LEARNING THE SECRETS OF CREATING YOUR OWN B&B
The world’s best bed-andbreakfasts (B&Bs) have a way of highlighting the souls of their locales. These accommodations take people off the beaten paths in tourist hubs and reconnect them to the very roots of these places. In emerging destinations whose facilities are wanting, they bring together the best elements.
Not to mention a huge market is looking for the advantages that B&Bs can offer—lower costs, more independence with the itinerary and more unique experiences, among others. On the business side, there is no pressure to offer luxurious amenities, and even build new structures or acquire land.
Those who want to harness this sector of the hospitality industry can now learn how from a B&B trailblazer. They can visit Sonya’s Garden and pick up insights from its owner, Sonya Garcia, during a three-day Masterclass on the Filipino Bed and Breakfast from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.
Garcia pioneered the B&B concept in the Philippines, having turned a 2.5-ha land in Alfonso, just outside Tagaytay City, into Sonya’s Garden. The place first began as Garcia’s personal sanctuary, meant to recapture a happy childhood memory.
In 1998, with people clamoring to see her “secret,” she opened a cottage restaurant. She added the single-cottage B&B component in 2002. It now has 25 charming ones delivering the rustic upland, away from the usual trappings of modernity and closer to the heart of nature.
In the masterclass, students will hear Garcia recount the history of Sonya’s Garden and how it intertwines with her personal journey. They will discuss how experiential travel, from which B&Bs get their appeal, became a norm. Then, they will go to the drawing board as they tackle how to plan and set up a B&B in the Philippines, including relevant laws and the sustainable principles that responsible business owners need to integrate.
The business side of B&Bs will be tackled, too. The participants will discuss operations management, as well as sales and marketing. Aside from interactive sessions and group work, cooking demos, guided tours and get-togethers will ensure study sessions do not feel old-school. On top of that, the classmates will fully immerse in the experiences that created the following for Sonya’s Garden, from the aesthetic cottages and plates to the healthful amenities and experiences.
The brains—and heart —behind Sonya’s Garden is ready to share her wisdom to aspiring B&B owners. Get this once-in-a-lifetime experience at P27,250 for single occupancy and P23,000 for twin or triple sharing.