The Island Explorer

As I grow old, I have been looking for experiences that match my lifestyle. And since I consider myself to be a busy and multitasking entrepreneur, stress is no stranger to me. It fact, I have managed to absorb stress and release it in such as way that I do not have those panic attacks. In cases that I cannot handle all the stress, I head to a spa for some much needed relaxation and release. And when I have the time, I try to make my way to a spa destination out of town, just to make the experience more worthy of my time. My go-to destination has always been Tagaytay, particularly Nurture Spa Village. However, I have been intrigued by this exclusive spa nestled at the center of Tagaytay. Friends, let us embark on a journey to wellness at the QiWellness Living Spa. Just the same was cool enough to make me enter its imposing dark wood door.

I remember my first time in Nurture way back 3 years ago. Or even more. I usually just go here to get a massage as it is known for that. Well, recently, I made my way back to the spa and discovered a whole lot more.

For years, we may have made the journey to Tagaytay to savor the organic cooking of Sonya's Garden. Known for serving up delightful buffets of pasta and salad, this Tagaytay institution should be given credit for making this burgeoning city of the South into the food mecca that it is today.

Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast along the main road of Tagaytay has always intrigued me. I never got the chance to stay overnight there though, until recently, when we were trying to find a place to stay for the night. We were supposed to book in Taal Vista, but when we passed by Joaquin's, I immediately hit the brakes of my car. 

We stumbled upon the newest boutique hotel in Tagaytay after giving up our search for a new restaurant. We got intrigued by Agui's fresh Tagaytay cuisine concept, because it was very vague. What was Tagaytay cuisine anyway? 

The Grand Quartier Suites is located in the upscale residential hillside community of Crosswinds. The hotel takes its design inspiration from the Swiss Alps, hence, makes it try unique from the other hotels in Tagaytay.

I love Tagaytay because I love to eat. With its relaxing setting and cool climate, no wonder a day trip to Tagaytay is such a temptation for those living in Manila. My most recent visit was in Marcia Adams, not a new restaurant, but it's jut one of the places that I haven't tried.

One Tagaytay Place may not be known to many, since the Genesis-managed hotel is located at the other ned of Aguinaldo Highway, on the way to Highlands. And there's really no clear signboard. So when we were looking for the hotel, we were keeping our eyes open.

The Bali Village in Tagaytay is along Maharlika Highway, a little past Taal Vista Lodge when you're headed for Batangas. The resort is still under construction, but they are already building a swimming pool, an event venue and a restaurant. The design is Filipino, so you stay in Spanish inspired cottages with Filipino materials like nipa and bamboo. Its wooden interiors give a very relaxing mountain retreat experience in Tagaytay. The rooms are relatively small, so if you are coming in as a group, better get the Big House, which has three bedrooms. You can even rent an entire house made up of three separate rooms, with a living area upstairs. I like that they have small porches in each room. The Filipino design of the resort is what I like about this place the most. Though they call it Bali Village, I still think it is more Filipino inspired. Only the roof designs are Balinese (and some decor at the reception area). Bali Village is relatively affordable as well, around P2,500

Welcome to Pamana, a family's heritage of Filipino cuisine. Located beside the Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Tagaytay City, Pamana is a striking establishment that adds to the already long list of good restaurants in the city by the cliff. Pamana is charming, having a white facade, that is very inviting. As you enter, there is a small shop that sells local handicrafts and delicacies. The country Filipino home feel extends as you go up the staircase, where a collage of framed memories from the distant and no-so distant past of the Ongpauco family who are the owners of Barrio Fiesta and also The Boutique. You immediately get excited to see where you will be dining. The ambience of Pamana is top notch, as you would notice how much heart has been put in designing the place. There are more picture frames, and more walls that display the family that has preserved this culinary heritage. The place is modern, but has antique pieces to give that old feel. So, in terms of design, it strikes