Choosing a good beach resort in Boracay can be a challenge if you’ve never visted the island before. That’s why I created this guide. To show you the best beachfront hotels on the island, so that you can quickly and easily find the perfect place for your stay.
Note: I selected the following resorts based on location, overall quality and value for money. I’ve also made sure that each has an overwhelming amount of positive reviews – so that they’re not just hotels that I like, but also places that other people were happy to stay at.
About Beach Resorts in Boracay
When it comes to beach resorts in Boracay, the first question you should ask yourself is: do I want to stay in front of White Beach or a private beach?
Most people will want to stay in front of White Beach, as private beaches are relatively far away from the center of Boracay where all the restaurants, nighlife and many other points of interest are located.
If you’re however looking for the ultimate serene experience and don’t mind having to take a 20-minute shuttle ride to travel to White Beach, then I definitely can recommend private beach resorts.
If you prefer an experience in between serene and a central location, then I’d go for Station 1. Station 2 and 3 also have plenty of beachfront resorts though. There’s just less space there so they feel less serene. But their advantage is that they’re more centrally located, and generally lower priced.
The Best Resorts in Station 1
Station 1 is most spacious part of White Beach, with the most beautiful shallow water. The beach is relatively quiet and the area has a luxurious feel to it. The best beachfronts in this area are:
The Lind
The Lind is a luxury hotel located towards the end of Station 1, which is a relatively quiet and serene area. They offer free hourly shuttle rides to D’mall, but you can also take a 20-minute walk on White Beach to reach it.
The rooms are spacious, and each has a balcony that opens up to views of the garden, pools, or the sea. One of the best things there is the infinity pool on level 1, which overlooks the ocean.
See The Lind in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
White House Boracay
A smaller, family-run property, White House was first built in the early 90’s as a family beach house to entertain friends and family. Eventually more rooms were added to accommodate more guests, and in the late 90’s it was opened to the public as a mid-range beach resort.
The rooms at White House are spacious, and good for bigger groups as it has options that can accommodate up to 6. They also have a stylish and vibrant beach bar with an amazing sunset view, making it a great place to wind down after the day and socialize with you friends or family.
See White House in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Sur Beach Resort
Sur is a good choice is you’re looking for a budget beachfront property at an affordable price. Decorated in a tropical style with homely vibes, it offers spacious rooms with a Family Room option that accommodates 4.
Although the place doesn’t have a pool, it makes up for it with a laid back beachfront bar with several cabanas, and plenty of tables and chairs where you can spend a lazy afternoon.
See Sur Resort in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
P.S. Two additional good beachfront options in Station 1 are Fridays and Two Seasons. I didn’t include them here since I described them elsewhere already, but they’re definitely worth checking out too.
The Best Resorts in Station 2
Station 2 is the center of Boracay. It has a vibrant nightlife and many restaurants to choose from. It’s also the home of D’Mall (an iconic outdoor mall). The best beachfronts in this area are:
Coast Boracay
Coast Boracay is a chic, tastefully decorated luxury resort that’s a great choice when you’re traveling with kids, as they have got plenty of things to do for whole family.
Even the pool area caters to all – there’s a Pool Bar with a decent selection of drinks for the adults, and another kiddie pool perfect for the little ones.
Coast’s partner restaurant, Cha Cha’s also serves delicious breakfasts with a variety of a cuisine – they have a daily happy hour from 3pm to 8pm.
See Coast in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
The District
Located right at the border of Stations 1 and 2, The District gives you easy access to the nightlife of Station 2, while still being close to the peace of Station 1.
You can unwind with a variety of massages at their in-house spa, and also enjoy leisure morning walks along the beach. You won’t have to hurry back for breakfast, as their daily brunch buffet lasts from 6am to 1pm.
See The District in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Mandarin Hotel
At Mandarin you can relax, without missing out on the nightlife. Located in the middle of Station 2, it’s near plenty of bars and pubs, plus they have entertainment in the form of bands and fire dancers at night.
They also serve Mediterranean dishes at their restaurant Don Vito, their paella being my favorite. Lastly, for an extra luxurious experience check out their Ambassador suite, it has a spacious balcony overlooking the beach, with a private dipping pool.
