The Lind Boracay

The Lind Boracay (built in 2015) has a cosmopolitan atmosphere geared toward couples and families looking for a relaxed beach setting, but with the style of a modern urban hotel. The pristine, sleek public spaces are done in a neutral-tone palette, with pops of beachy blue and green in decorative accents like geometric-print throw pillows. Inside, two opalescent reception desks sit opposite each other in a comparatively tame lobby, that would be boring if not for the floor-to-ceiling windows that look across the building's futuristic-looking rooftop terraces. Two, four-story wings of the angular building have grassy, garden rooftops with wooden decks and posh birdcage-like lounge pods filled with cushioned benches and throw pillows. This wraps around to the beach-facing wing and its infinity pool, where most guests find that the sunsets are one of the biggest perks. This is easily one of the top properties in Boracay.

The hotel is on the northern edge of Boracay’s most sought after beach, White Beach. The area is a little away from the action of 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 are a few restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity, but a short walk along the beach brings guests to more options in Station 1, while nightlife in Station 2 is a 20-minute walk away. Guests can also stroll to Diniwid Beach, a smaller but also more secluded stretch of sand north of the hotel. Budget about an hour, including a ferry ride, to reach the airport by car. 

The hotel's 120 rooms and suites have chic decor in neutral shades of gray and tan, accented by blue or orange in fish-motif and beach ball-looking throw pillows. Twin or king beds are lit from below, and have wall-sized headboards laced with glowing decorative lines that add a touch of futuristic mood lighting. Standard rooms start at a respectable 505 square feet (47 square meters), with the largest suites topping 1,950 square feet (181 square meters), and have large closets, sitting areas with daybeds (or armchairs and ottomans), along with desks and sleek white-wicker chairs. 

All rooms have furnished private balconies, with either pool, beach, or partial sea views. Free Wi-Fi is provided. Flat-screen TVs, safes, and minibars come standard, along with electric kettles (suites add Nespresso machines). The bathrooms have big rainfall showers with extra handheld sprayers plus bathrobes, hairdryers, and toiletries. Upgraded rooms add separate soaking tubs. In addition, 10 of the Garden Rooms open to covered patios with private plunge pools and all suites have balconies with private pools.

The hotel opens right onto a stunning section of White Beach, with a sheltered area close to the building providing a few rows of loungers shaded by umbrellas and palm trees. There aren't enough lounge chairs for all guests and the lack of an outdoor shower to rinse off is an oversight. Four stories up on the rooftop, the infinity pool and surrounding garden terrace might be the hotel's best feature, as it certainly has the best views. There's also an outdoor landscape pool in the courtyard below, with a hot tub and a kiddy pool nestled between wooden decks and grassy spaces with loungers and umbrellas. A kids' club has supervised activities like origami and painting classes, along with board games and two wall-mounted flat-screen TVs for playing video games. For adults, there's a full-service spa and a small fitness center with a handful of weight-training and cardio equipment. 

A free varied and quality breakfast spread is served in Tartine, an all-day buffet restaurant that has a dining room with some seating at couches mingled with regular tables, along with an outdoor terrace. Crust is an open-air cafe and bar serving wood-fired pizza, and there's a stylish lobby lounge bar with light bites. A rooftop event space hosts private functions, and there's a ballroom that can accommodate up to 280 people.