The venue: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa
Location: Boracay Island, Philippines
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa is located on a hillside overlooking the ocean at the northern-most tip of Boracay Island. The property features 350 metres of the signature Boracay white sand and 12 hectares of lush gardens. The resort has 219 elegant and spacious guest rooms and villas, each with a fusion of contemporary and indigenous designs. All rooms feature private balconies with impressive views that can be enjoyed from cosy daybeds. All suites and villas offer butler service, a luxurious sense of space, and a private pool — except the Seaview Suite and Tree House Villas, which have outdoor jacuzzis instead.
Wedding planner: Marielle Kristine Ebao
Marielle is known for her charming personality — a conduit of positive energy who always puts clients at ease. Her passionate nature and ability to listen attentively allows her to understand what it takes to realise a couple’s dream wedding!
Describe Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa in five words.
A paradise all your own.
What are the main reasons people choose this venue for a destination wedding?
On many occasions, when couples are choosing a wedding destination, they pick somewhere near the ocean. Boracay offers one of the best beaches in the world, which makes it an easy and popular choice for weddings. Shangri-La Boracay is a destination on its own, situated at the northern-most tip of the island. It is tucked away from the busting crowd of the main beach, so couples can truly enjoy their celebration in a serene and private piece of paradise surrounded by the island’s natural beauty.
The unique features of the resort include 36 well-appointed villas, two private beach fronts, a sprawling garden, an outdoor arena, and a grand ballroom that can house up to 300 guests.
Where’s your favourite spot at Shangri-la’s Boracay Resort & Spa for a gorgeous wedding photo?
My personal favourite is at the Treehouse Villa, overlooking the beach and private jetty. There are so many possibilities to get picture-perfect shots at the resort; from elegant silhouettes to sweeping panoramic views.
And what’s the most Instagrammable spot at the resort? One sure to make people back home jealous!?
Imagine the perfect Instagram shot: Taking a dip in the luxurious infinity pool facing the beach at sunset. This will surely make your friends want to fly to Boracay and experience paradise for themselves!
What’s the best room or suite for the wedding night and why?
Shangri-La Boracay is the only resort on the island that has villa accommodation included in the wedding package. We offer a two-night stay in a Treehouse Villa, also our best-seller for honeymooners for its romantic appeal. It is a two-storey villa nestled on a hill, amidst a lush tropical landscape that offers breathtaking views of the ocean, with a private jacuzzi on the balcony. There’s nothing like coming home to a view of the vast starry sky and waking up to the vibrant blue water right outside your window.
What’s one thing you get at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa and nowhere else on the planet?
Apart from the fact that Shangri-La Boracay is the most idyllic location for a beach destination wedding, we are known for our heartwarming service. Clients feel secure to celebrate a very personal occasion close to where they feel at home.
The resort offers a range of indoor and outdoor venues for a wedding ceremony and reception. Alon Garden is one of the scenic spots for outdoor ceremonies, surrounded by lush flora and fauna. The sparkle of the sapphire sea is a naturally gorgeous backdrop at the private Punta Bunga Beach. For a more intimate gathering we offer the Sea Pavilion, perched on a cliff with stunning ocean vistas. While the beach is usually a wonderful option for al fresco receptions, the Cielo Arena makes a great outdoor venue with a sophisticated ethnic vibe. The Sagana Ballroom on the other hand, is an elegant choice for a grand indoor function.
What are some of the chef’s specialties for a wedding menu?
Some wedding menu favourites are…
Prime US Beef Rib Eye, Mustard Jus, Horseradish & Roasted Potato
Open Faced Slipper Lobster with Black Pepper Sauce
Norwegian Salmon in Puff Pastry with Saffron Veloute
Seared Snapper in Chardonnay White Wine Sauce
Kilawin Tanigue with Native Chili and Coconut Vinegar
What’s the strangest wedding request you’ve ever had – and did you deliver!?
No strange requests so far. Our goal is to bring to life the dream wedding a couple has always imagined. As long as safety and security is not a concern, we try our best to accommodate!
What’s something wedding couples always forget to bring or do?
They often forget to relax, as they want everything to go smoothly for themselves and their guests. However, once they arrive they are immediately enamoured by the natural beauty of the island, the elegant features of the resort, and the warmth of the staff. It is then they realise their wedding will be spectacular at Shangri-La.
What’s the most glamorous/luxurious thing couples get to do at Shangri-la’s Boracay Resort & Spa?
On arrival at the Caticlan Airport, a resort staff member will meet and escort you to our exclusive Mabuhay Center Lounge where you will board a private speedboat for a 15-minute cruise straight to Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa’s jetty. Each couple receives a dedicated butler, assigned to them on their wedding day and throughout their stay. Couples can choose from a wide range of resort activities, including a romantic dinner by the beach or on a cliffside pavilion with a dedicated chef. For a relaxing rendezvous, they can retreat to the sprawling CHI, The Spa. We can also arrange a sunset cruise aboard a private yacht or a helicopter tour around the island!
What’s your best piece of advice for a couple planning a destination wedding?
Planning a destination wedding is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Make the most of the available modern technology to help you stay organised: make an online vision board with your design pegs, and create an expense sheet to keep tabs on your wedding budget!
What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from a happy bride and groom?
I always enjoy receiving kind words of appreciation from my couples, but what I enjoy the most are those who continue to keep in touch even after the wedding. Some have reached out to me to just share the news that they are expecting, and even sent photos of their little bundle of joy!
To book or enquire for your dream destination wedding at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, email events.slbo@shangri-la.com or call +63 36 288 4988
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