LIST: Country-style getaways near Manila for your weekend road trips
Everyone wants a quick escape from the city after a long week of online classes and meetings. Why not spend your weekend appreciating the beauty of nature and getting a change of scenery with family and friends on a road trip?
Experiencing farm life does not mean you have to travel far. In Luzon, there are many rustic farmhouse-styled spots and cafes with open fields and groves of trees that will make you feel as if you've traveled to the European countryside.
If you're looking for a staycation spot or an intimate venue to celebrate your small wins and life events, PhilSTAR L!fe has got you covered.
Here are just a few new and trendy country-style getaways near Manila.
Hillbarn Cafe & Restaurant, Tagaytay
Like how the usual Dutch families share their adventures over meals, this newly opened Dutch barn-themed cafe and restaurant can provide you with good food suited for good company. Tourists can enjoy the cool breeze in their indoor and alfresco dining in this unique cafe located along Daang Luma Rd, Kayabagal North in the heart of Tagaytay City.
The Hillbarn Cafe & Restaurant is your new happy place, with its rustic vibe and clean and bright interiors, perfect for your family’s meal dates and get-togethers. The cafe and restaurant serves everything from coffee, steaks, to pasta and sandwiches. Some of their hearty and affordable picks are the Hillbarn Big Breakfast, French Toast and Chicken, and the Ultimate Steak Sandwich.
Hillbarn Cafe & Restaurant is open from Tuesday to Friday at 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M and on weekends from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The Old Grove Farmstead, Batangas
Looking for a rustic place to have a celebration out of town? The resort hotel known as The Old Grove Farmstead will captivate your heart with its country-style charm. Located at Purok 5, U. Mojares Street at Lipa City in Batangas, The Old Grove Farmstead offers a picturesque road trip destination and Instagram-worthy venue for weekend travelers.
Upon entering the vicinity, you will be welcomed by their famous red barn amid vast well-landscaped gardens. The five-hectare farm offers various activities and spots for guests to explore. They hold farm trips, offer accommodations for photoshoots, and even rent out out cottages where you can stay in for the day. The self-guided tour farm visits (by reservation) come with a package that includes a breakfast, lunch, or dinner meal according to your liking that ranges from P900-P2,200.
For the photoshoot package (P7,200-P33,000), the place provides holding areas of your choice, food, and the entire farm open and ready for your country-style photoshoot. If you wish to experience more of what The Old Grove Farmstead can offer, extend your stay and check in on the Standard Cottage (P11,000-15,000) or the Cottage with Loft (P15,000-20,000), which comes with either a breakfast or breakfast and dinner meal packages.
As of July 2022, the Old Grove Farmstead is only offer dine-in packages, but for inquiries for your next dine-in, photoshoot, and staycation reservations, you can call +63917-895-2829.
The Windmill Lausanne, Tagaytay
Known as little Europe, The Windmill Lausanne will greet you with a whisper of the breeze, the height of trees, and the aroma of delicious food. Sitting at Crosswinds, Tagaytay, The Windmill Lausanne gives a Swiss-themed dining spot that highlights the restaurant's windmill at the entrance.
The Windmill Lausanne’s interior combines aesthetics of both a pub and a barn, giving the place a cozy vibe as it's also surrounded by wood-paneled walls and trinkets with plaid pattern. To cap off your European dining experience, the spot offers a selection of food and drinks that will suit your palate. Try out their Thin-crust Truffle Pizza, Meatballs with Arrabiata and mixed greens, their famous artisan tea, and cold brew-infused tea.
Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm, Nueva Ecija
Don't mind a longer drive? A budget farm staycation with a breathtaking view awaits at the Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm located at Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. The nature-inspired tourist attraction is open for serenity-seekers who are into campings, retreats, team building, and other fun outdoor activities.
From farmhouses to cabins, Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm offers various accommodations for the relaxation and adventure that you're looking for. Soak in the farm’s scenic view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges and the Pantabangan Dam, which can be appreciated through backyard camps, hiking, trekking, and 4X4 off-road driving.
The farm stay also offers cabins for overnighters. Accommodations include the Matahum Farm House, the Amihan Cabin (P3,500), the Hiraya Cabin (P3,500), the Malipayon Cabin (P4,500), the Bahaghari Cabin (P4,500), the Maharlika Cabin (P4,500), the Biyaya cabin (P4,500), the Dalisay Cabin (P4,500), and the Marahuyo Cabin (P7,000).
The Farm Ridge encourages guests to try out their pre-booked day tour and their Farm Ridge restaurant that serves vegan, farm-produced, Filipino, and even fusion dishes.
Reserve stays at the Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm at +63961-532-5940
Farm T House, Laguna
Imagine waking up to the fresh breeze and sunlight or falling asleep under the stars. Away from the bustling life in the metro, you can seek a little refuge in nature by staying in the Farm-T-House, which offers minimalist and modern, yet cozy cabins located at the FarmShare Prime Barangay, Duhat in Cavinti, Laguna. The site is located with the BLOC Campsite in Laguna.
Guests can enjoy glamping in a tiny house or what they call a T-House, experiencing a bonfire at night, exploring the farm, and feeding farm animals. Your very own T-House can be booked via Airbnb at only P2,036 a night depending on the peak or off-season travel. The whole vicinity is fully fenced off, offering a secluded and private retreat. Your family and closest friends can hang-out at the shared backyard and organize a picnic.
Sonya’s Garden
Sonya’s Garden at Alfonso, Cavite is a flower-laden garden enveloped with hibiscus shrubs and greenery. Owner Sonya Garcia started opening the doors of her private home in 1998 and unlike any other garden, Sonya’s Garden is the perfect place to declare your love. The Bed and Breakfast offers a wide selection of all-you-can-eat organic food freshly handpicked from the garden because Sonya believes that “when a garden is your backyard, chances are, it is also your pantry.” Sonya’s Classic Menu can be availed at P1,065 per person for lunch and dinner from 11:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M.
The B&B experience would not be complete without nature's splendor right at your window. The accommodation of Sonya’s Garden covers 22 cottages that come with a complimentary early full breakfast, and either lunch or dinner. Rates are at P3,200 per person on Mondays to Thursdays, P3,600 each on Fridays to Sundays, P3,800 on holidays and peak season, P5,000 for single occupancy, and P5,500 for single occupancy on holidays. Guests are also welcome to try Sonya’s Signature Massage and are offered a refreshing cup of warm basil dalandan tea.
For reservations at the restaurant, you may call +63-917-703-3442. For bookings at bed and breakfast, contact +63-977-850-8273 and for the spa, you may inquire at +63917-523-1080.