Looking for 5* resorts in Philippines.
 

Thinking about spending a week in the Philippines, never been there so needed some guidance.

We always travel with our two kids (8 and 4) everywhere we go so they are quite good travellers but is this location a kids friendly place. I have read that the intra island transfers from the airports can be on some questionable boats.

Basically I like to go and spend 5-6 days in a resort. So looking for 5* luxury. Can someone suggest a good resort that is on the beach and kids friendly.

How is Boracay if we just pick a nice hotel and stay around there as the reviews of Boracay all seem to suggest its nothing but drunk backpackers and people trying to sell you stuff.

Is it worth spending a few days in Manila or is 1 day enough to see the city?

Any other island where the resort is worth visiting for?

As regards 5 star resorts I'm not sure of any. 2 years ago I went to Boracay and it was the most beautiful place I've ever been. I've traveled quite a bit - Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Andorra, Spain, Italy, Japan, the Middle East, Costa Roca, Panama, Trinidad, Guyana, Canada, France, the U.K.,etc.....
I did not encounter one drunk or rude person the entire stay. Of course as is normal they tried to jack the price up for anything when they see "American". But the locals quickly taught me a phrase which I have now forgotten that meant basically I'm not stupid. I know what you're doing. And then they would drop the price. I'd love to go back to Boracay in a snap.

^

Just my 2 cents as a Filipino :):

Boracay is pretty run down now and overcrowded. If you want something similar, El Nido and Coron both in Palawan are both great alternatives. Less crowded and more "exotic".

I've lived in Manila for a bit, and I have to say it's not that great. It's full of smoke and chaos. The malls like the Mall of Asia and Glorietta are fantastic though. But if you still insist on going, then a few days might be okay. You have Makati and Fort Bonifacio which you can check out.

Was thinking max one day in Manila. Just a quick trip around the city and then a beach resort.

The Shangri La in Boracay looks nice and out of the way?

Hope you consider traffic if you plan on visiting Manila. It takes a few hours just to get somewhere where it would normally take you 30 minutes congestion free. :eek:

While Boracay is nice, please consider Coron and El Nido in Palawan, I promise it's worth it! ;)

Ok I will have a look at those too. Any recommended hotels there? Would you say its ok to travel there with two young kids? We normally holiday in Thailand but wanted to try out a new place this year.

Check these links out:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-...Vacations.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-...Vacations.html

I'm sure the kids will have fun! Actually met a British family in Hong Kong a year ago going on holiday to Coron. I think they had 4 kids.

Forgot to add, if you want something more exotic, you have a lot of great places in the region to holiday. Tonga, Guam, Saipan, Fiji, Hawaii are just some places with gorgeous beaches.

Fiji and the others are too far away. If I am going to Philippines then might as well check out that country.

I am quite keen on Boracay as it will give us something to do on days we want to venture out. Have you been there?

Not yet but I have family that has been. From what I've heard its run down now compared to 10 years ago and is overcrowded now with the mass influx of tourists.

But I'm sure its still a great place to visit.

Thanks. Will have a look at your other suggestions. ^

Have a look at the Shangri-La Cebu. Very nice resort with its own beach, and the city is interesting too. Manila's probably worth two days, as getting around isn't quick. Intramuros, the American Cemetary and the Glorietta Malls are worth a visit, with Greenbelt add Fort Bonifacio for eating places.

Amanpulo obviously. Detailed extensively in the Luxury Hotels forum.

Looks amazing but silly money. (still considering it :) )

BTW just saw the new development in Boracay. Totally put off.

Totally worth it.