7Stones Boracay: Paradise Found? (Unbelievable Photos Inside!)
7Stones Boracay: Paradise Found? (And Maybe a Little Lost in Translation? A Whirlwind Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the turquoise waters and possibly-sandy beds of 7Stones Boracay. You've seen the photos, the promises of paradise, the Instagram allure. But is it really paradise? Let's get real, shall we? This isn't like those perfectly curated hotel brochures – this is my experience, warts and all. And trust me, there were some…interesting warts.
First Impressions: Accessibility & Arrival (and the Airport Transfer Tango)
Getting there is… an adventure. No, seriously. Boracay itself is a bit of a logistical puzzle. The airport transfer offered by 7Stones is a blessing, even if it's a bit of a multi-stage dance involving a van, a boat, and then another van. The airport transfer itself was… adequate. Fine. But after a long flight, the wait felt a little… long. But hey, car park [on-site] is there (free of charge, thankfully!), and you better hope you took advantage of some currency exchange at the airport before arriving. Once you got to the hotel, it's like a new level of excitement.
Now, about accessibility. This is a mixed bag. While the hotel itself claims facilities for disabled guests, the terrain outside can be a bit tricky. Think sandy paths and uneven walkways. And I'm not sure about "fully" wheelchair accessible, but the main areas appear to be okay. The elevator is definitely a plus for those with mobility issues.
Checking In: Smooth Sailing…Mostly?
The front desk [24-hour] is a welcome comfort, especially after the airport chaos. Though I opted for contactless check-in/out, let me tell you, sometimes a friendly face and a bit of small talk are worth more than a fancy app. The staff were generally pleasant. Some were super helpful, others were… well, let's just say there was a slight language barrier at times. (My attempts to order a "soup" resulted in a plate of… something. I'm still not sure what it was.) Though there were a few security [24-hour] folks lurking, which is always nice to know.
My Room: The Good, The Bad, and the Blackout Curtains (Thank God!)
Okay, let's talk room. My room had air conditioning, which is basically mandatory in Boracay, and thank the heavens for blackout curtains. Seriously, they’re a lifesaver. You will need them after a day of sun and… well, whatever adventures you get yourself into.
The room itself? Comfortable. Spacious. Not exactly stunning, but perfectly acceptable. I did have a desk to work at, a refrigerator for my drinks, and the all-important coffee/tea maker. Bonus points for the free bottled water! There's also a complimentary tea. I also noticed a lot more, like an extra long bed which is always appreciated, and a high floor.
Now, the not-so-good. The Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi) was occasionally… spotty. I'd rate it a solid "meh." But thankfully, there's Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms!, so you can always try to connect. The Internet access – LAN (wired internet) was available, but honestly, who uses that anymore? The mirror was perfect for taking photos, I used the interconnecting room(s) available just to test, which was good.
The bathroom was clean, with a separate shower/bathtub, and the toiletries were decent. Though I’m still trying to figure out what the bathroom phone was for. Calling room service? They can just knock, right?
The Daily housekeeping was excellent! You can leave everything to the team.
Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional Mystery Dish)
Alright, the culinary experience. The breakfast [buffet] was… massive. Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast were all at your disposal!
The Happy hour was a definite highlight. Poolside bar is the perfect spot to get drinks.
The restaurants themselves offered a good variety, with both A la carte in restaurant and buffet in restaurant options. Lots of Coffee/tea in restaurant. I even had a surprisingly good salad in restaurant.
Things To Do (or, How I Spent My Days Avoiding Being “That Tourist”)
The obvious: the beach. It's stunning. You have a swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with view. Beautiful.
I'm not a huge spa person, but I peeked. There's a full spa, a sauna, and a steamroom. I didn't indulge in any Body scrub or Body wrap, but they looked… relaxing. There's also a Fitness center, Gym/fitness to keep you busy. The Massage option is there to enjoy.
Cleanliness, Safety, and Those Annoying Words (COVID, Ugh.)
Okay, let's get serious for a sec. Cleanliness and safety are obviously paramount right now. I will say 7Stones seemed to take things seriously. There's Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were all masked up. (Though sometimes their masks slipped a little… you know?)
