5 Paradise-Like Boracay Homes

Like almost everyone, the editors and stylists at Real Living have fallen in love with the beach island of Boracay at one point or another. And we've got the houses to prove it, as we have featured a Boracay home on the cover of our very first issue, and in a number of summer specials throughout the years. 

But with the impending closure of Boracay, we can't help but be wistful thinking of all the homes we've visited on the island, and the wonderful people that we've met. Here are some of the amazing Bora houses that we've featured: 

The classic Bora Bahay Kubo

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

This ultra-private home of businessman Fred Elizalde sits right on the shores of White Beach. This home is the epitome of true island style with its bahay kubo-style structures (with modern-day features) elevated on stilts, and hidden amongst coconut palms. Natural, indigenous materials such as nipa, sawali, and bamboo allow the cottages to blend in among the palm trees. 

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

One of its luxury features is the "cathedral"—a dramatic room with the double-volume ceiling where Fred paints in the natural light. Even with such luxurious touches, this rest house feels simple, functional, and rustic. 

READ: This Boracay "Bahay Kubo" Is A Tropical Wonder

Tropical-modern spa fantasy

IMAGE Bahaghari

The home of Karen Reina, owner of the famous Mandala Spa, is a beautiful, Asian-tropical home filled with Oriental decor and antiques and wide-open spaces that echoed the refreshing and relaxing feel of her wellness enclave. She built her home around nature, and a yakal-wood deck wraps around the banyan tree that was there before she moved in. 

Boho-colorful abode

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

This home is as colorful as its owners, who have also put up the wildly popular Cafe Breizh. Janet's multi-colored abode is a departure of the usual white-washed-wall island home bursts with bright colors and friendly, open spaces. 

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

Tall yellow pillars, vibrant red walls, and an orange moon gate contribute to the quirky-colorful style of this charming family home. To add a little bit of her family history, Janet placed a mannequin and her mother's sewing machine in one room to remind herself of her family, as both her mother and sister are dressmakers. 

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

Janet's yellow master bedroom is a testament to the island life with its simple wooden platform and essential kulambo (mosquito net). 

READ: An Island Home With Bright Hues And A South American Vibe

Quirky inventor's beach tower

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

Expat Georg Kredler's home is truly unforgettable, what with its breathtaking view of Baling Hai beach and its tower with drop-down walls!

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

These walls can be controlled by a system of hand-cranked levers and pulleys, and these have furniture pieces that are nailed onto it. All that George has to do is crank open the walls, sit down on his Ambassador chair, and enjoy the view. 

READ: Geometric Dreams In a One-of-a-Kind Tropical Retreat

Mediterranean-by-the-sea

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

Situated on Bulabog Beach, the quieter, less commercialized side of Bora, is the home of Julia Currie. This tropical-mediterranean-style creation has huge windows that open to the view, or to her gardens. "I wanted it to have a modern feel, but at the same time, tropical," says Julia, who first came to Boracay when she was just 19 years old. 

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

The three-level yellow structure with thatched roofs also has a lovely plunge pool, multi-level gardens, jellyfish-inspired lamps, and a master bedroom that has a sweeping view of the sea. The sitting area is one of Julia's favorite spots in her home, as the sliding doors open to reveal an outdoor Jacuzzi.