Tara Sharma on Philippines island

Being a rather nervous flyer I must admit I kept thinking, ‘this better be worth it’  as my husband Roopak took me aboard a tiny plane to reach the surprise destination he had so sweetly planned for us. But the minute we landed, the sparkling clear blue ocean that seemed to literally spill onto the runway with the swaying palm trees and setting sun, immediately reassured me that Boracay Island in Philippines is definitely worth it!

Admittedly, my geography is pretty poor and I had never heard of Boracay. Happily, for us that probably goes for a lot of others too, as the island is pretty tourist-free with not much chance of bumping into any 'home friends’, so it’s ideal for a quiet
get-away!

The island is undoubtedly beautiful and for beach-bums like ourselves — perfect to sunbathe, swim, eat delicious fresh seafood and relax. And, of course, me being a fitness freak, enough deserted beach to go for my daily run on and do yoga! Roopak really loved it too!

A moonlit boat ride and a five minute walk on the beach from the airport brought us to a cute little resort nestled in a little hillock overlooking the pristine ocean.

The uniqueness of the place is that each beautiful villa has a designated butler who they actually call Namis. Your personal Nami is unobtrusive yet anticipative of your every need and hence it has the most fantastic service. So, from filling a jacuzzi in your balcony overlooking the spectacular view, to arranging a massage and taking you on a snorkeling trip with a champagne picnic, the experience is immensely memorable.

We now have a baby boy Zen and have been wondering where to go on our first holiday with him. Writing this has made me nostalgic. I think I am going to check if they have a baby service and and then get Roopak to book our trip back to beautiful Boracay!