Each year, before the wish for me to travel to the Maldives. This year, I stumbled on a better gift, as I found such a place much closer to me. Introducing the tropical fantasy of a paradise right in our very country— Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay. There is no better time than to visit this sanctuary, now that it is open to the public. Our flight seamlessly whisked us to our dream destination in 40 minutes. When we landed gracefully in Caticlan, Boracay, our hearts skipped a beat as we found ourselves in this heavenly sanctuary. Imagine yourself walking on powdery white sand in a tropical seascape where blue skies and a golden sun cast rays overhead. The balmy breeze kisses your auburn, tanned skin as you slather on after-sun lotion that seems to caress your entire being. Here in this paradise where sun, sea, and sky remain like a portrait of your dreams, your thoughts turn to reality as you bask in the cool waters of Station Zero in Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay. This sandy cove is bordered by two giant, idyllic rocks that seem to guard the property like sentinel guards. Here one can watch the glorious sunrise, sunset, and every moment in between over half-priced, happy hour drinks.

My dear friends and I sampled their delicious Thai shrimp cakes withsweet-spicy chili sauce, mojitos, and piña coladas. We shared conversations on life, love, and laughter as we watched the golden orb of the sun sink into the horizon. We exclaimed that life is good and doesn’t get better than this. Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, owned by Filinvest Properties, is a serene oasis in Station Zero, the very upscale and ritzy area of Boracay. With a gustatory menu that will satisfy the most discriminating palate, all the restaurants of the resort deserve to be experienced. The resort has several pools, and the most spectacular view can be appreciated from the Cobalt cluster of buildings overlooking the heavenly enclave that ensures the privacy of its privileged guests. A private sanctuary with views of the finest landscapes, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay sit handsomely on a 3,000-square-meter space of white-as-cotton sandy beach. Soak up the sun in your barefoot essentials and enjoy a treat of yoga, paddle boarding, or island-hopping via semi-submarine or speedboat.

We were delighted to find out that, in line with its thrust of becoming a center of arts and culture in the heart of Boracay, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay had previously opened its doors to its first ever artist-in-residence, Eric Egualada. This initiative, spearheaded by the resort’s general manager Patrick Manthe—himself a visual artist and admirer of the arts—ran for four months and included a number of activities that engaged and stimulated everyone’s creativity. Bold style and undeniable passion truly characterize the Crimson brand of convivial hospitality, rich culture, and design. As you sit on the immaculate beachside, you can gaze at the illuminating stars in the sky. As you bask in all this serenity, you will be covered by a thousand more. This is how we felt lying on cozy chairs as we lay down on the fine sand.