Have you ever suddenly stopped in the middle of typing that business letter, or whatever you were doing? Stared at the window and wished you were somewhere else? That, my dear, is the best time to escape. And if you have only a day or two, there are places in the south which can, for a few hundred bucks, fulfill that longing.
In Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas, there is a retreat house that is under the wings of Dominicans. The Caleruega, known for being a spiritual haven, is a well-designed sanctuary where people stay to refresh their weary souls even for a day. A stone’s throw away from Tagaytay, it promises a breath of fresh air with nature’s very best garden this side of heaven.
At five in the morning, we headed south while somber skies with pewter clouds hovered above us. The weather report said drizzle in the morning, rain in the afternoon and clear at night. We took a left at the Evercrest Golf and Country Club and, along the way, there was an abundance of yellow flowers on the roadside sprinkled among the short grasses. We passed by one or two goats grazing at the edge of the road. The cloudy Batulao mountain serenely gazed at the green field that was spread below the horizon.
The gate of Caleruega was not grand. Its rust-stained metal gate creaked as it opened itself to retreat attendees and day visitors like us. I was excited, though, because I knew that beyond the bend was a surprise. I’m a sap for “secret” places.
So there was this long path, fenced in on the left with large piled up adobe stones that doubles as a wall. Hiking that path would give you a feeling of deep serenity. Before reaching the end of that path, your eyes would rest upon a series of ponds and miniature waterfalls.
Zen was the word that popped into my mind. We tarried on the wooden planks that served as walkways, gawking at the Koi or carp idling in the water. It was a drizzly early morning leaving the pavement wet, and the leaves fresh with raindrops. I could have stayed a while longer, but we had to move lest we gather moss like the walls.
The amphitheater, which boasted of a camping place and a man-made falls, served as our group’s brunch spot. Each one took out snacks and sandwiches while making sure we did not mess up the place since it was well kept.
The gardener, who was snipping away at the wayward leaves, was nice enough to show us to the coffee shop. He was also the barkeep, serving us instant coffee while we sat under the huge canopy of two umbrellas. It was so relaxing to watch the steam rise from the coffee. The smell made me smile as I sipped the instant brew.
Beyond that garden, there was a hanging bridge that opened to a trail where a hawker of buko (young coconut) lives nearby. He was gracious and asked us if we have already trekked the higher ground to which we replied we were about to. The buko he served us cooled our bodies that were already heated by the walk.
If you followed that trail, you would find yourself in the Tent Chapel. There, you can take a break, fall on your knees and say a little prayer. Indeed, the quietness would fill your soul.
The Transfiguration chapel was the highlight of the place, a favorite of many prenuptial photo-ops. A huge crowd was gathered at the church, and we witnessed as the bride and groom say “I dos”. The church was hushed and so were we, as we stepped out of the chapel and meander to another path.
Twin Lakes
A morning well spent would give you a hungry tummy. So from Nasugbu, off you go to fill it with bulalo in one of the chic restaurants in Twin Lakes, where the Taal lake view never fails to amaze us. The Twin Lakes, a vineyard resort, is a newer addition to the Tagaytay area, which is nearby Nasugbu.
The coffee shops and dessert havens seemed to have congregated at this spot. There was a Starbucks, La Creperie, Bag of Beans, Amira’s Tart House to name a few. Thus, it is best to visit on your cheat day and give yourself that break. Try not to worry, though, about those little pieces of heaven loaded with calories.
Sonya’s Garden
There is another garden in the neighborhood. Just a few minutes from Caleruega, tucked away in Buck Estate Alfonso Cavite, is the place where scent and colors burst in a profusion of flowers, herbs and shrubs of exotic background. The Sonya’s Garden restaurant offers a variety of organic concoctions to soothe the palate so don’t forget to leave a space for this healthy buffet.
Along the maze of hibiscus and hydrangeas, there is a mini fountain, a sign that we are not far away from the spa. Go ahead, take off your shoes and melt your worries away, the touch of your friendly masseuse would simply vanish all your tension.
The garden is eye candy since everywhere you would find jars of water filled with yellow flowers, a rest hut where you can sit down and just do absolutely nothing. No one would bother you and ask you to buy something. The guests are free to roam. There is a greenhouse at the end a trail which they call the proposal garden. I guess this is a perfect place to ask your beloved to share your life with you.
In the city we feel stuck in the corner we have made for ourselves. Every once in a while, we need a place where we can break out of our routine. Nature brings us back to Earth, to open space, to childhood where we can soil our hands, be astounded by bugs and bask in happy moments. In Tagaytay nature and nurture are just waiting for you.