Henann Park’s hotel suite (Photo by Lem Atienza)
It has been seven years since I last visited Boracay. In those days flying to the island was a regular thing. It was to enjoy the powdery white beach and the crystal clear waters, not that deep that it made you feel like you were in a natural kiddie pool.
It was the late partyphile and good family friend, Louie Cruz, who arguably brought Manila’s social set—and partying (think Giraffe)—to Boracay in the early ‘80s, although he had been spending summers in a very rustic Boracay as early as the ‘70s. I believe it was tito Louie who first referred to Boracay as “Bora”—spoken like a dainty colegiala—and popularized the island’s abbreviated name.
We would usually stay in his bed and breakfast called McSandro which also served comfort home-cooked food, from an array of pizzas (with arugula) to his famous beef mechado. McSandro was at the heart of the retail and resto strip which would be known later as D’Mall.
Louie Cruz was the perfect Boracay host, turning McSandro into a popular hangout not only for Manila’s party set but also for local and foreign tourists, the happening place day and night.
Boracay had its unique charm then, now it has its different charm. It’s already an established destination that draws not only domestic travelers but also foreign celebrities. It is a draw in itself—such that some K-pop and K-drama stars, when asked if they have been to the Philippines, say, yes, to Boracay.
Boracay is now more than a summer destination; it is an all-year-round destination. In Bora, it’s always summer—the energy, the sunrise-sunset beauty—even when it storms. And among those who helped make Boracay the all-weather fun, homey place is the Henann Group of Resorts.
Karl Hendrik Chusuey, vice president for marketing at Henann Group of Resorts (Photo by Lem Atienza)
Henann Park Resort, Boracay is the latest offering of Henann Group of Resorts under the helm of chairman Dr. Henry Chusuey and his sons, group president Alfonso Chusuey and vice president for marketing Karl Chusuey. This 7th Henann resort on Boracay Island opened April 2022.
View from one’s suite overlooking the pool (Photo by Luis Carlo San Juan)
Henann Park’s hotel suite (Photo by Lem Atienza)
“Boracay has always meant the world to us as a family, and our Henann locations are a way for us to share that love with vacationers from the Philippines and all over the world,” says Karl Chusuey. “We’re excited about the opening of Henann Park Resort, which is our latest offering to beach enthusiasts who want to stay in a Boracay hotel that’s built a reputation for top-notch accommodations and exceptional service.”
Orchard restaurant’s famous Laksa (Photo by Lem Atienza)
Southeast Asian delight pork satay (Photo by Lem Atienza)
Pomelo and shrimp salad (Photo by Lem Atienza)
The newly opened Henann Park is a world-class resort at Station 2 in Boracay. It has 232 premium rooms, an expansive pool surrounding the resort, and the well-loved Orchard Cafe, which serves Southeast Asian cuisine favorites, from Malaysian, Thai, Singaporean to Filipino staples. It also has a sunken pool bar, a state-of-the-art gym and fitness center, a mini shop, a function room, and rooms with direct pool access.
It’s conveniently situated near the beach. Guests may access the beach through D’Mall.
Henann Park Resort is only a four-minute walk to D’Mall, which gave me the opportunity to rediscover old Boracay haunts.
Henann Park’s signature drink, the Henann Isle (Photo by Lem Atienza)
For decades, the Henann Group of Resorts has been noted for good accommodations, good service, and value-for-money experience. Born out of one man’s vision to build his own accommodations on the stunning island where his family and friends could enjoy a tranquil getaway, the resort chain is now a premium beach getaway among the top beach destinations in the country.
Aside from Henann Park Resort, Henann Group of Resorts has six other resorts in Boracay, with world-class rooms, expansive swimming pools, and modern coastal cuisine.
These are man-made perks that go with nature, specifically Boracay’s stunning sunset, long white beach, and scenic coastline. And of course, there’s the hospitality intrinsic to the Filipino.
For inquiries, www.henann.com/henannpark
