Boracay 2021: 7 Reasons to Stay at Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel
by: Villa Caemilla
People always talk about how much they miss the “old Boracay”. The serene island, the paradise lost. However, when I stayed at Villa Caemilla 4 years ago, it did feel like a slice of that peaceful bliss that this destination once had. It offered a seclusion from the chaos of the island, a respite from the feeling of commercialization that trickled out of every new structure built, every vendor offering something priced ludicrously. At this hotel, I felt like I was lost in my own world, and I could enjoy Boracay in ways I would want to, without something or someone trying to interrupt my reverie every five minutes.
So it was such a pleasure to come again to Villa Caemilla—to come back home, if I may say—even in the midst of the pandemic. Back to the luxury of having my own beachfront space, back to simple joys, back to peace and quiet—far away from the city and the island bustle. Read on to find out why I highly recommend staying at Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel.
1 | Its beachfront location is a winner.
With less tourists nowadays, most room rates in Boracay are discounted—this is the perfect time to take advantage of that and book a high-category room, a beachfront hotel, or both! There’s nothing like a beach-facing room, I tell you. Villa Caemilla’s Executive Suite has a veranda that opens out into the ocean—the perfect spot to enjoy the morning breeze along with some in-room breakfast. Waking up and getting a glimpse of the boats slowly passing will you excited to get up—but I don’t blame you if you end up just staying in that balcony. It’s also a great vantage point for the famous Boracay sunset!
2 | The rooms are cozy and stunning.
My friend described Villa Caemilla the best: “it looks like a simple beach hut from the outside but quite luxurious inside”. Yes, exactly. I love that element of surprise—walking into a cheery, modest lobby and then into a gorgeous room you wouldn’t want to leave. The colors are subtle and neutral and seem like an extension of the beach. The décor features local elements like shells, weaves, and bamboo. The bed is amazing and relaxing.
I was able to stay in their standard room a few years back, but the Executive Suite is something else. Aside from the veranda, it has a sofa and a dining area. The bathroom is expansive, with its own bathtub complete with wine glasses and bath salt; a walk-in shower; a separate toilet area; and a spacious vanity. They have Rituals luxury toiletries (I LOVE), as well as Pure Beach mini ones, scented with coconut and passionfruit for the ultimate beach vibes!
3 | It feels very safe to be there.
Villa Caemilla implements all the basic safety protocols: a foot bath upon entering the lobby; temperature checks; use of face masks by hotel staff at all times; signs placed around the hotel to enforce social distancing; and hand sanitizers in place. They also implement a no-handshake policy. Rooms are disinfected before use, and are provided with “COVID kits” (sanitary wipes, alcohol, face masks) and separate PPE trash bins. A drop box is available for the key cards when you check out.
In the restaurant, minimal human contact is encouraged by using an online menu (QR) instead of physical ones. Utensil sets are sanitized and wrapped individually. The tables are also clear of any articles or set-ups other than small potted plants. Staff who are handling food wear hand gloves. To minimize cash handling, you can charge your food orders to your room and pay everything upon check-out.
4. They serve hearty food.
Despite the reduced menu, Villa Caemilla’s food options remain as delicious (and generous) as ever. For breakfast, guests can choose from several plated sets (they never offered it buffet-style, even pre-pandemic)—from Filipino to American to European. My personal favorite was The Caemilla, with scrambled eggs on croissant, bacon, grilled tomatoes, rosemary potatoes, and fruit. The Beef Tapa is another awesome choice—the tapa was not sweet (I hate sweet ones) and perfect with their lip-smacking vinegar. Coffee drinkers can enjoy Illy coffee with their breakfast, but those who don’t drink coffee may also opt for tea or fruit juice.
I also got to try a variety from their a la carte menu. Their pizzas are the perfect beach bites—I highly recommend the 4-Cheese (which had chèvre as one of the cheeses) and the Vegetarian Flatbread. Get some Nachos or Bitterballen (Dutch-style croquettes) along with some beers, and plant yourself on one of the lounge chairs facing the beach. For a heavier meal, try the Chicken BBQ, which was super tasty (please give me the recipe of your marinade, LOL). On weekends, they hold a seafood market where in they lay out a selection of freshly-caught seafood, and you buy by the gram and have the restaurant cook them for you.
5 | Their relaxing Sunset Sessions are everything you need.
Villa Caemilla was one of the first properties to reopen after the lockdown due to COVID, but during that time, no tourists were still allowed to visit Boracay. The locals were looking for things to entertain themselves with and so VC’s Sunset Sessions was born. A DJ plays while pizzas and drinks come out of the kitchen—to guests eagerly awaiting the sunset. I used to hunt for really loud, dance-y parties but nowadays this is my idea of “perfect”.
As for the drinks … their cocktails are fabulous. The Clover Club has gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white—the bartender recommended this when I asked for gin-based concoctions. Fearing that it might be too saccharine, I requested them to go easy on the sweetness level—what I got was absolutely perfect. My favorite, however, is the La Lavanda, which has—as you guessed it—lavender, as well as gin and a variety of citrus. It’s so aromatic and slightly smoky too—my type of cocktail. I dream of it to this day.
6. The little details make your stay truly memorable and unique.
Perhaps the beauty of staying in a boutique hotel is that you can still get a feel of luxury and get amazing, personalized service without the stiffness associated with bigger, grander hotels. And by this, I don’t just refer to the fact that we have a gorgeous room in front of the beach. For instance, I loved that we could buy seafood from fishermen passing by and have the restaurant cook it according to our liking. You could literally buy clams and then tell the chef that you want some spaghetti alle vongole—they would whip it up for you, with no extra costs. Can you really do that in any hotel? They also allowed us to order Baconsilog even if it’s not among the breakfast choices. We even bought taho from a vendor passing by.
I love how they have eliminated the use of plastic bottles by providing guests with refillable ones, which could also be taken home. Takeaways are placed in biodegradable packaging. The hotel also supports local livelihood by selling products made by islanders, such as shirts, sarongs, bags, and organic soaps.
In addition, the front desk officer was very knowledgeable and helpful. A lot of places are still closed due to COVID, so it was good that the receptionist knew everything and guided us on where to go and what to do—while considering our personal preferences.
7 | It offers the seclusion you never thought you needed.
If I had written this article 2 or 3 years back, I would’ve also pointed out that “Villa Caemilla is far away from the Boracay nightlife”. Right now, however, this is perfect—this is what I’m looking for. Away from the bustle, away from the people, away from the paranoia I incessantly feel in Manila. I treasure and appreciate this seclusion—the fact we have the beach to ourselves; the fact that we enjoyed the DJ’s music with no crowds, just us, the sand, the wind (which was so strong at some point, it blew our pizzas away LOL), delicious food, and knockout cocktails. The privacy I never thought I wanted. Being able to enjoy nature while my mind is at ease. So thank you, Villa Caemilla.