See Mandarin in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
The Best Resorts in Station 3
Station 3 is the most peaceful part of White Beach. The area has a more rustic look and feel, and there is more greenery. The nightlife, although limited, is quiet and laid back. The best beachfronts in this area are:
Asya Premier Suites
Located at the far south end of White Beach, Asya Premier Suites is the most luxurious accommodation you’ll find in Station 3.
Very few people from other hotels walk to and along the beach there, making it peaceful and quiet. It’s almost like a private beach, plus it’s the best area along White Beach for snorkeling.
They also have a large well-maintained pool, and spacious rooms. Some rooms even have their own dipping pool, which doubles as a Jacuzzi.
See Asya in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Villa Caemilla Beach Hotel
If you’re looking for a place where you can just relax and be well taken care of, Villa Caemilla is a good option to consider. You can enjoy spa treatments at their in-house spa, while staff take care of all the little details, down to giving different options for your pillows.
Food at the hotel is also great, with a menu that also caters to vegetarians. Do get the mango pancakes when you’re dining there – they’re yummy 🙂
See Villa Caemilla in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Surfside Resort & Spa
Managed by a very friendly Japanese family, Surfside is strategically located in a quiet and peaceful area that’s still close to bars and restaurants, making it both a good place to relax, and a good base to explore from.
Next to Surfside you’ll find the Japanese restaurant, Nagisa, which has yummy food, and a rustic and relaxing atmosphere. Don’t forget to also get a massage at Surfside’s spa – it’s excellent and guests get a 50% discount.
See Surfside in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
The Best Private Beach Resorts
White Beach isn’t the only beachfront location in Boracay. There are some other great locations to stay in as well if you prefer to stay in front of a private beach. The best private beachfronts are are:
Shangri-La Resort and Spa
Shangri-La is tucked away on Banyugan Beach, and is a good choice for a luxurious stay. It starts as you land in Caticlan Airport where the resort offers a private speedboat transfer – James Bond style.
You can choose from a wide selection of suites and villas. The loft villa is popular for its spacious, two-story build, along with a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The resort also has plenty of facilities, such as 4 different restaurants and their Chi Spa.
See Shangri-La in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Movenpick Resort & Spa
Mövenpick is located on the quiet Punta Bunga Cove on the northern end of Boracay. You can find everything you need for a relaxing beach vacation at the resort, as it has 3 restaurants, a spa and wellness center, as well as a huge swimming pool surrounded by lots of trees and shade, which is perfect for relaxing.
Relaxation isn’t the only thing that Mövenpick offers though. The resort also has a private beach club, Sol Marina, which is a stylish place to spend the night, and kick back with a drink until 1am.
See Movenpick in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Crimson Resort & Spa
Crimson is located on a private beach, dubbed Station Zero (Punta Bunga Beach). It’s decorated in a sleek and contemporary style, with a range of suites and villas to choose from. Some suites and villas have private plunge pools for an extra touch of exclusivity.
Crimson also hosts a foam party by the pool every Saturday from 12 to 3pm, so it’s a good place to bring a friend or make one amongst the bubbles 🙂
See Crimson in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
Fairways & Bluewater
Fairways & Bluewater is a large resort located on the private Lapus-Lapus beach. You can choose from over 700 suites, including family suites which can accommodate up to 6.
There’s plenty to keep you busy. It has Boracay’s only on-site 18-hole golf course, 6 swimming pools including a popular infinity pool, zipline, cable car, and activities like biking and horseback riding. There’s also a free shuttle within the resort grounds, so you can move around easily.
See Fairways in Detail & Check its Best Price on Agoda
P.S. To see more good places to stay, check out my Station 1 and Station 2 and Station 3 guides. Or see my hotel locations guide to compare the pros and cons of the different stations.
Hi Paul,
We’re planning to visit Boracay on New Year’s Eve and we’d like to know which is a better beachfront option among —- Sur, Residencia Boracay, Water Edge Diamond, Nigi Nigi Too, Jony’s Beach Resort or can you recommend a better beachfront hotel in Station 1.
I would really appreciate your feedback.
Thanks and kind regards,
Hi Leona, I’d choose Sur or Jony’s myself. Sur for it’s great value beachfront location in the north (spacious part) of Station 1. Jony’s if you like to be more centrally located, enjoy good food within easy reach, and don’t mind having to walk a few meters/cross the road before reaching the beach.