THE Day of the Hearts might be over, but love is still in the air in the mountain resorts because of the cool climate that lingers the whole year round.
And despite the threats of Taal Volcano eruption, coronavirus scare, and the traffic, Antipolo and Tagaytay have never failed to weave romance at any given time.
With the crisp upland air, gourmet food, and diverse attractions and activities, these ridge cities are consummate getaways for couples, families and groups.
Located at the Metro’s eastern doorstep, Antipolo has been reliving its old glory with its blend of culture, faith, cuisine and everything in between. For the lovestruck, Burrow Café, Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant, and Tahanan Bistro are ideal date places for some enchanting evening because of their fine dining ambiance and gourmet offerings.
On top of good food, what hypes up the romance in a place is a rejuvenating treatment at a cozy spa. And in this department, the sprawling Luljetta’s Place Garden Suites can spring up a pleasant surprise with its signature massages at its Cordillera-themed hanging gardens.
The resort also has a new wing which is inspired by the panoramic Greek port city of Mykonos, and has its own swimming pool and sauna.
You can also be pampered at the boutique Callospa Resort surrounded by foliage and greens to evoke wellness of body and spirit. Its claim to fame is its state-of-the-art equipment, European-trained therapists, and fusion treatments from the world’s best massage styles using natural herb and fruit extracts.
If farm evokes an aura of romance, Antipolo has scores of farm resorts which combine the back-to-nature elements of agriculture and gardening, as well as modern hospitality amenities. The must-visit farm resorts which will surely thrill Gen X-ers and baby boomers are Flor’s Garden, Mount Purro Nature Reserve, The Secret Garden of Doris, Phillip’s Sanctuary and Luljetta’s Place Garden Suites.
Meanwhile, over at Tagaytay, the “city on the ridge” is slowly luring back its visitors after Taal Volcano’s ashfall shut it down for more than a week. With the lowered alert level, this all-time favorite out-of-town destination is bringing back the sights and sounds it has been known for.
By the way, Tagaytay as a tourist getaway doesn’t just refer to the city itself, but embraces the long road overlooking Taal Lake from Silang, Cavite, to Laurel and Nasugbu, Batangas.
Among the first establishments to reopen last February 1 is The Cliffhouse which has a cluster of dining outlets, such as Buon Giorno, Concha’s Garden Café, Fire Lake Grill, and The Inn, the only boutique lodging in the complex. As its name suggests, it is on the ridge’s cliffside, thus affording its guests an enviable view of the postcard-pretty lake and volcano which may look differently now, but breathtaking just the same.
Fire Lake Grill trumpets its “hot food and cool mood” with the innovative global flavors created by its owner Paul Huang, a corporate honcho-turned-chef who found his passion in the kitchen. For the past 15 years, this continental grill with a “steak-centric” menu has been tickling the palate of meat lovers of the megacity.
Sink your teeth on a wide selection of tender pasta and risotto, grilled premium red meat, seafood, steak rubs and toppings, and sip on a wide selection of wines and spirits.
Its minimalist pastel-colored interiors, relaxing lounge music, gourmet dishes, and solicitous guest service have earned it the badge of being among the country’s best restaurants according to The Philippine Tatler magazine and TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.
On the far edge of the ridge in Laurel town is Canyon Woods Residential Resort, the quintessential classic lodge for those who want the highland feel without the long drive to the mountains.
A sprawling self-contained recreational community, it takes pride in its golf courses, restaurants, courtyards, sports facilities, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, man-made lagoons, and private estates of residents who have made the area their weekend home.
Accentuated with wood and natural hues, its character blends with nature which make it all the more intimate regardless of the season. Its cozy rooms are ideal for people who want to cherish quality time with their loved ones, with the scent of pine trees and whiff of mountain air.
Golf aficionados can perfect their game at the USGA grade nine-hole course, with its challenging terrain and deep ravines. Enhance the game with good company on the scenic fairway, and good food afterward.
In the neighboring town of Nasugbu is Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa, is its sister property which beckons beach bums to frolic in the sun, sea and sand. It boasts of the largest swimming pool in Batangas and an inflatable water adventure park.
Over the weekend, Canyon Woods held a thanksgiving event for being spared the wrath of Taal eruption with a golf tournament and dinner party.
With a more positive outlook, seasoned travelers and staycationers should troop back to the ridge and revive its vibrant life and romance for the rest of the year.