Spider House Resort

Travelers heading to the Spider House Resort must enter a narrow cave, and then climb a flight of winding stairs cut into the cliff until they come to a bamboo doorway. The hotel is a network of huts and terraces that have been built into walls, all perched over the Indian Ocean, and linked by stairs and winding paths. What began as a family home in 1989 is now a small, friendly property with a popular bar that draws guests and locals. As its name suggests, you'll likely encounter some spiders and spiderwebs, plus lots of spider web-motif fabrics. Other colorful, island-themed murals, bamboo couches and loungers, and seashell decor add quaint elements. Spidey, the owner's dog, and the family of owners are occasionally on-site. The rustic rooms and lack of a pool make this best for low-key travelers looking for a pretty, intimate setting.

Set high on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, access to the sea is not a problem for guests at the Spider House Resort, as they can dive into the water from the bar terrace, or climb down via a bamboo ladder. Although there's no real beach area on-site, the powdery sands of Diniwid Beach are an eight-minute walk away. Station One, where there are a number of bars and restaurants, is a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away, while Station Two, home to a shopping mall and the bulk of the island’s nightlife scene, is 20 minutes away. The closest airport to the hotel is Caticlan, over on the neighboring island of Panay, and the transfer takes 60 minutes and includes a ferry ride. Long-haul travelers, however, are more likely to arrive at Kalibo International Airport, which is a two-and-a-half-hour journey.

The 13 rooms at Spider House are low on frills and rustic, but they're certainly unique. Constructed from bamboo hammered and woven into walls, floors, and ceilings, the rooms are almost open to the elements, with only roofs and wooden blinds for protection -- this gives them spectacular views over the jungle and the ocean. Rooms are decorated with lanterns painted in bright colors, wall hangings, and linens embroidered with spider web motifs. Treehouse Rooms have the most direct sea views, while Bamboo Rooms and Suites are larger and add bamboo couches and armchairs. All have beds with mosquito nets. Bathrooms have seen better days, as they have discolored grout, exposed pipes, and aging showers. Rooms do not have flat-screen TVs, kettles, or air-conditioning, but they do have fans, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, and mini-fridges.

The focal point at the Spider House Resort is its bar and restaurant, which is popular among guests and visitors alike. The restaurant serves sushi made with freshly caught fish from the waters around Boracay, as well as pizza, and the bar has a menu of cocktails and fresh fruit smoothies. House music plays quietly in the background, giving the place a party atmosphere. Guests can either jump into the ocean from here or experience a gentler descent via a bamboo ladder. Breakfast (fee) consists of either traditional Filipino fare or fluffy banana pancakes. Staff can arrange airport transfers, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Unfortunately, there's no pool here.