform beds, a mix of dark and natural wood touches, and orange or blue accents in bed runners and pillows. Some guests find rooms to be a little simple for the price, but amenities are upscale and white floors and walls make units feel bright and large. Flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, DVD players, safes, iPod docks, and coffeemakers are all standard amenities. Premier units come with a few perks, including lofted bedrooms, hot tubs on the balcony, and beach views. Open bathrooms have wooden furniture and separate areas for the toilet and the shower, and all but Junior Suites have separate showers and tubs. Furnished balconies and patios provide extra relaxation space in the rooms.

In addition to a gorgeous beachfront area with loungers, a beach butler offering snacks and refreshments throughout the day, and a bar serving cocktails, the hotel has a serene pool complete with a shallow area for kids, a swim-up bar, and a whirlpool. A pool butler offers drinks and small bites, as well as face mist service and refreshing cool towels several times a day. Casual and fine-dining options are available on-site, and a tapas menu can be enjoyed on the beach at sunset. The spa has several treatment rooms and offers a wide array of massages and scrubs, both private and for couples. Cardio and strength-training machines are available at the small fitness center, which also has large windows overlooking the grounds, and flat-screen TVs. The kids’ club offers tons of indoor and outdoor activities for kids under 12, and kid-friendly menus are available at the restaurants and bars. The hotel also has meeting rooms and a long list of great freebies, including breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, and shuttle service to other parts of the island. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though the signal can be spotty.