Of pine needles and dining tables. Staycation stories in Tagaytay

Flee from the zip code. Isn’t that a good idea for a staycation? Draw the curtain and see a view not of hometown Davao. Where? A highland destination like Tagaytay. The city has always been a destination for the day, and I want to break that habit, especially if I have to fly the distance from Mindanao. Why not make the most out of the trip? The cool mountain air and the scent of pine trees will do me good. 

How do you choose your staycation nests? Here’s a tip, and a winning one: go where your toque-d friends are, or befriend the chefs when you get there. It’s always double the treat— catching up with friends plus they‘ll whip up something special to make the visit a pleasant one. Luckily, a couple of them are in Tagaytay. And so, the relaxing escape began. 

It was nice to be back at Anya Resort. Its location, tucked in the interior of Tagaytay, may not have the view of the famed lake and volcano but its luxurious accommodation and amenities nestled in a 72-hectare lush greenery make it a highly-sought destination. 

My room was posh, designed in modern Filipino , spacious and fitted with indulgences that impress. Hospitality is superb, as expected. What could be a better “welcome home” greeting than warming smiles, hand-written welcome notes, wine, cheese, chocolates and pastries, and my framed photograph (my FB profile photo) by the bedside, which made me wish the luxurious one-bedroom suite was my forever room. 

Here, the Anya Experience Assistant is like a genie in a bottle granting wishes, from preferred diet to activities, even the room scent. They make sure the visit is as ideal and memorable as it should be. 

Boredom never found a space during my stay. As much as I wanted to remain in the comforts of my suite, a walk along verdant paths to catch the rising sun was always inviting, so did a morning dip in the heated pool followed by a sumptuous breakfast. Midday was spent with a book at the library, mid-afternoon was lounging in my suite (winning over a yoga or gym session at the fitness center), and evenings were dedicated to pampering (aka body massages) at the Namiya Wellness Center before calling it a day. 

The meals at Samira are nothing short of special with Chef Chele Gonzales at the helm. I did not get the chance to meet the culinary genius, but my good friend is also an amazing chef from the Basque Region, and he also happens to be the general manager of Anya. Mikel Arruiz, like always, was the doting host. His family was great company over a delightful, beautifully plated 6-course set menu. The journey of the palate was like unearthing eye-popping treasures, like the Bulalo Tacos amuse bouche, Charred Grilled Octopus, grilled fare of Apahap Alavasca, Jamon and Chopitos Paella, and Buko Pie in Textures, among others. Good food carried on to the next meal with picks from the healthy menu, which included a salad of freshly-picked greens from the garden, a tasty vegetarian burger and a Chia pudding for dessert. What can I say? I left my heart in Anya’s kitchen? 

Nostalgia kicked in at my next stop where I was met with beaming smiles by the General Manager, Ramonito Makilan, and Group MarCom head, Faith Dimaano. Taal Vista Hotel was the very spot I was at in the early 80s, amazed at the postcard-perfect view of Taal Lake and Volcano and the gable-roofed hotel (I was an architecture student of Mapua) seeing it all for the first time. I was back at the 1939-inaugurated hotel (it’s 85 years old this year), which has weathered a war and volcanic tantrums but still manages to be a popular destination to this day. I am not surprised, it’s a generational thing, like “this was where I proposed to your mom,” then the next generation makes their own memories to pass on. Nostalgia is Taal Vista’s blue chip. 

The Lakeside Room is a staycationer’s delight. It has a breathtaking panorama of the iconic peak and lake from dusk to dawn. The view followed me on my daily walks, while dining indoors at Veranda or al fresco at ALTA Ridge Bar, over a Halo-halo at merienda time or an evening cocktail at the Lobby Lounge. 

Tagaytay is a foodie’s paradise and Executive Chef Jayme Natividad (proud friend here!) makes sure to please the regular and newcomer’s palates within his zone. Although he makes a mean Bulalo and serves Tawilis when in season, both famous Tagaytay fares, he also whips up tasteful dishes unique to Taal Vista at Veranda, where the menu’s Heirloom section lists traditional Filipino dishes (like how grandma cooks it). He took me to Taza Fresh Table, a specialty outlet, and filled the table with the delectable house specialties prepared with locally-sourced ingredients —the Mezze with it’s wonderful play of flavors; perfectly grilled and juicy Wagyu Rib-eye steak and Tomahawk Pork Chop; Prawns and Squid Ink Pasta; and, the Olive Oil Gelato. Chef Jayme’s offerings certainly add to the reasons why Taal Vista is always worth the revisits. 

Farther down the main road towards Batangas was my last stop—Twin Lakes Hotel, a unique estate built along the contours of the ridge. Its look is inspired by Swiss architecture but built with Filipino hospitality as its foundation. On this first visit, I was warmly received by the frontliners. A handwritten welcome note, wine and a high tea tower awaited me in my room. 

The hotel is another pleasant place for a staycation. Its room opens to an airy balcony that presents the iconic vista, the sunrise, and the estate’s terraced vineyard where grape picking makes for a novel Twin Lakes experience. I had my pick of grapes— the aged and bottled type— from the Wine Gallery’s sherry collection. It paired nicely with the delectable dishes from the curated dinner menu at the stylish French industrial-inspired trattoria. I wish I had the chance to meet the chef to compliment him/her for the lovely meal, I particularly loved the juicy Beef Medallions and tender Grilled Octopus. 

Just like in the previous stop, the view followed me wherever I was in the hotel—the cafe (thumbs up to the taho, signature burger and Halo-halo!), the game room, fitness center, wine gallery, the infinity pool, and my favorite spot, the L’Uva Vineyard Spa, where I had a totally relaxing massage that ushered me to a restful visit in La La Land. The days ran quickly in this final stop. 

Yep, I proved myself right again, that staycations are best spent with toque-d friends and good food. Of course, a really nice place will always count.