Summer's Back on Track at Boracay's White House Beach Resort

Months after the controversial closure, much has been said about the economic impact of the forced rehabilitation on the embattled island paradise. Coming back after its reopening late last year, the results are pretty clear. Boracay is definitely back on track just in time for summer...

The infinite stretches of powdery soft pristine white sand and azure blue waters under brilliant blue skies remain iconic images of one of the world's best beaches. But it was close to being paradise lost with unregulated development threatening its natural state. The closure demonstrated just how fragile paradise can be, when gross overdevelopment is left unchecked. Barely a few months after its reopening a little more than halfway through the rehabilitation process, the results reveal an image reminiscent of the Boracay we once knew. Boracay is back on track for the much-awaited summer season... 

The changes are nothing short of dramatic, with the cluttered obstructions removed following proper easement guidelines for panoramic views of the iconic beaches. There were sacrifices made, and still more hard work ahead, but clearly the path chosen seemed more and more the right one. And just in time too.

Arriving early on a red eye flight at Kalibo International Airport, we boarded our boat at the port headed for Caticlan. 

Large commercial vessels docked at the port is a sure sign that visitors are once again arriving at the reopened island paradise of Boracay.

Docked at Caticlan, we disembarked and passed through the arrival procedures in an orderly manner. It may be a different picture when hordes of tourists arrive at the height of the summer season, but the process seemed a lot more organized. Throughout the boat trip, I couldn't help but be amazed at how everything looked so much cleaner. And there's a resurgent air of positivity that just glows from the locals, and one definitely shares their hopes of brighter days ahead. Deep inside, I send a silent cheer for the locals. This is their island, and they fought long and hard to keep it that way and bringing it back to its former splendor.

At Boracay's Station 1, the elegant White House Beach Resort gleams with the early morning sun, welcoming once again countless tourists and loyal customers who've called this home for so many years. The immaculate white structure capped by its distinct red roof is perfectly framed by coconut trees with the immense blue skies as its backdrop. Since it opened in the early nineties, White House Beach Resort continues to have the same impact on visitors upon arrival. 

Built on the family's ancestral beach property, Leonard and Nenette Tirol decided to transform their vacation home to a fully operational resort on the highly prized portion of Boracay's famed Station 1. Since then, it's become part of Station 1's ever evolving transformation. And why not, when you're situated in one of Boracay's much sought after property with some of the best views, it's been a part of countless memories for a generation.

Boasting lavish accommodations in a variety of configurations from Deluxe Rooms, Standard Deluxe, Superior Deluxe and Family Suites all the way to Beach House Deluxe for families and large groups, White House Beach Resort has the accommodation to fit your need and budget. And the best part? You're just a few steps away from the world-renowned stretch of beach at Boracay's Station 1. 

Behind the resort across the narrow road is the extension of the property with new accommodations. The expanded development is geared toward the expected high tourist arrivals after the reopening of Boracay.

Beyond the pool is White House Beach Resort's Station Juan Beach Lounge, an ideal spot for breakfast or cocktails with a view. It's also like having the best seats in the house during sunset.

Just a few steps away are the powder white sand beaches and cool turquoise waters of Boracay. But you have all the time, so don't rush and enjoy that ice-cold bottle of beer. 

It's this view, a few mere steps away, that makes White House Beach Resort special. 

The changes are immediately noticeable as you walk the expansive white beaches. Proper zoning and easement guidelines are enforced, maintaining the ocean views without the commercial clutter.

Just what you need after an early morning red eye flight, a pot of coffee and lots of sunshine facing the beach at White House Beach Resort's Station Juan Beach Lounge. After a cup, you'll probably want another so ask for a pot and take in the views.

Like an endless parade, tourists walk the fabled beach from one end to the other...

...while for some, taking a pause and slowing things down is the most natural thing to do in a paradise like Boracay.

White House Beach Resort shares in the philosophy that dining plays an integral part in the overall experience of the destination, and this is reflected in the extensive array of signature dishes at Los Indios Bravos. Under the helm of Chef Martin Jickain, White House Beach Resort ups the ante and raises the bar in the island's culinary scene with the inspired dishes at Los Indios Bravos.   

Drawing inspiration from traditional pub grub and the gastropub, Los Indios Bravos offers both the comfortingly familiar and refreshingly new and different (for more on the signature dishes of White House Beach Resort's Los Indios Bravos, see my post from my other food blog here at Flavors of Boracay: Completing The Boracay Experience with Sumptuous Cuisine at White House Beach Resort).

From traditional pub grub fare like the hearty Shepherd's Pie with rosemary-infused lamb stew, peas and carrots draped in creamy mashed potatoes...

...and the classic Pub-Style Fish and Chips served with mushy peas, tartare sauce and malt vinegar...

...to the impressive Dino Bones with massive US Angus Beef Back Ribs, Los Indios Bravos is at the forefront of the Station 1's blossoming culinary landscape. 

At Los Indios Bravos, you can also sample one of the widest selections of local artisan craft beer fresh on tap or by the bottle. Being a gastropub, it just makes sense to feature a curated variety of the finest beers. One of the island's first establishments to showcase an all-Filipino selection of handcrafted local small batch artisan beer, diners can experience the emerging craft beer scene in one place. Fresh on tap or by the bottle, you can raise a toast and head back toward the beach.

The familiar mad hatters under the midday sun make an appearance, but vendors plying the beach will soon be regulated. That's a good sign too.

Meanwhile, why not go paddle boarding...

...or sail aboard the Paraw, the local outrigger sailboat?

As the sun slowly sets in the distant horizon, the island is draped in a golden glow...

...as others take in the last few rays of the sun.

Meanwhile, the beach becomes a competitive playground as guests show off their volleyball skills...

...but everything stops when the famed sunset makes another spectacular show...

...and for a brief moment, time stops. It's that moment of perfect clarity that makes you realize Boracay is a gem all its own.

Early the next day, the beach is transformed once more with a familiar palette of vibrant colors...

...and you have the beach all to yourself.

The cool and calm waters invite you for one last dip...

...before that long flight home back to reality. Valuable lessons have been learned during the painful period of rehabilitation, but hard work and discipline shows that Boracay can bounce back. Summer's here, and Boracay is ready to welcome you again...

White House Beach Resort is located at Station 1, Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan or call +632 638-7368 (Manila), +63917-595-5996 (Globe), +63999-880-2746 (Smart) or email boracaywhitehouse@gmail.com for more information and inquiries. You can also check out their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/WHBoracay for more updates.

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