TESTIMONIALS
Michael Pemberton
(20 Apr 2008) Hi Greg and Viveca and all the lovely staff at Sandcastles,
We got back to Bris to be plunged into work and our son coming home and this is the first chance we have had to thank you all for a wonderful stay at Sandcastles.
That first night during Easter where everyone seemed to have come for a beach party was amazing - the beautiful colours of the sails of sailing boats interweaving through each other to the beach; the appearance of more and more lights as the sun set until, with dark, the whole of White Beach seemed to be a glow of light. Music emanating from various bands and singers and people all promenading along the beach or finding places at the varied and inviting little restaurants. We just walked along both ways from Sandcastles drinking in the excitement of people and light and music and delicious smells wafting across from the restaurants. We didn't even take any photos as we thought this state of activity would remain for all of Easter. We just wanted to take in all around us and not worry about any documentation of it. Each day there were less people and less lights and I guess White Beach returned to normality. Gone was the tumult of sailing ships and masses of people walking up and down the little sand strip between the hotels and the beach. We were so glad we had experienced both extremes.
We both want to thank you all for making our holiday so memorable. Especially talking to you, Greg, about the political situation was so insightful and helpful for us to understand this complex country. Your vast experience gave us many glimpses into what must be happening behind the scenes - very hard to glean this information from Oz. We have heard of the corruption, but, of course, no real details and the Moslem problem in Mindanao, but, again, no real history or insight. What you told us was invaluable and we came home and have read more about the situation. And, of course, thanks to your lovely wife, Viveca, for talking to her and her helping us understand the life of the Philippines.
Just perfect to be able to stroll onto the beach from Sandcastles to swim or sit under a palm tree and watch the colourful boats and kite surfers or just relax. Then, at night, just walk along until you either heard some music you liked to eat by or some style of food that attracted and just sit on the beach informally and enjoy the lights and music all around you.
Thank you for coming down yourself and bringing the chef to talk to us about his Thai cooking - we really enjoyed those meals, even more for having them explained to us first.
What a lovely staff you have! - all the girls were so pleasant and friendly and helpful - again, please thank them all from us. And we loved our accomodation - just right and perfect - we often sat on the veranda and had a cup of tea - what a great idea to have tea or coffee available all the time - it makes a huge difference to the quality of life, especially for tea drinkers like us!
Just a few photos of our enjoyable stay.
Please keep in contact,
Mike and Marilyn

Amelia Yeates
My name is Amelia Yeates and I had the pleasure of staying with you in May of this year. I was initially booked for 2 nights however you kindly offered to upgrade me from a beachfront villa to the Mandaya room at no extra charge for an additional 4 night stay. I returned again in June with my father and 2 young sisters and this time we stayed in 2 of the native bungalows which were also beautifully furnished and very comfortable. Your staff and service truly made my stay an enjoyable and carefree experience and I thank you for that. The manager even offered me his business card should I have any problems or require assistance throughout my continued stay in the Philippines which was a lovely gesture.
I am planning another holiday to Boracay in January 2008 and am looking for accommodation for my family and friends. We will require 3 rooms and I was hoping to enquire about the best possible price available for the Mandaya and Ibaloi apartments for 7 nights commencing the 15th January 2008.
Thanks so much for your help in this matter and I look forward to visiting you again soon.
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