Monaco Suites de Boracay

Built on the side of a steep hill, a 15-minute drive from the action in Station 2, Monaco Suites de Boracay has a relaxing atmosphere hard to find in properties closer to White Beach. Its 50 suites are housed in 14 beautiful villas with panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding area. Mustard-hued facades with white Italianate balustrades and large windows with white frames lend the property a strong Mediterranean feel. White stone stairs and tile paths wind through lush manicured grounds dotted with bamboo, palm trees, and other local plants. A large round building with a striking blue dome, a large classic-inspired statue, and green marble accents houses the lobby and main reception area, while dozens of large arched windows offer serene ocean views. 

The grounds are steep in some areas, but golf carts are always at hand for those who prefer not to walk. Suites and villas take the top part of the hill, while the restaurant, the bar and the pool are located closest to the beach. A set of stairs at the bottom of the property leads to a small stretch of sand where the hotel has a few loungers, some kayaks and a jet ski.The Monaco Suites Boracay is one of the few hotels in the Philippines powered by solar energy. 

The property feels a bit remote and is located on the hills of eastern Boracay. There aren’t any restaurants or bars nearby, but the hotel runs a free shuttle hourly to D Mall and to the central areas of lively Station 2, a 15-minute drive away. There is a lovely private beach on-site, and water sports can be booked at the property, but those who want to visit gorgeous White Beach can either take the hotel shuttle or a tricycle (tuk-tuk). The hotel is also a short drive from the pier from where speedboats take visitors to Caticlan Airport.

The hotel has 50 units ranging between spacious One-Bedroom Suites and huge Three-Bedroom Villas. All have classic Mediterranean-inspired architectural details including columns, arched doorways, and white balustrades, plus local touches such as rattan and wicker furniture and leaf prints on accent pillows and bed runners. Each suite has a spacious living area with couches, armchairs, and a coffee table, plus a kitchen with a stocked full-size fridge, a microwave, a cooktop, a sink, and an electric kettle. Large terraces with lounge chairs offer serene views of the hotel grounds and the ocean beyond. Bathrooms have slate or brown-tile floors, flower-shaped sinks, and either wet room-style showers or separate showers and tubs. 

Prestige Suites are a tad more contemporary than Luxury Suites (the standard room type here), and Presidential Suites have four-poster beds. Butler services and private airport transfer for up to six people is offered to guests staying in the Royal Suite. 

The hotel has direct private access to a small sandy beach with usually clear water. There are a few lounge chairs on the sand and additional ones on a small patch of grass just above the beach. Kayaks, snorkeling gear, and jet skis are available for guest use and can be booked at the front desk. The hotel's large dolphin-shaped infinity pool looks out over the beach and has a few lounge chairs of its own; at night, underwater lights lend the deck a romantic atmosphere. Just beyond the pool is a small gazebo with a whirlpool, also with views of the sea. The restaurant serves tasty international cuisine and a few Filipino dishes in a curved dining room with large arched windows that lead to a big terrace with a few additional tables. A varied breakfast buffet is included in room rates. The hotel also a rooftop bar with ocean views and a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

The fitness center is small but airy, and has a handful of cardio and strength-training machines. Although the quiet vibe is probably more appealing to couples and families with older children, the playground, ping-pong table, and darts are convenient for those traveling with children or teenagers. The hotel also has a spacious meeting room, a small shop with basic sundries, a free shuttle service to D Mall, and free Wi-Fi. While in-room massage services are available, there's no full spa.