WEEKEND GETAWAY
Even before COVID severely limited travel, Tagaytay has been a popular destination for those looking for a quick break. Today, it is even more of a respite
During one of the first few weeks of the year, my friends and I decided to go on a quick weekend road trip to Tagaytay. The popular city down south is just perfect for those impromptu getaways, being within a relative stone’s throw away from Manila.
After quickly calling Anya Resort Tagaytay to book my favorite garden suite and messaging Tony Boy Escalante for a nice dinner at Antonio’s, we were set. Friday came and it was just perfect—bright and sunny but not so hot. We left the metro around 10am, which was enough of a time allowance to make it to Anya by lunch. In just under two hours, we were greeted by Tagaytay’s refreshing weather and fresh air, signaling the start of our recharging weekend.
ON THE WAY
The drive up was as much of an exciting event as the destination as I was driving the Lexus LC 500. The Cavite-laguna expressway was perfect to feel the car’s power. (I won’t say just how fast I was on the sky way as it was bordering on criminal.) It was a smooth drive through and through, and this monster of a car is powered by a 470-horsepower V8 Engine and all-new 10-speed automatic transmission.
As we enter the driveway of the resort, we were greeted by a band and Anya’s cheerful staff. They took our bags and I drove the car to the guest parking. From there, a one-ofa-kind, classy buggy then took us to our garden suite.
A LOOK AROUND
Anya exudes a tropical vibe accentuated with functional contemporary flourishes that harmonize perfectly with the stunning Tagaytay backdrop. My suite was spacious, and had a foyer, small kitchen, living room with TV, and sophisticated and homey interiors. My bedroom opened into a veranda, letting in a lot of natural light.
On the bed are velvety soft pillows and sheets, allowing me to start and end my day at Anya on a warm and comfortable note. The bathroom is luxurious and equipped with a marvelous bathtub, which they set up in the evening with all types of scrubs and oils as well as candles.
The resort is serene and soulfully calm, a sanctuary that offers its guests utmost privacy. Nestled in a quiet a seven-hectare landscape, it has a picturesque view of the pineapple plantations that make up the countryside.
WELLNESS FOCUS
Mikel Arriet, the resort’s general manager, introduced himself to us. “Anya operates on the philosophy of the 3R’s: rest, relax, and rejuvenate, which we strive to extend to every guest we welcome and serve with the familiar warmth of Filipino hospitality,” he assures us as we sip our margaritas by the heated pool.
Anya understands that health and wellness is top priority of many guests in search of luxury getaways. The resort is designed to address rejuvenation and relaxation needs, allowing us to indulge in one thing that we have missed over the pandemic: self-care. Guests can partake of these services at the resort’s new Niyama Wellness Center (formerly Niyama Spa), where they offer more than massages and treatments.
According to Anya management, new ways to recharge your holistic wellbeing will be made available. These include experiences centered on meditation, restoration, strength-building, spa and wellness treatments as well as gym and other fitness offerings.
MASTERFUL CUISINE
Food-wise, we were not left wanting. I enjoyed Anya’s delightfully-wide range of dishes that include the Ibericos Platter, Paella, Chuleton, Salmon a la Sal, Chilean sea bass, and Australian beef rib eye, among others. At Anila Café, you can indulge in a poolside cheat day with brick-oven pizzas, handcrafted cocktails, burgers, and salads.
Anya partnered wiht Chef Chele Gonzalez, one of the country’s high-profile chefs who has made an impact on Manila’s culinary scene. The distinguished culinary master will run the resort’s Samira Grill, and he is set to take its menu back to its Filipino roots. He plans to showcase more local produce and home-grown vegetables, while keeping the look earthy. Chef Chele will also be introducing to Samira the Parilla way of cooking, a popular culinary style that focuses on the use of charcoal, soon.
SAFETY FIRST
Anya Resort Tagaytay is a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a distinct institution that includes the 500 best luxury hotels in the world. That being the case, Anya Resort takes safety protocols quite seriously. One way it addresses health concerns is through “Ask Anya,” a digital engagement platform designed to limit physical contact and streamline customer inquiries.
Conveniently accessible through a Qrcode scan, you can use the program to communicate all concerns throughout your stay, from menu perusals to spa and dining reservations. Personal assistance is available and guaranteed safe as well, with every member of the Anya staff regularly trained and briefed regarding proper COVID-19 measures.
The resort also recognizes the importance of ventilation in curbing the spread of the virus. Every suite is aired out for at least 60 minutes before cleaning and additional disinfection, while high-touch areas are sanitized frequently. These protocols allowed me to freely bask in the sun by the heated pool, enjoy a cup of warm tea while enjoying the view of the resort’s many gardens, and enjoy my favorite cocktails by the bar in peace.
My friends and I felt recharged and rejuvenated over the whole two-day experience. Our dinner in Anotnio’s restaurant was an unforgettable night with some dishes that were off the menu, served by Chef Tony Boy Escalante himself. We spent also a day in Tagaytay highlands, just driving around. (It never gets old.) We then had a marvelous Thai lunch at Lime and Basil.
I couldn’t ask for more. Tagaytay is still one wonderful destination just off the metro. It’s easily accessible, and surrounded by fresh cold air, great restaurants and fabulous hotels and resorts.