I have been to better- The Datai, Langkawi; Rambagh Palace, Jaipur; The Chedi, Muscat, Oman; Rayavadee, Krabi in Thailand.....Shangri-la Boracay's grounds and buildings were reminisent of The Datai grounds - but The Datai manages to do exclusive; unlike the Shangri-La. The mood at the restaurants was not 5 star; buffets don't equate to luxury either.....and it seemed more like an enmasse experience at breakfast too rather than exclusive luxury.
I think Boracay - the island- is definitely worth visiting - it is idyllic - but there are better resorts in the world than this. Boracay Island is a marvelous haven - which everyone should discover. I recommend staying at White Beach and enjoying the delights of the island lifestyle and vibrancy. While I cannot recommend a hotel by name as I had no time to find an alternative- we noticed many brand new developments being built at White Beach that looked stunning.

Despite my comments, we had a great time at the Shangri-La for 3 nights - from the moment we arrived we were met and greeted with warmth and professionalism - we had a Sea View Room and friends had a Garden Villa - with plunge pool. The Sea View Room was comfortable but was not great value for the price based on other hotels around the world - where the rooms are in much better condition and not tired. The highlight of the room was the view - the bathroom was modern and large in size - toiletries were not always replenished, the room and furnishings a bit tired - though reasonable, and consistent with the beach/resort theme.
The villa was much better value than the room - given a room per night is around $600AUD and a villa $900AUD - the villa delivers the added value and spaciousness that is not found in the average sized rooms and furnishings.

Our request for higher level south wing sea view room was met - we were grateful for this. This had a lovely beach view. The resort is somewhat removed from the main island beach - White Beach - which is a paradise and a haven for water activities - parasailing, banaboating, sailing and a host of other fun things, restaurants, bars, and shopping. This area offers everything - including a diverse array of accommodaton.

While we enjoyed the experience at the Shangri-La better value could be found elsewhere in the wonderful White Beach setting. We love resorts and have stayed in many - exclusivity was not a theme of the Shangri-La experience.

This island is a haven and treasure to be enjoyed - regardless of whether you choose the Shangri-La or not.

Overview and snapshots of the stay were: good selection of tasty continental breakfast offerings - both to cater for the large number of Chinese, Korean and Asian visitors; restaurant buffet evening was very average - buffet food was of an ordinary standard; Seafood Restaurant was much better quality food; villa BBQ was very good and personalised - but dessert and some of the main dishes were from the Seafood restaurant menu and hence little creativity to vary what one can have at the Restaurant, and in fact did have the night before. The villa BBQ was however plentiful and the experience of villa dining with chefs and staff attending to our every need and being highly observant of our needs was second to none.

In general, the hotel buggy service was very good and responsive in a fast and efficient manner; all staff on the grounds were courteous and polite - extending warm greetings to us every day wherever we went; pool was nice but not world class by 5 star standards - the sand on the beach was very course in comparison to White Beach - the main beach in Boracay where it is as soft as powder and the water immensely clear - thought we still enjoyed lazing on the sunlounges and relaxing in the ocean.

My husband enjoyed a spa treatment - some 2.5 hrs - the Weary Travellers massage - he said he liked the Form used which asked for customer preferences before commencement. This is very professional and takes into consideration that individuals have various needs - re: preferred pressure to be applied; clothed vs no clothes or cover etc.

Drinks at sunset - at the bar on the clifftop were relaxed and enjoyable - lovely views - don't miss this....

Review your airline departure and punctuality of flights directly with the Airport - a word of warning! Say no more......

I went to the Shangri-la Boracay Resort last weekend for my cousin's wedding. We flew from Manila to Caticlan and we were received by the staff of Shangri-la as soon as we entered the airport lobby. They helped us with our luggages and brought us to their private van, driving us to the port. They have their own waiting lounge which had very comfortable sofas, clean restrooms and complimentary bottled water. We didn't wait too long when we were informed that the speedboat taking us to the resort was ready. Everything was smooth-sailing. We arrived at the resort and was greeted by their manager. A golf cart was waiting for us to bring us to the lobby. Check-in was a little slow because they only had two counters but we didn't wait that long.

We stayed at a Deluxe Seaview Room which had a nice balcony. The room was spacious and had complete amenities. The bathroom was big and had a tub, a separate shower and toilet.

What I like most about this resort is their service. The staff was very friendly and helped us with just about everything. Their beach had very comfy lounge chairs and big sunbrellas to keep us from the sun. The staff goes around offering everyone water and fruit kebabs. There was even someone who would ask you if you want your sunglasses cleaned!

The food, to say the least, was superb. The breakfast buffet was loaded with different varieties and they were always fresh. I loved their cold cuts, breads and bacon. There were also two eggs stations you can choose from.

I am counting the days until my next visit to this resort. Truly a gem in Boracay! A definite must-visit!

Visited Shangrila Boracay with my daughter last Feb 2012. The resort and spa are comparable to world class resorts I have visited in the Maldives. The core of this resort is the people who work there-the sevice better than any other. The resort itself is equipped with everything needed for a beach holiday. The best of the Philippines...

Great View! Great Food! Simply PERFECT!

Shangri-la does not fail to give us more than our money's worth. Though the sand is not as fine as with station 3; the resort is still way to fabulous not to enjoy. We stayed there for 2 nights. 1st night at Sea View Suite and 2nd Night at Loft Villa.

Loft Villa is like heaven on earth. A must try! Food is great and service fabulous. Highly Recomended when you go to Boracay.

Also eat at Sirena.;-)