At Tagaytay’s Newest Luxury Resort, Exclusive Flavors from Chef Margarita Forés
Margarita Forés doesn’t need to prove anything. Hailed Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, awarded Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, and named United Nations Ambassador for Tourism in 2019, she is chef and proprietor of a slew of acclaimed restaurants around the country (including Cibo, Lusso, and the upcoming Margarita), as well as a highly successful catering service business. One would not fault Forés if she chose to rest on her proverbial laurels and just spent her days just taking it easy.
Form left: Antonio Co (president of Arete Tagaytay), Margarita Fores, Carlo Co, Christopher Co
But geniuses rarely ever rest and are often in relentless pursuit of excellence. Forés is no different. On top of her already-full plate, the talented chef and restaurateur who helped bring Italian cuisine closer to Filipino diners has taken on a new challenge—handling the catering service of a stunning new luxury hotel and resort in Tagaytay, Cavite.
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Areté (pronounced A-ret) Tagaytay, sits on the cliffside of the city facing the majestic Taal lake and volcano. There is a gorgeous six-bedroom house called The Mansion with a gym, lap pool, and garden that all offer sweeping views of the surrounding area. The Window and The View offer well-appointed rooms that will soon be open for stays to the public, while an indoor events space called The Clubhouse has floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the verdant landscapes and the iconic lake further away. Areté itself is a truly gorgeous property that is being primed to be a popular venue for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, and other important milestones.
Arete Tagaytay with The Mansion and The View
Once owned by a popular local entertainer, Areté recently fell into the hands of businessman Antonio Co, whose background may be in mining but has recently made a name for himself in hospitality with the 131-room luxury resort called Aqua in Boracay Island. Co and his sons Carlo and Christopher are in the process of turning Areté into a contender for the title of Tagaytay’s most beautiful resort and events place.
The Mansion's lap pool
“I think (this place) has the most beautiful view in Tagaytay,” Forés told a select group of lifestyle journalists who were some of the first to visit Areté and sample the kind of food that will be served there. “I've done a lot of weddings and events in Tagaytay, but we never really have control over the venue. So this one for me is an absolute blessing...to be able to partner with (Mr. Co) for such a great space.”
Gifts From the Philippine Seas” composed of handmade squid ink pañuelos, Bulacan river prawn, Capiz scallops, Negros blue crab colatura cream, and taba ng talangka
Braised & Grilled Angus Short Rib Adobo
Pili-Crusted Hojaldres
Forés served a menu that consisted of antipasti of Italian and local cheeses, olives, charcuterie, and a variety of breads and sauces; Organic Chicken Binakol, which was served in a hollowed-out coconut; a seafood medley called “Gifts From the Philippine Seas” composed of handmade squid ink pañuelos, Bulacan river prawn, Capiz scallops, Negros blue crab colatura cream, and taba ng talangka; Braised & Grilled Angus Short Rib Adobo; and dessert which was Pili-Crusted Hojaldres, or pili-crusted pastry with layers of Philippine cinnamon, vanilla creme Anglaise, langka, and smoked Laguna cheese foam with a slice of pink guava on the side.
The menu offered a literal taste of what prospective guests can expect when they choose to stay at Areté. While the rooms are not yet open to the public—officials say a mid-2025 target is the most feasible following more refurbishments and additional construction works around the property—the space is already open for events. And with its own helipad right onsite, Areté offers comfort and convenience of the highest order.
Margarita Fores at Arete Tagaytay
Of course, the main draw outside of the breathtaking views is the signature cuisine and impeccable service attached to the Margarita Forés name. It’s a guarantee that few other resorts in this part of the country can offer.
Arete Tagaytay is located along the Tagaytay - Banauan Road, Iruhin South, Tagaytay City.
