Boracay (Stay Forever series)

For countless devotees of sun and sand, paradise sits just three hundred forty five kilometers south of the Philippines' capital, Manila... it is breathtaking and beautiful, and it goes by the name Boracay.

Recognized as one of the world's best beaches (by Yahoo Travel, the Sun Herald Australia, Harper's & the BMW Tropical Beach handbook), Boracay provides the ultimate island escape -- calm and temperate blue waters, powdery white sand, a fertile and diverse marine life, and an exceptionally picturesque, palm-bordered beach.

The island is a haven for both rest and recreation. February on Boracay sees visitors enjoying the annual Fun-board Cup and Windsurfing International events, while September marks the start of the World Beach Volleyball Tournaments.

Most of the resorts have luxurious world class spas while local masseuses hold outdoor beach stations, offering a variety of inexpensive massage services throughout the day.

Swim in the crystal clear waters and engage in a host of other relaxing activities. Sail to the other side of the island on an outrigger. Get you hair braided by a local or have them draw a henna tattoo on you. Spend a day island hopping or beach combing. Try the famous Jonas shakes and delicious Hawaiian barbecues. Sample the drinks and groove to the music at Hey, Jude! Eat some pizza. Experience magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Take pictures. Go star gazing. Stay up late each night and join in the revelry-- you'll find that this paradise knows how to hold pretty awesome parties!

Picky with your food? don't fret. The Boracay gastronomic experience is as motley as the nationalities of its many visitors, taking into consideration that a good number of them have chosen to settle there. Find Thai, Belgian, French, Australian, German and Spanish cuisine alongside the native culinary fares. I mentioned this earlier-- order the shakes. You'll love them in sweet ripe or green tart mangoes, banana peanut, pineapple, coconut milk, cantaloupe, etc...

The stunning Boracay island is located in the province of Aklan. It is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal portals-- the airports in Caticlan and Kalibo.

Plan your vacation. It's fairly easy to travel to the Philippines by air or sea and when you get there, one thing becomes easier still: Staying. For a long, long time.