The hotel boasted Anti-viral cleaning products and a Sterilizing equipment.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the “Huh?”
There’s a concierge to help with, there’s a convenience store, with essential condiments and other things you might need. They even had a gift/souvenir shop. There is plenty of luggage storage. They also have a dry cleaning service. There's Daily housekeeping too
For the Kids (and Their Parents, Bless Their Hearts)
I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed some family/child friendly features, including things they might enjoy like a Babysitting service, and Kids facilities.
The Verdict: Paradise Found? (Mostly!)
So, is 7Stones Boracay paradise? It has its moments. The views are incredible, the location is prime, and the staff are generally friendly. The rooms are comfortable, and the food is decent.
Here's My Deal: Book 7Stones Boracay and Get Ready to Really Relax!
Tired of the grind? Yearning for sun-kissed skin, crystal-clear water, and the sweet, sweet sound of the waves? Then you need a break. You need 7Stones Boracay.
But here's the deal: Book your stay by [Date] and get these exclusive perks:
- A free sunset cruise for two! (Because the photos are amazing, but experiencing it? Unbeatable.)
- Upgrade to a room with a balcony overlooking the ocean! (Imagine those morning coffees!)
- Complimentary massage for one! (Because, let's be honest, you deserve it.)
- 20% off all spa treatments! (Because pampering is a must.)
- Free Wi-Fi throughout your stay! (For those Insta-worthy moments, of course.)
Don't wait! This offer won't last. Click here to book your escape to paradise! [Insert booking link here.]
Final Thoughts:
7Stones Boracay isn't perfect. Nothing ever is. But it's a solid choice. It has its quirks, its charms, and its moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. Go with an open mind, a sense of humor, and a healthy dose of sunscreen. And you might just find your own little slice of paradise.
(And seriously, take advantage of the blackout curtains!)
Amsterdam Arena Boulevard Hotel: Unbeatable Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my totally unfiltered, probably-slightly-over-the-top, and definitely-not-perfect itinerary for 7Stones Boracay. Get ready for a rollercoaster, because Lord knows, I'm still recovering from the actual trip.
7Stones Boracay: My Gloriously Disorganized Adventure (and a Whole Lot of Sand)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (and the Best Mango Shake Ever)
- Morning (aka The Great Airport Scramble): Okay, so picture this: me, sweating profusely, convinced I'd forgotten my passport (I hadn't, thankfully). Arrival at Caticlan Airport was… well, let's just say organized chaos. You're basically herded onto a tricycle that feels like a death trap and then ferried to the resort. The journey was a wild ride, a true test of faith in Filipino engineering, but the turquoise water peeking through the palm trees was instant therapy.
- Afternoon: 7Stones Check-In & Immediate Bliss: The check-in at 7Stones was surprisingly smooth. The lobby? Gorgeous. The room? Okay, now we're talking! Balcony overlooking the beach… oh, this is what paradise looks like. But first, a mandatory unpacking crisis (I always pack WAY too many clothes). Then, the important stuff: the mango shake. Seriously, people, this was the BEST MANGO SHAKE OF MY LIFE. Creamy, sweet, and the perfect antidote to airport stress. Chugged two back-to-back. Judge me.
- Evening: White Beach Wanderings & Cultural Confusion: White Beach. The famous one. It was… crowded. And full of vendors trying to sell you things. But hey, that's part of the deal, right? I wandered, feeling slightly shell-shocked by the sheer amount of people, bought a cheap sarong that I will probably never wear again, and ate dinner at a small, unassuming place. The food was good, but I couldn't help but feel like I was completely missing out on the "authentic" Boracay experience. (Note to self: research food before getting hangry).
