PARENT REVIEW: CREATE STRESS-FREE FAMILY VACATION MOMENTS AT THIS BORACAY RESORT

There’s a popular meme that says, "Parents don’t really go on vacation. They just take care of their kids in a different city." It’s popular for a reason–it rings true for most parents, including myself. Gone are the days when my husband and I could spontaneously schedule quick getaways, pack our backpacks, and enjoy days packed full with activities. These days, our vacations require planning months in advance–checking the school calendar for breaks, researching activities suitable for kids, and lugging around suitcases filled with clothes, snacks and toys.

Traveling with kids is an entirely new experience. While there’s nothing more fulfilling than watching them discover new places and experiences, it can also be exhausting. Have we truly given up our chance to be carefree travelers now that we’re parents?

I was recently proven wrong when Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay invited Smart Parenting and other media friends to experience their brand of island life in Boracay’s sunny, white-sand paradise.

Creating family moments

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is tucked away in the tranquil Punta Bunga Cove, providing guests with Boracay’s signature beach days without the hustle and bustle of the popular White Beach. Besides the relaxed vibe, here are a few other reasons why I think Mövenpick makes vacationing with family both easy and enjoyable.

Spacious and comfortable rooms

One challenge we face on vacations is finding accommodations where we all fit comfortably. Our family is in that awkward stage wherein our tween is too big to share a bed with us, but still young enough to want to stay in the same room. Mövenpick offers a variety of room types that suit any family’s needs, including Family Rooms and Suites–some with adjoining options. These spacious rooms feature large beds, cozy seating areas, workstations withample plugs for devices, and of course, stunning views of the sea and the resort’s lush gardens. For families who prefer privacy, the resort also offers a villa with multiple bedrooms and a private pool.

Delicious and kid-friendly dining options

Making sure both a picky-eater tween and a constantly-hungry preschooler are satisfied on vacation can be tricky, but Mövenpick has us  covered. The Market, the resort’s main restaurant, offers a diverse breakfast buffet with a wide array of international dishes and kid-friendly options (there’s even a dedicated kids’ section!). From pastries and noodles to Filipino breakfast staples like crispy bacon and garlic rice, there’s something for everyone.

We also enjoyed a pizza-making activity at Brezza, one of the resort’s restaurants, where we baked pizzas in an authentic brick oven imported from Naples, Italy. The result? A delicious, perfectly crunchy pizza topped with fresh ingredients.

For other dining experiences, guests can explore authentic Asian flavors at Ssäm or enjoy meryenda at The Café. Family castaway dinners can also be arranged at the Sol Marina Beach Garden, while adults can sip cocktails and enjoy sunsets at the Sol Marina Beach Club. Guests can also partake in themed nights with entertainment, such as salsa lessons or fire dancing performances.

Another highlight for little ones (and even parents!) is Mövenpick’s Chocolate Hour, where guests can enjoy a chocolate buffet everyday from 3pm to 4pm. The buffet is chock-full of sumptuous pastries, a chocolate fountain, truffles, and chocolate barks. Plus, their adorable mascot, Pico the Owl, makes regular appearances to delight the guests.

Activities for every family member

Mövenpick Boracay goes the extra mile to ensure that every family member has a fantastic time. The resort aims to create memorable moments through its personal and intuitive service, beginning even before the guests arrive. Families can customize their stay by selecting from "Mövenpick Moments" upon booking. They can then "pick" their own Boracay adventure–options include water activities like crystal kayaking and paddle boarding, professional beauty services such as hair and nail treatments at the on-site MetroGlam Salon, and "Mövenpicked Boracay Indulgences," like visiting or trying out Boracay’s popular haunts such as a night out at Smooth Cafe or buying calamansi muffins.

For their little guests, the resort has The Little Birds Club–a dedicated kids’ play area where children aged 4 to 12 years old can play and even enjoy supervised activities like arts and crafts, nature hunts, sandcastle building, pizza-making classes, and more. Parents can also arrange for hourly babysitting, allowing them to enjoy some much-deserved relaxation.

Aside from Boracay’s perfect white-sand beaches, Mövenpick guests can also enjoy their pool–said to be the largest one on the island. It features several jacuzzis and is shallow enough for kids to play safely. Lifeguards are always on duty at both the beach and pool areas, providing peace of mind for parents.

Parents get to relax

After all the family fun, parents can unwind at the Mövenpick Sagay Spa, which offers a range of rejuvenating treatments. Their signature Sagay Treatment is a 90-minute blissful massage using warmed Sagay shells. The shells’ natural curves and smoothness give the treatment a unique touch, seemingly melting away every muscle knot and ache. It’s the perfect way to recharge before returning to reality.

Captured memories

One common frustration for moms during family vacations is not being in enough family photos–often acting as the family photographer. Mövenpick takes care of this by offering professional photoshoot services with a local photographer. Families can capture beautiful shots under the Boracay sun, with moms included in the photos for a change!

Thoughtful services throughout the stay

One of the standout features of Mövenpick is its friendly and attentive staff. From Caticlan to Boracay and back, families are well taken care of, with staff assisting with luggage, transfers, and arranging activities. The added touches, like turndown service and complimentary chocolate treats, provide a delightful way to end each day.

In the end, the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is more than just a beautiful location–it’s a family-friendly haven that caters to every need. With its spacious accommodations, kid-friendly dining and facilities, and thoughtful services, families are sure to have an unforgettable vacation experience, and parents can indulge in a bit of royal treatment too.

Read here for Boracay activities to try with kids.

2024-09-06T04:16:29Z dg43tfdfdgfd