Wellness Retreats in Luzon for Your Next Escape
Massage service at The Farm at San Benito. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
The pandemic has brought the importance of mental and physical fitness to the forefront of people’s consciousness. For that reason, wellness tourism or “travel associated with wellbeing through physical, psychological, and spiritual activities” is expected to be the next big thing.
Not many are aware that Luzon, the largest, most populous island at the northern end of the Philippines, is a haven of health resorts. Both Filipinos and foreign visitors to the country in search of wellness retreats will be able to find many options here.
Here are but a few of the most highly-rated wellness destinations in Luzon.
Nurture Wellness Village
Pathway leading to the villas of Nurture Wellness Village. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
At the core of this internationally-acclaimed health resort is “ecotherapy,” a concept of healing with nature. Tucked amid the fragrant orchards of Tagaytay, surrounded by coffee plantations, is Nurture Wellness Village, a distinct Filipino brand deeply rooted in local traditions. Their treatments are based on the idea that people have a deep connection with the environment.
In Nurture Wellness Village, there are dedicated huts for outdoor spa treatments. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Massages include “Nilaib,” (Php2,000 per person) a Filipino version of the hot stone massage, and “Magsing-irog,” (Php3,100 for two) an intimate massage designed for couples on a romantic retreat. The basic package Ulayaw only costs Php12,000 and includes overnight lodging at a superior garden view room, hilot and foot massages for two, and lunch or dinner as well as breakfast the following day.
Meanwhile, for couples, the Romantiko package is also available for Php14,000. The latter is an overnight stay at a forest view room, lunch, dinner, plated breakfast, a full body massage, and thirty minutes of outdoor treatment.
The property is home to Farmer’s Table Tagaytay, an outdoor restaurant, bakery, and bar that offers farm-to-table cuisine.
Location: Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West Luzon, Tagaytay, 4120 Cavite
Website/socials: nurturewellnessvillage.com
Contact: (02) 8710 9786
Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa
Aerial perspective of the hanging garden. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism
This Bali-inspired resort perched along a cliff says it is “the first and only hanging garden spa in the Philippines.” Locals and foreigners would frequent the mountain retreat for its affordable packages and spectacular views of Laguna de Bay and Manila skyline. Its promotions include spa treatments and access to recreational facilities in an area called Luljetta’s Garden Suites. The amenities span from lap pool to doctor fish, as well as gardens and lounges.
Luljetta’s Garden Suite’s jacuzzi. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
For basic accommodation, the councilor’s studio is good for two and costs only Php4,000. This includes welcome snacks, breakfast at Luljetta’s Café, access to Luljetta’s Garden Suites and Loreland Farm Resort, its sister company.
Eight kinds of day tour packages involve massages, snacks, and use of amenities. These offerings go from Php850 for the Royal Hair Spa to Php24,000 for the Spa Party Package. Luljetta’s also takes pride in its locally designed and sourced fixtures, crafted by Filipino artisans.
Location: Sitio Loreland, Barangay San Roque, 1870 Antipolo, Rizal
Website/socials: luljettas.com
Contact: 0917 544 4432
Qiwellness Living
The spa area at Qiwellness Living. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
A boutique respite that overlooks the breathtaking Taal Lake. Upon entering the hidden oasis, guests are greeted with the healing sound of Chau Gong. Here, the point is the quiet and the calm, which is reflected in everything from the centuries-old architecture to their treatments.
There are three signature massages to choose from namely Silk, Deep Tissue, and Qiharmony. Cap off your spa session with tea and dim sum from Qiwellness Teahouse.
Outdoor tea area where guests can enjoy the view of Tagaytay lake. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Among the spa packages currently available are the Bamboo Bliss, as well as The Bathhouse Experience for Php3,180 and Php5,160 per person, respectively. The former is a body treatment using activated bamboo charcoal and volcanic sand scrub rich in minerals to remove toxins and impurities through the skin’s pores, done in a private room with an ensuite steam and rain shower. The latter utilizes “yin yang” soaking pools and showers, followed by either a Silk or Deep Tissue massage in a couples room or Qiharmony on recliners in an open area.
Location: Aguinaldo Highway, Barangay Maharlika East, Tagaytay, Tagaytay, Cavite
Website/socials: qiwellnessliving.ph
Contact: 0917 522 6969
The Farm at San Benito
The Master Villa is a 341 square meter accommodation where guests could admire the slopes of the Malarayat mountain range. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Just an hour-and-a-half-long drive away south from Manila is a hub famous for its immersive detox treatment. The Farm at San Benito is a five-star, eco-luxury resort that marries present-day science with traditional healing remedies.
Nestled in a verdant jungle are three onsite sanctuaries: the Healing Sanctuary Spa, Aqua Sanctuary, and Holistic Sanctuary. Here, guests are given tailor-made and result-driven programs that involve yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and the like.
One may also opt to try the restaurant Alive! known for its vegan dishes prepared in Asian style. Customers of the place have nothing but praises for the world-class services, lodging, and amenities.
The resort currently has a gamut of offerings to choose from but one of the basics is the Day of Wellness promo for Php6,000 per person, which includes an antigen test, a two-course pescatarian or five-course vegan lunch, 30-minute choice of treatment between Holistic Health Consult with Live Blood Analysis or Myotherapy, participation in Mindful Movement activities, access to facilities, and complimentary WiFi.
Accommodations range from Php10,500 for the Sulu Terrace to Php100,000 for the Mahogany Luxury Residences, which is their best room. Rates may change depending on the dates.
Location: 119 Barangay Tipakan, 4217 Lipa, Batangas
Website/socials: thefarmatsanbenito.com
Contact: 0918 884 8080
Hiraya Wellness Resort and Ecopark
Hiraya’s exclusive villa with a private pool. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
The relaxation lounge, conveniently located at the heart of Pangasinan along the national highway, emphasizes its conscious effort to preserve the environment and support organizations with noble advocacies. Come to this safe hideaway in the north for barkada or family trips and for celebrating memorable events.
The pool area at Hiraya. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.
Apart from the yoga and spa, Hiraya focuses more on group activities like karaoke, bonfire, boating, fishing, and even team building. An overnight stay ranges from Php10,000 for the Paraluman Lodge to Php35,000 for the White House Villa. Delectable food also awaits in its in-house restaurants Tio Berto’s Filipino Grill and Ala Café.
Location: Romulo Hwy, Barangay Ninoy, Aguilar, 2415 Pangasinan
Website/socials: hirayaresort.com
Contact: 0917 743 9236
Prices vary depending on the season and date. For more information and for clarifications regarding accommodation prices and other promotions, contact the respective resorts.
Travel safely!
All tourist destinations in Luzon 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 www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.
