A year ago, my husband and I spent a week in Boracay at the Mandala Spa. It was divine.

ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Mandala Spa is a haven. We were seeking a luxurious, quiet retreat – and found exactly that in Mandala. It is on-par with a Four Seasons property (without the price tag to match). Soft, trance-like music was playing in the background when we initially entered our cottage (all "rooms" are detached, single units), and the faint, spicy scent of incense wafted through the air.

The units are just like the images shown on Mandala Spa's website ([--]). Ice-cold concoctions (Mandala's signature drink) were waiting for us when we walked in our room, which had hibiscus flowers scattered throughout the bedroom, sitting area, bathroom and balcony. Most rooms have garden views, though if you request it ahead of time you can get a room with an ocean view. (Note: you will have to squint to see the ocean, which is beyond the treetops.)

The rooms are decorated with an earthy feel, employing lots of creamy linens and bamboo structures. If you look closely, you will see that the hotel preserved some trees on its property by cutting a hole directly through the exterior portion of the thatched roof of each cottage for the trees to grow. Our cottage had several glass walls, which gave us a 180-degree view (but complete privacy from other units on the property and from other resorts).

I fell in love with the bathroom. It is downright SEXY. Our bathroom was entirely encased in glass walls, save the wall adjacent to the bedroom. Orchids grew from the exterior rock wall that surrounded two walls of our bathroom (about three feet from the glass window), creating an enchanting environment. At first I was timid to use the outdoor shower, but upon further inspection I realized that the thatched roof extended far enough to block anyone's view – again, total privacy.

During our entire stay at Mandala, we felt like celebrities. The property is small enough to accommodate only a small number of clientele, and yet runs as smoothly and efficiently as any large, luxury chain might be expected to operate.


ABOUT THE STAFF
Staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful: they always said hello without being intrusive, recommended great restaurants upon request and responded promptly to our requests.


ABOUT THE ENTRANCE
The long, winding entrance was both private and romantic, with vines twisting overhead, forming a canopy. The stylish in-ground lamps marked the paths throughout the property, and gave off enough light to brighten the area while still creating a serene environment.


ABOUT THE PROPERTY LOCATION
Mandala Spa is on the southern tip of the main stretch of beach, called "White Beach." It is NOT a beachfront property, and requires a short (3-4 minute) walk down a side road to access White Beach. As such, the property is also on the southern end of the commercialized portion of the island (where the shops, several restaurants and random vendors are located). The boardwalk stretches along White Beach and people are always milling about, so we did not feel that our safety was in question.


MUST-DO IN MANDALA
For approximately $10 per hour, we rented a sailboat and crew and spent an entire afternoon (6 hours) sailing around the island, stopping to snorkel, eat lunch, island hop, etc. It was lovely to have our own boat, to lounge in the sun, and to leisurely circle the island. I highly recommend it!