With over 20,000 islands scattered throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, maritime Southeast Asia is bound to have the world’s best beaches. More than just the beaches, however, Southeast Asia offers a plethora of reasons that will entice all types of travelers. It has a tropical climate (perfect for year-round basking), rich cultural diversity and a cuisine so celebrated, it has reached far-flung corners of the globe. On top of that, one can hop from one pristine island to another whether traveling on either a backpacker’s or a luxe travelers’ budget.

Naturally, when you visit Southeast Asia for its beaches, a rendezvous in the island that reigns supreme, should be mandatory. Boracay Island is on top of the beach heap. The claim is indisputable considering the validation comes from the world’s premier authority in lifestyle and travel, Conde Nast Traveler. Its globetrotting readers voted it the No. 1 island in the World for its “gentle coastlines, transporting sunsets and thriving nightlife.” Indeed, the island has so much going for it.

The Philippines prides itself in offering a different adventure in each of its 7,107 islands. Boracay, with its countless possibilities, probably has all 7,107 adventures rolled into one.

Whether you are a first–time or a frequent visitor, you’ll personally experience why it is so by the end of a stay. After all, Boracay is a beach of unparalleled beauty, a haven of rejuvenating escapes, an arena for water adventurers, a plaza for serious foodies, a 24-hour club for partyphiles, and now, unsurprisingly, a destination for culture vultures.

In Boracay, there is truly something for everyone. Let’s enumerate just a few of the ways.

A Beach with Unparalleled Beauty

Spread over four kilometers, White Beach in Boracay probably has the finest, purest, whitest powdery sand that you’ll see in your lifetime. One can’t help but be puzzled by the sand, which won’t dissolve in water, despite being as fine as milk. It has crystal blue waters that mirror its clear blue skies. The beach is so shallow during low tide, you can wade and thread for up to 100 meters from the shoreline. Coconut trees barricade its many established resorts so you have picture-perfect unobstructed natural views from the beach. On top of all these, you are rewarded with awe-inspiring sunsets at the end of each day that you’ll want to grab a cocktail from wherever you are for this most-visually stunning show.

An Island to Soothe the Tired and Weary Soul

If an escape from the city’s hustle-and-bustle is what one needs, Boracay Island is the perfect sanctuary. The beauty of the beach, in itself, is invigorating. It’s never hard to find a spot where you can lie peacefully in White Beach (it helps that most of last night’s revellers nurse their hangovers during the day). Moreover, there are other beaches in the island like Puka and Bulabog Beaches that are less frequented by the selfie-stick towing crowds, hence, a little more solitary.

If you need more than just a dose of sunshine though, there are luxury spas scattered throughout the island. The Philippines’ most acclaimed destination spa and resort, Mandala Spa in Station 3, offers Asia’s most awarded spa treatment, the Hilot Trilogy - an hour and forty-five minute massage that’s said to benefit the mind, body and soul. Tirta Spa, likewise, has a wide offering of treatments that will elevate your senses to nirvana. The Spa, one of the Philippines’ biggest wellness franchises, has recently arrived and now offers its world-class spa services at The Lind Boracay.

Now, if you want a massage without having to splurge, a full body massage for less than US$10 from a licensed masseuse is easily accessible anywhere in the island.