The Real Maris Resort & Hotel sits tucked away in Bulabog Beach, where the wind surfers play and the crowds thin out considerably from Station 2’s madness. After watching countless families navigate Boracay’s hospitality landscape over the decades, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a resort truly family-friendly versus just marketing fluff.
Location: The Double-Edged Sword
Real Maris occupies prime real estate on Bulabog’s eastern shore, which locals call the “back beach.” This positioning creates an interesting dynamic for families. Your kids can watch colorful kites dancing across the sky while learning to windsurf in calmer conditions than White Beach offers. The trade-off? You’re about a 10-minute tricycle ride from the main action.
Here’s what this location means for your family:
- Quieter atmosphere perfect for afternoon naps and early bedtimes
- Direct beach access without the aggressive vendors of White Beach
- Easy access to water sports instruction for teens and adventurous parents
- Limited dining options within walking distance
- Need transportation for evening entertainment and shopping
Accommodation Deep Dive
The resort offers several room configurations, but not all are created equal for families. I always tell visiting families to avoid the basic rooms facing the pool – they’re noisier than a Sunday cockfight when kids are splashing around at dawn.
| Room Type | Best For | Family Perks | Potential Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Sea View | Families with teens | Spacious, ocean breeze, balcony | Higher price point |
| Family Suite | Groups with small children | Separate sleeping areas, mini-fridge | Limited availability |
| Standard Pool View | Budget-conscious families | Pool access, affordable | Noise from pool activities |
Kid-Friendly Amenities That Actually Matter
Real Maris doesn’t overwhelm you with a resort playground that looks impressive in photos but breaks down after two monsoon seasons. Instead, they focus on practical amenities that work.
The pool area deserves special mention – it’s designed with a shallow end that gradually deepens, making it perfect for non-swimmers and toddlers. The pool bar serves fresh buko juice that costs half what you’d pay at Station 1, and the staff doesn’t mind if kids get a bit rambunctious during the day.
Standout Features for Families:
- Complimentary cribs and extra bedding (request when booking)
- Pool towels that don’t feel like sandpaper
- 24-hour front desk for late-night emergencies or early check-ins
- Laundry service that actually returns clothes the same color
- Free WiFi strong enough for video calls to grandparents back home
Dining: The Local’s Perspective
The resort’s restaurant serves decent Filipino and international fare, but here’s an insider tip: their breakfast buffet is solid, but venture out for lunch and dinner. Walk five minutes toward the main road, and you’ll find Mama Rosa’s – a local eatery where the adobo is legendary and kids’ meals cost less than a fancy coffee.
The resort’s room service menu is limited but reliable. Their pancit and fried rice have saved many a cranky toddler at dinner time when venturing out seemed impossible.
Beach and Water Activities
Bulabog Beach offers a completely different vibe from White Beach’s party atmosphere. The water stays shallow for quite a distance, making it ideal for young swimmers. The steady breeze that attracts windsurfers also means fewer mosquitoes and cooler temperatures during hot afternoons.
Activities your family can enjoy right from the resort:
- Kitesurfing lessons (ages 12 and up with instructor approval)
- Stand-up paddleboarding in calm morning conditions
- Beach volleyball on the resort’s private court
- Shell collecting during low tide
- Sunset watching without the White Beach crowds
The Reality Check: Potential Challenges
No resort is perfect, and Real Maris has its quirks. The hot water can be temperamental during peak season – a cold shower might wake you up, but it won’t delight your 8-year-old. The air conditioning units are older models that sound like a jeepney engine warming up.
Transportation becomes a daily consideration. While tricycles are readily available, factor in 200-300 pesos daily for getting to and from White Beach, D’Mall, and other attractions. The resort offers shuttle service, but it runs on Filipino time – meaning “5 minutes” could mean 15.
Value Proposition
Real Maris hits that sweet spot for families seeking comfort without the premium pricing of beachfront White Beach resorts. You’re paying for location, cleanliness, and reliable service rather than luxury amenities you might not use anyway.
The resort works particularly well for:
- Families with children aged 6-16
- Parents who prefer quieter evenings
- Travelers comfortable with some adventure in daily logistics
- Groups seeking authentic local experiences over resort isolation
Insider Tips Only Locals Know
Book the family suite if you’re staying more than three nights – the extra space justifies the cost when you’re living out of suitcases with kids. Request a room on the second floor; ground floor rooms can get humid and occasionally deal with sand blown in during stronger winds.
The resort’s laundry service costs about the same as self-service options in D’Mall but saves you precious vacation time. Time your White Beach visits for mid-morning or late afternoon – avoid the peak sun hours when kids get cranky and you’ll spend a fortune on cold drinks.
Common Questions
Can we store baby formula and snacks in our room?
Most rooms include a mini-fridge, but it’s worth confirming when booking. The fridge space is limited, so plan accordingly for longer stays. Local convenience stores nearby stock international baby formula brands if you run short.
How difficult is it to get cribs or extra beds for larger families?
The resort maintains several cribs and rollaway beds, but availability varies during peak season. Request these amenities when making your reservation rather than hoping they’re available at check-in. There’s typically no charge for cribs, but extra beds may incur a small fee.
Is the pool area supervised or secured for small children?
The pool doesn’t have a lifeguard, and it’s not gated off from other resort areas. Parents need to maintain constant supervision. The pool area does have good visibility from the restaurant, so you can keep an eye on older kids while grabbing a quick meal.
What’s the backup plan if weather prevents beach activities?
Bulabog Beach experiences different weather patterns than White Beach due to its eastern exposure. The resort lobby has a small game area, and the covered restaurant provides shelter during tropical downpours. D’Mall shopping and indoor activities are accessible via short tricycle rides when outdoor plans get washed out.
Final Verdict
Real Maris Resort & Hotel succeeds as a family destination by focusing on the fundamentals rather than flashy extras. It’s the kind of place where your kids will remember building sandcastles on a uncrowded beach and learning to windsurf, not fighting for pool chairs or dealing with pushy vendors every five minutes.
The resort provides a genuine Boracay experience that balances comfort with local authenticity – something increasingly rare as the island develops.
For families willing to trade some convenience for character and value, Real Maris offers a slice of the Boracay I fell in love with decades ago, where the focus remains on sun, sand, and making memories that last long after the tan fades.
