Affordable farm resorts within driving distance of Manila

eljardindezaida.com.ph

BOTB members are all praises for El Jardin de Zaida as it allows guests to reconnect with Mother Earth while still enjoying premium hotel-like amenities.

Located in Sitio Lagkit, San Juan, Batangas, the eco-friendly tourist center offers eleven hectares of rich pasture consisting of tall trees, tropical plants, as well as calamansi and dalandan orchards.

It has a multi-room modern Bahay Kubo where guests can chill out with their morning coffee or meditate, and an infinity pool where you can enjoy a refreshing swim while enjoying a scenic view of the Batangas mountains.

There’s also the Rocio Spa for when you need to loosen up your muscles or simply want to indulge in some pampering. 

Rounding out the relaxing experience are its classy wood-decorated rooms, which come in four types: Standard Deluxe with two queen beds (P9,000), Premiere Deluxe with two queen beds and access to Premiere Villa Pool (P11,000), one-bedroom suite (P23,000), and premiere suite with access to Premiere Villa Pool (P25,500). 

Book a reservation here or call +63917-676-773. 

Tarawoods FARM and Country House 

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Now that travel restrictions have eased,  your family – titos, titas, and pamangkins included – would likely want to push through with your long-overdue reunion. Tarawoods FARM and Countryhouse in Natatas, Tanauan, Batangas can cater to your needs as it only accepts bookings exclusive to one group per day.

The family-run resort provides a homey feel with its main and cottage houses that have rustic decors, old paintings, and machuca tiles that dates back to 1993 – the year Tarawoods was built.

Outside the house, your fam can take a relaxing swim in its adult and kiddie pools or roam the entire 11-hectare property riding some of its horses. At night, you can gather around the bonfire pit for another round of merrymaking.

Tarawoods is available to rent for P19,751 for 16 persons per night and accepts groups as big as 25 persons.

And did we mention that BOTB members are commending its delicious food? Tarawoods offers homecooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages at a starting price of P1,600 per person per day. 

You can rent the place via Airbnb or by calling +63917-566-3579.

Ybonita Farm and Villas

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Go back to basics and enjoy the tranquility of nature in Ybonita Farm and Villas in Calatagan, Batangas. This bed and breakfast is loved by tourists used to the hustle and bustle of the Metro because it has a serene atmosphere, cozy cabins, and lush greeneries.

The B&B consists of four rustic cabins all designed to make you want to stay snuggled in your sheets, especially during a cold rainy day.

One is the Coconino Villa, which is made mostly of coconut materials, as inspired by the Coconut Palace in Pasay. It can house two persons for a fee of P5,000 a night. 

Groups of four can opt for Ybonita’s Spanish-themed Caceres Villa (P5,00)  with lanai or the two-storey Ipugo Villa (P6,000) that takes inspiration from Ifugao houses and the classic bahay kubo.

Last, but definitely not the least, is the Yvatan Villa — a two-storey stone house built similarly to the Ivatan homes in Batanes. The grandiose house is perched on a hill and has a veranda to give you a panoramic view of the farm.

Yvattan Villa can accommodate up to 12 people for P15,000 a night. Guests who will stay at the villa are required to book it for a minimum of two nights.

To complete your weekend getaway, you and your companions can avail of Ybonita’s private tour of Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort. The trip costs P3,500 for a group of 12, with an additional fee of P350 per head for 13 pax or more.

For bookings and inquiries, visit Ybonita Farm and Villas on Facebook or call +63929-134-7224.

The Cabin Resorts 

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Just when you thought disconnecting from work and having an uninterrupted “me time” can only be done in the most remote areas in the country, The Cabin Resorts is here to prove you otherwise.

The resort’s loft-type cabins are located in the middle of farmland and have amenities that will give you a peaceful and pleasant refuge. This in addition to the weak mobile signal in the area that, in turn, can help you relish every moment of your rest.

Each cabin features an upscale country-style architecture and rustic wood-paneled interiors, plus a living area. Deluxe cabins (good for two pax) are priced at P7,500, while the loft cabin, which can accommodate up to eight persons, can be rented for P12,500 a night.

In addition to the cozy cabins, guests staying at the resort can enjoy its pool, bikes, as well as kayak through its man-made lake, or ride an ATV.

To reserve a cabin, visit the resort’s website or call +63967-583-2604.

Luntiang Republika Ecofarms 

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Savor the beautiful simplicity of farm life at the Luntiang Republika Ecofarms in Alfonso Indang Road, Cavite.

Here, you will learn the value of mindful living, with its amenities and services that provide guests with a quick hands-on training on the sustainable way of farming. 

This includes an actual gardening experience, picking of farm produce, fresh tea preparation, as well as other activities like animal feeding and horse riding.

Guests can expect a comfortable stay at its lodging houses that all have an open area where you can enjoy a view of the farm's lush greeneries.

One of which is the Balai Urungan, a quaint wooden cottage that can house two persons. Then there's the Balai Narra, a two-storey house mostly made of upcycled materials and accommodates up to nine persons.

Meanwhile, the Balai Manga is a one-level wooden cottage with a big room, kitchen, living area, plus two porches that is ideal for a group of eight to ten people.

Overnight rates start at P2,500, while a day tour costs P1,000. To reserve an accommodation, hit up Luntian Republika on Facebook or through its contact number, +63917-327-0324.