It started with a cool ocean breeze and the hush of waves crashing on a private beach. But instead of reaching for a beach towel or tropical cocktail, I was headed to a plenary session inside the sleek, fully equipped Boracay Newcoast Convention Center (BNCC).
This is the new Boracay—where leisure and productivity live side by side.
Once known solely for its powdery white sand and vibrant nightlife, Boracay is quickly emerging as one of the country’s most promising destinations for MICE—meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Leading that shift is Boracay Newcoast, an integrated estate tucked away on the northeastern coast of the island, far enough from the White Beach crowds but close enough to everything else.
As I walked into the BNCC, I couldn’t help but look up. Nine-meter-high ceilings gave the entire venue an airy, flexible feel—perfect for elaborate staging or minimalist setups, depending on the event. Inside, the fully air-conditioned center was fitted with everything from state-of-the-art AV equipment to strong Wi-Fi, all backed by 100 percent power redundancy. There’s space for 1,000 guests theater-style or 750 banquet-style, making it ideal for mid-to-large scale conferences, conventions, or even weddings.
And the best part? It’s all walkable. My hotel room at the Savoy Hotel Boracay was just minutes away. The Belmont Hotel Boracay, another option within the township, is also steps from the convention center. It’s easy to imagine delegates starting their mornings with a quiet stroll along Newcoast’s exclusive beach before slipping into business mode.
“Our Savoy Hotel Boracay and Belmont Hotel Boracay have hosted several MICE groups starting 2023, which is a very encouraging sign for the recovery of the island,” said Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), which operates the two hotels. “Our location offers something different—events that combine work with wellness and inspiration from nature.”
And the demand is real. From pharmaceutical conventions and the ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting to the Prosecutors League of the Philippines, more groups are choosing Boracay not just as a backdrop for business but as a strategic venue for meaningful gatherings.
Inside the hotels, smaller function rooms cater to breakouts or executive meetings, while outdoor venues across the 150-hectare property give planners room to get creative. Think themed beach banquets, sunset acoustic sessions, or high-energy DJ nights after a day of talks. MHR’s culinary team handles banquet needs with precision, offering Halal-certified options and locally inspired menus that can be customized to suit every event.
“The possibilities here are endless,” said Maia Israel, area general manager for Boracay Newcoast and president of the Boracay MICE Alliance. “We designed these spaces—indoor and outdoor—to inspire people to connect in more meaningful ways. Business events should be both productive and memorable.”
She’s right. During my stay, I saw the range firsthand: small seminars inside function rooms at the Savoy, delegates lounging by the pool post-meeting, and themed dinners under the stars complete with fire dances and food carts. It was business but elevated.
And with the upcoming opening of Chancellor Hotel Boracay, the township will soon have over 1,500 rooms ready to accommodate large groups. Pair that with Newcoast’s quiet beaches, Muslim-friendly facilities, and growing list of activities, and it’s easy to see why this estate is positioning itself as a serious MICE contender.
Boracay will always be Boracay—sun-soaked, postcard-pretty, and full of life. But in Boracay Newcoast, business travelers are discovering a more grounded, thoughtful version of the island. One where meetings don’t end with a handshake in a ballroom, but with your feet in the sand and the ocean within reach.
Now that’s how you do business on an island.