Spot Stays: Get Sunset Pool Views and Upscale Comfort at This Boracay Hotel

Mandarin Nest
Station 2, Boracay
Rates start at P6,500

At a Glance
Room: Young, but with all the comforts an oldie might want
Food and drink: A beachfront resto that stands out among the many
Staff: Genuinely happy to help, proud of their hotel
Why you should stay: It's a hip place that sacrifices no comforts, all without breaking the bank

(SPOT.ph) There's no shortage of stays in Boracay. From hip hostels to luxe five-star resorts, the exact type of accommodation you want exists somewhere on the shoreline from Station 1 to 3. Now, if you want a hotel that's just right on the upscale comfort to wallet-friendliness ratio, then check out Mandarin Nest. Evoking the more personalized boutique-hotel style with stellar service, this new stay is the type that will make everyone happy, from the party-hard friend that just wants a drink in their hand to the finicky one of the group that needs a hair dryer in the sparkling clean en suite. 

What you need to know about Mandarin Nest Boracay:

Sitting along the stretch of Station 2 is Mandarin Nest. It's unique, terraced front is hard to miss, especially as the steps invite you to hang around a bit. Below, you'll find the low-key placed Jollibee and Chowking, while heading up the steps you'll find Hakuna Matata, the hotel's dining outlet. The whole establishment is decked out in a light, modern tropical vibe, with fun shapes that invite you to come in and play.

Mandarin Nest has upwards of 70 rooms, each one fit in a light tropical design and containing whatever amenities you might want or need—our personal fave has to be the bed, complete with a very comforting comforter. It's the perfect haven to rest in after a day of beach activities (and a night of partying in Boracay). 

This four-star stay is a sister hotel of the five-star Mandarin Bay Resort and Spa., which boasts the longest pool on the island. While it's on the more affordable end of the spectrum, it certainly has the same standard of service. 

Also read: Spot Stays: This Five-Star Resort Boasts the Longest Pool in Boracay

What to do

Not to be missed at the Nest is their rooftop pool. Up on the deck of the fifth floor is an infinity pool that looks as if it's spilling over into the Boracay treetops, with the sea right beyond. We took our time taking in the sunset from here, with a drink in hand while gazing out into the horizon. 

And when you're done up at the pool, you can head on out to Boracay. There is typically staff waiting by the terraced entrance to hand out thick beach towels, and even a banig for you to lie on as you soak up the sun. You can also ask the staff to help you coordinate a massage at the Mandarin Spa a few minutes walk away. 

D'Mall is a few hundred meters away if you need to get some shopping in. There are also beachfront stalls, as well as guides right on the beach that can lead you to kayaks, paddle boats, or even more extreme activities like banana boat, flying fish, or parasailing. 

Where to Eat

Hakuna Matata lives up to its name. The Swahili phrase is apt for a restaurant where it feels like you can leave all your worries on the doorstep, feast on good food, and forget your troubles for a bit. 

The restaurant is meant for big groups, or diners with big appetites. They've got food to share, with the number one being salo-salo sets that are served in wooden boats. You can get it in either a seafood or a meat-lovers variant; we got seafood, of course, being on an island. If you're feeling a little more treat-yourself, they've got ribs that come with gold flakes. The Golden Sunset Ribs (P850 half, P1,550 whole) are meant to match the golden hues of Boracay, and come packed with flavor courtesy of a smoky grill. 

Also read:
10 Under-the-Radar Eats to Try When in Boracay
10 IG-Worthy Food Spots in Boracay Not to Miss on Your Next Visit

How to Get There

Mandarin Nest is a van ride, ferry, and another van ride away from the Kalibo International Airport. If you book a stay at the hotel, they will pick you up from the airport and take you across the waters on a private speedboat. 

Mandarin Nest is in Station 2, Boracay. Rates start at P6,500 (subject to change).