Fleur de Lilies, the first glamping farm in Catanduanes. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Fleur de Lilies was a private organic farmhouse for six years before it got devastated by super typhoon Rolly in 2020.
When owner Apple Tolenada saw the farm where her family used to gather for special occasions ravaged, she decided to inject new life to the place.
“We lost our garden and our one and only kubo, ” the 37-year-old owner says, recalling the aftermath of the storm. “Something about seeing our farm empty like that made me think that it can be a place for glamping.”
Tolenada took inspiration from Your Brother House Tribal Village in Albay.
“I visited the place before and have found it beautiful since then,” she says. “I thought it would be nice to also bring the A-frame living here in Virac, my hometown.”
Meet Apple Tolenada, owner and designer of Fleur De Lilies. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
A wedding coordinator by profession, Tolenada also wanted Fleur de Lilies to have a space where she can grow different types of flora. Hence, the name fleur, which is for flowers.
“It’s been challenging to buy flowers from Dangwa in Manila. Even the ones from Tabaco, Albay can sometimes be difficult to be kept fresh,” she shares. “I wanted to have our own flower garden here to save a lot from outsourcing.”
Tolenada likes to give every corner of the place her personal touch and design it herself.
“I add furnishings based on how I imagine it will look like. But it’s an easy job because the landscape of the farm is naturally beautiful, even before we added the trellis and the hall,” she says.
Aside from this, Tolenada also rebuilt their organic farm. This allowed them to serve farm-to-table dishes at their in-house restaurant.
Glamping, dining, and other activities
A-frame living at Fleur de Lilies glamping huts. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
When they opened in December 2021, locals visit them because of their restaurant. They serve Filipino dishes from the Tolenada family recipes.
This is how their visitors usually discover about their glamorous camping site.
Those who plan to go glamping may check-in at their non-airconditioned cabanas for Php800 per two people. An extra bed costs Php300.
Standard check-in time is 2:00PM. Check-out time is 12:00NN.
The interiors of Fleur De Lilies’ glamping cabanas. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
The place has no cellular signal but they provide WiFi vouchers for their guests.
There’s a common restroom available for everyone.
For those who are not staying in their accommodations, there’s an entrance fee of Php150 for adults and Php50 for kids. This fee is waived for those who dine in for a minimum order of Php3,000.
Outdoor film viewing at Fleur de Lilies. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Among the other activities to be enjoyed here include fishing, outdoor movies, and bonfire camping. They serve smores for their guests.
Soon, they will also offer horseback riding and have a swimming pool.
Travelers may book a stay through the Fleur De Lilies Glamping Farm page on Facebook or call (052) 741 5313.
How to get there
Fleur de Lilies campgrounds and al fresco dining. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
From Manila, board a plane bound for Virac. Daily flights are available with Cebu Pacific.
Once in Virac, hire a tricycle (Php100 per way). Tell the driver to drop you off at Fleur de Lilies at Talisay. Travel time is 15 minutes.
Travel Safely!
All tourist destinations in Region V have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.
To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit http://www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel on the Google Playstore.