Day 2: Beach Bumming & The Great Sunburn Incident (and that massage…)
- Morning: Beach Bliss (Mostly): Okay, finally! Time to actually be on the beach. I found a spot, slathered on sunscreen (or so I thought), and promptly melted into a beach coma. The water was crystal clear, the sun was hot, and the sound of the waves was pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Afternoon: The Sunburn Saga & The Massage Miracle: Now, this is where things took a turn. I, in my infinite wisdom, apparently forgot to reapply sunscreen. The result? A spectacular lobster-esque sunburn that felt like a thousand tiny needles were attacking my skin. Cue the wailing and gnashing of teeth. BUT THEN, a woman (who I think might have been an angel) recommended a massage. Oh. My. God. The massage was pure, unadulterated, pain-relieving heaven. The masseuse expertly worked out all the knots and tension, soothed my burn with cooling aloe vera. Suddenly, the world didn't seem so terrible. I may have literally moaned with relief.
- Evening: Sunset Shenanigans & Unexpected Karaoke: The sunset. Boracay sunsets are legendary, and they didn't disappoint. Orange, pink, purple, the whole shebang. I was even feeling slightly less lobster-like by this point. After a delicious and perfectly cooked seafood dinner at a restaurant closer to the resort, my friends dared me to do karoke. I'm not sure if it was the ambiance of the resort or the few extra drinks that I had, but I grabbed the microphone. And sang terribly. My entire performance was so embarrassing and I'm not sure if I should even be telling this story.
Day 3: Island Hopping & Seafood Overload (and a Near-Death Experience with a Banana Boat)
- Morning: The Great Island Hopping Adventure: Island hopping! Sounds fun, right? It was…mostly. We hopped on a boat, visited a few different beaches (some better than others), snorkeled (saw some fish, yay!), and generally enjoyed the sunshine. The boat ride, which was bumpy at times, was thrilling.
- Afternoon: Seafood Feast & Banana Boat Horror: Okay, so the seafood. Oh, the seafood! Grilled prawns, fresh fish, clams – it was a total delight. We ate until we could barely move. Then came the banana boat. I am not, I repeat, not a fan of being thrown around on the water. But the combination of peer pressure and FOMO got the better of me. We went on the banana boat, and I have never been so terrified. I screamed the entire time, certain I was going to be flung into the ocean and eaten by a giant squid. I was so close to telling the boat operator to stop.
- Evening: Quiet Reflection Back at 7Stones: Safe on shore I was thankful to be alive. I spent the evening just relaxing and recovering from the near-death experience. The calm atmosphere of the lodge was all that I needed.
Day 4: Relaxation, Regret (About Leaving) & Departure (and a Promise to Return)
- Morning: Pool Time & Final Moments of Sunshine: Spent the morning lounging by the pool, soaking up the last rays of sunshine, and trying to mentally prepare myself to leave.
- Afternoon: Packing & The "I Didn't Do Enough" Feeling: The dreaded packing. Realizing I hadn't done nearly enough exploring, shopping, or eating. The classic travel regret.
- Evening: Leaving with a Heart Full of Memories: Saying goodbye to 7Stones, promising myself I will return to Boracay. The trip ended, as all trips do, but with a smile on my face and some amazing memories in my heart.
Final Thoughts (aka Ramblings of a Slightly Sunburned Tourist)
Boracay is… well, it's a lot. It's chaotic, it's beautiful, it's overwhelming, it's relaxing, and it's completely unforgettable. Would I go back? Absolutely! Next time, I'll remember the sunscreen, skip the banana boat (maybe), and embrace the chaos. And, of course, order another mango shake. Because you only live once. (Or twice, if you count the time I almost died on that banana boat).
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7Stones Boracay: Paradise Found? A Highly Unofficial FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, Life's Messy)
Okay, Is 7Stones Actually Paradise, Or Just *Instagram* Paradise?
What's the Vibe? Romantic Getaway? Family Fun? Wild Party Zone?
The Rooms! What's the Deal? Are They Worth the Price Tag?
Tell Me About the Infinity Pool! Is It *As* Magical as it Looks?
What about the Food? Is it Any Good? (And Pricy?)
Beyond the Pool and Beach: Any Fun Things To Do?
Is 7Stones kid-friendly?
My *Worst* Experience, and Why I'm Still Thinking About It
So, Would You Go Back?
