LOOK: Pia Guanio-Mago’s family owns a resort in Batangas that you can rent entirely
A break from Manila's traffic and noise is something we all need once in a while. Luckily, there are plenty of places nearby where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
El Jardin de Zaida in San Juan, Batangas is a resort and spa vacation place where you can bring your loved ones to experience breathtaking sceneries and wonderful services. It is owned by the family of Pia Guanio's husband, Steve Mago, and it features eleven hectares of lush greenery—perfect for weddings, birthdays, and company outings.
The resort offers spa treatments at The Rocio Spa, which focuses on "restart, refresh, and rejuvenate" as its main agenda for customer experience. They offer massages, facials, body scrubs, and hair treatments.
There's also a restaurant—Rodolfo's, named after the patriarch—overlooking the Grand Sunset Pool, offering excellent Filipino cuisine and menus for travelers. It even offers boodle fights and special dining set-ups for a fee.
Aside from that, the place provides a variety of activities, including UTV and ATV (P1,000 for 30 minutes), complimentary bike rental, board games, and outdoor sports equipment.
While you're here, be sure to avail yourself of their free calamansi picking.
The resort can accommodate Day Visits for only P2,500 per head. It includes access to the resort from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., an airconditioned room with toilet and bath, access to the infinity pool and spa, and a complimentary drink. Spa treatments and food are separate.
For the rooms, choose between the Standard Deluxe for just P8,100 per night or Premiere Deluxe for P9,900 per night. Both rooms come with two queen beds. The Premiere Deluxe, however, has access to the Premiere Villa Pool.
Those who want to splurge a little may book the One-Bedroom Suite for P21,1500. It comes with one king bed, dining room, living room with sofa, kitchenette, balcony, an ensuite outdoor bathroom, and a spa tub.
If you want access to the Premiere Villa Pool, the Premiere Suite is also available at P22,950.
All rooms are good for two adults and two children (0-11 years), with up to four extra persons per room. An additional P1,500 for extra person per night is charged.
Or, if you want to go all out, there's also an option to book the entire venue! At P195,800, you can have the entire resort and spa to yourself. This offer is good for 24 pax but if you want to add an additional person, you may do so for P1,500 per person a night.
The rate includes the use of all four suites and eight Deluxe rooms, Rocio Spa, Rodolfo's Restaurant, housekeeping services, use of pool and sports equipment, calamansi picking good for eight pax, and set breakfast for 24 pax.
Customers enjoy returning because the resort’s spacious rooms with jacuzzis, a pool that overlooks the sunset, and helpful staff make them feel comfortable and at peace. (with reports from Levi Rose Magbayao)