Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel

Housed in a small villa-style building with a white facade and clay-tile roofs, Villa Caemilla feels at first sight like a large private beach home. However, past the main building housing the beachfront restaurant and the lobby, the property has two long, three-story wings, with about 17 rooms each. Separating both sections is a small courtyard with a stone path lined with plants and grass; all but the Family and Executive Suites overlook this patio. There is no lobby, just an open front desk area across from the restaurant, complete with a small wooden table with two dark chairs. The most appealing part of the property is the area facing the beach, dotted with lounge furniture from the bar and tables under an awning. The atmosphere here is relaxed, and most guests spend the day lounging by the ocean in the hotel’s private area, featuring beach chairs and a food and drink service.

The hotel is located directly on White Beach, one of the Philippines' most famous stretches of sand. This part of the beach, known as Station 3, is the quietest of all three main oceanfront areas, but there are many restaurants and beach shacks nearby. Nightlife and dining in bustling Station 2 are just a 15-minute walk down the beach. Tourist spots in Station 1, such as Willy’s Rock and Club Paraw, are a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away. Several lovely beaches in northern Boracay, including Diniwid and Punta Bunga, can be reached in about 20 minutes. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the nearby pier where ferries from Caticlan airport dock.

The hotel has 39 rooms, all fully renovated in 2014 and featuring stylish contemporary decor in a soft earth-tone palettes. Standard Deluxe Rooms are small, but light-gray walls, large white tufted headboards, cream-colored floors, and clean lines add light and visual space. In-room amenities are on par with similarly priced hotels and include large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles. Standard and Superior Rooms have queen beds, and all others are equipped with king beds and double sofa beds for extra guests. Bathrooms are spacious and upscale, with slate floors, blond-wood accents, large glass-enclosed walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and stylish sinks on black counters. Large windows open either onto an exterior hallway that serves as a common balcony in some rooms or onto the rear of the hotel. Family and Executive Suites are the only units that have ocean views. 

The hotel’s highlight is its beachfront area, where private lounge chairs, bottled water, and towels are available free of charge. Additionally, a beach attendant takes food and drinks orders, and offers cold towels throughout the day. Also directly on the sand is the hotel’s casual, shaded restaurant, serving salads, sandwiches, pasta, and snacks. The hotel has a couple of electric vehicles that can be booked to move around the island, and there is free shuttle service to/from the pier where ferries coming from Caticlan airport dock. Airport transfer services can also be booked for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and the hotel offers discounted rates at a lovely spa located down the street.