Any resident in the metropolis would surely be yearning to take a break from the rigors and pressures brought by the concrete jungle.
Sonya’s Garden is one perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate a weary mind and body. Located in Buck Estate, Alfonso Cavite, the 1.5 hectare paradise guarantees that guests will enjoy every minute of their stay in this part of Cavite.
This writer and other five journalists were recently invited by Sonya’s Garden owner Sonya Garcia to enable them to experience the joys of eating the fresh produce of the workers, savor the fresh and feel the serenity of the place during nighttime.
The beginning
Sonya’s Garden started as a place of weekend gatherings with her friends. Gradually, the word spread that Mendoza’s garden was teeming with fresh vegetables for people who want to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
In 1988, Sonya’s Garden was born. Garcia decided to open her lovely haven to promote healthy living and wellness, by walking the talk starting from herself to her employees and ultimately extending to her customers. Personally, Garcia also embarked on a healthy lifestyle shunning meat and enjoying plant-based food from the plot to the plate. Sonya’s Garden serves freshly picked veggies, does not serve processed food, and ensures accommodations are environmentally friendly.
Restaurants
Sonya’s Garden has three restaurants to satisfy the food pallete of the guests. These are the Conservatory, Morning Glory and Sunflower. While dining at The Conservatory a guest will have an opportunity to appreciate the various plant species around the premises of Sonya’s Garden which are also included in the healthy offerings.
In Morning Glory, a guest can view the vines creeping along pillars and beams. Meanwhile, ferns dominate Sunflower’s space complemented by bright bursts of yellow from the flowers that are the restaurant’s namesake.
Garcia pointed out the three restaurants feature overflowing platters of simple rustic fare, and the garden’s signature salad greens and edible flowers.
Staying productive
No doubt that Sonya’s Garden is a haven for people to relax and unwind. Nevertheless, the place offers Sonya’s Workation Package that ensures a stress-free environment where one can relax and be productive at the same time. Sonya’s Garden has a strong Wifi connection to ensure a guest will have a seamless internet connection. Moreover, Sonya’s Garden will also serve daily meals prepared and served by the staff. If a guest wishes to have a tour, the staff is willing to assist to see pockets of paradise for winding down when the day is over to make sure a guest will enjoy a healthy balance of work and play.
Bed and breakfast ala Sonya’s Garden
All the Bed and Breakfast cottages are named after flowers and herbs, which epitomize Garcia’s love for aromatic things. Inspired by Garcia’s simple country lifestyle, the Bed and Breakfast facility was introduced from the persistence of the guests who want to spend more time in this private sanctuary.
One would wonder why Sonya’s Garden does not have noisy air-conditioners or television sets. Garcia said it was her decision not to install these appliances so the guests would appreciate the beauty and splendor of Sonya’s Garden in full view right outside his window.
“You will be able to breathe in fresh, unpolluted air from the abundant trees that surround the property. Experience the serenity of country living. This is the perfect moment to yield to the simple joys of life…and practice the art of doing nothing,” Garcia said.
Garcia is an enthusiastic supporter of the tourism industry. “I belong to the tourism sector and every day I see the tremendous potential of the B&B industry as one of the most effective drivers for the growth of Philippine tourism,” she said.
Moreover, Garcia champions the potential of the B&B. “Because of its low capital needs, B&B’s can be established in nature tourism spots which are yet unspoiled by the standard tourism infrastructure or in areas which have seasonal attractions that make it uneconomical for the big hotel chains to operate in,” Garcia said.
To promote inclusivity, she walked the talk employing people from around the neighborhood. This gesture is appreciated by the whole community. “My advocacy is to share the successes of Sonya’s Garden to help promote the concept of the Filipino Bed and Breakfast as an effective driver in achieving inclusive growth through agricultural tourism and wellness lifestyle in the Philippine countryside.”
Finally, Garcia said tourism capitalizes on the Filipino’s greatest asset. She pointed out that Filipino hospitality is the best way to welcome the weary traveler “into the comforts of a traditional Filipino home and to be refreshed by traditional Filipino cuisine.”