MANILA, Philippines – While most Boracay tourists flock to the bustling shores of Stations 1 to 3, there’s a quieter, more secluded, and lesser-known enclave of the island that feels like a hidden secret: Station Zero.
Tucked away on the northern-westernmost tip of the island, the area offers a completely different kind of island experience — private, exclusive, and a notch higher in luxury. It’s a laidback stretch of beach beyond Station 1 and Diniwid Beach along Punta Bunga Beach. Station Zero is part of Barangay Yapak and is a short boat ride away from Puka Beach.
Hearing just the gentle rhythm of waves amid an obstructed panoramic view of Boracay’s sunsets (due to the area’s elevated, plateau-like structure), it’s not just the tranquility that sets Station Zero apart. Here, white sand beaches remain untouched by the party crowds, and its handful of private resorts provide a more “upscale take” on island living.
Far away from the busy locales, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is a global franchise property that I consider one of the most family-friendly resorts on this idyllic corner of the island. With private long walks by the beach, exclusive beachfront access, and the quiet that makes you pause, it’s a serene corner of the island that you can explore at your own pace.
The appeal and allure
Nestled in Punta Bunga Cove, Mövenpick’s private beach area is set amid a lush tropical landscape, with the property spanning 3,300 square meters. Fun fact: its swimming pool is the largest on the island!
Chaise lounges are scattered just a few feet from the clear waters, with a lively poolside bar close by. The stretch between resort and sea is spacious; I enjoyed early morning yoga on the white sand, with just the sound of waves accompanying my savasana (corpse pose).
Since it’s far from the city proper, getting here is accessible only by private transfers. That’s why most of these properties come with a hefty price tag, but Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay — a local franchise of the global brand — is considered one of the more accessible options.
It’s easy to feel at ease here, especially with the thoughtful design of its 312 rooms and suites. The aesthetic is understated but inviting: light-colored walls paired with polished wooden accents and soft pops of turquoise and apricot that mimic the vibrant colors of the island. The rooms don’t scream luxury, but they’re comfortable, bright, and airy.
There’s something grounding about the space — maybe it’s the pebbled pathways that wind through the property or the lush foliage that makes every walk feel like a little adventure. If you’re not up to walking, buggy transports can be called upon request.
Far away from it all
Mövenpick doesn’t try to overwhelm guests with opulence or a jam-packed itinerary — during my stay, I was free to choose which activities would suit my travel personality best.
For me, this meant starting my mornings with a quiet walk along the resort’s private beach before getting overwhelmed by the breakfast buffet options at The Market (Tip: don’t skip on the croissants and pastries, which are overseen by the resort’s French general manager Franck Merot).
I was free to take it slow — reading by the shore under the sun, taking a dip in the ocean, and enjoying an al fresco lunch by the pool.
For something more active, I joined a pizza-making class — a fun, hands-on activity that’s perfect for both kids and adults (I even won an award for my Margherita pizza!).
The Sagay Spa was another highlight. The signature massage uses real shells from Sagay warmed with oil, creating an experience akin to a relaxing hot stone massage but with a localized twist — a technique I didn’t know I kneaded.
I’m the type of traveler who needs to try different dishes; thankfully, Mövenpick has seven dining options. I enjoyed the authentic brick-oven pizza from Brezza Ristorante, where pizzas are baked in an oven imported from Naples, and the grilled grub from Sol Marina Beach Club.
If there’s one thing I’ll always rave about, it’s Movenpick’s daily Chocolate Hour. From 3 to 4 pm every day, we were treated to an unlimited array of pastries, chocolates, chocolate fountains, fruits, cookies, cakes, and confections.
In the evenings, we took a sunset cruise arranged by the resort. With appetizers in hand and the island’s coastline bathed in golden light, it was the perfect way to wind down and soak in the beauty of Boracay.
All about family
I finally understood why Station Zero is frequented by families with young kids — resorts like Movenpick manage to cater to families without sacrificing the needs of solo travelers or couples.
The resort has a Little Bird’s Club that offers activities like nature hunts, pizza-making, and sandcastle building for kids, while parents can book babysitting services for some alone time. There’s even mother-and-child yoga for those looking to bond in a more mindful way.
What struck me most was how well-thought-out everything felt. The resort’s layout provides accessibility for all guests, including those with limited mobility, with ramps and cemented walkways. Small touches, like nightly turndown chocolates, add to the sense of being genuinely cared for.
Beyond its family-friendly appeal, Movenpick also champions sustainability. It’s the first resort in Boracay to earn a Green Globe Certification, thanks to its efforts to reduce water and energy consumption, prioritize biodegradable alternatives, and support local communities.
However, because the resort is in a secluded location, it might leave you feeling a bit of FOMO from the vibrant energy of Boracay’s main stations. Being far from the hustle and bustle, you’ll need to ask the resort to call a tricycle to take you to the island proper, which can take some time.
It’s valid to worry about being confined to minimal activities and dining options, but fortunately, that’s not such a bad thing — Movenpick offers enough amenities and things to do for four to five days to keep you entertained without needing to leave.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay may not be the flashiest resort on the island, but it’s one of the most thoughtful. Hopefully, Station Zero will remain as it is right now — private, relatively untouched, and a serene oasis away from the Boracay buzz.
Walking around the property on my last day, I found myself wishing I could bring my young niece and other loved ones here. It’s the kind of place where everyone — from kids to grandparents — can find something to love. – Rappler.com