Midweek Escape: Indulge in Luxurious Me-Time at Anya Resort Tagaytay
Sometimes, in the middle of the week, when I’m stressed out even when I’m working from home, I head off to Anya Resort in Tagaytay.
It’s about an hour away from Makati, heading south on a weekday, and it takes me about the same amount of time I spend in traffic nowadays, heading north to Ortigas on a work day.
From the time I drive through the gates and onto the reception, I’m greeted with warm smiles and happy faces. Welcome home, they say. Welcome home.
Here are some reasons why I love Anya, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World:
Its people.
General manager Mikel Arriet Aruiz exudes an enveloping warmth that permeates throughout the resort’s culture and its people. Mikel is generous and accommodating and makes every visit a special one. It’s the same with every member of the team who goes the extra mile with service and hospitality.
Its beds.
Don’t judge me, but whenever I’m at Anya, I do my work in bed, surrounded by pillows chosen from their pillow menu with different shapes and degrees of hardness. I choose my own pillow scent too. Relaxing lavender vs. energizing citrus this time? Perhaps. Ask for a room with a high ceiling and believe me, your work creativity will soar.
Its tubs.
Yes, there’s a bath menu too. I call my Anya experience assistant and my hot bath is drawn and scented with whatever fragrance I feel like. Rose petals, too.
Its library.
When I need a more professional backdrop for my Zoom meetings, I book a slot at Anya’s glorious sun-filled library with floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with hardbound books. Somehow I always find a book that I feel was put there just for me.
Its pool.
Why swim in chilly Tagaytay? Because Anya’s pool is heated, it’s a relaxing foil to the sometimes bracing temperatures. Best place to put on my thinking cap, I do believe.
Its gardens.
Sure, there are golf carts to take me from my villa to the main lobby, but I prefer to walk among the lush trees and vegetation that line the walkways and enjoy the fresh air.
Its peace and quiet.
Some days I’m told that all other rooms are booked, and yet it never feels crowded. I rarely see other guests walking around the grounds. Perhaps they’re “working from home” like me?
Its fine dining.
Samira Restaurant by Chele Gonzalez highlights the chef’s creative contemporary cuisine. Order the tasting menu or go a la carte, the dishes taste as good as they look. From the pretty beef tartare on buttery toast crowned with ikura to Gallagher oysters and pears to black squid arancini served with a Parmesan mousse. From creamy secreto Iberico to charred octopus to grilled strawberries with cream cheese ice cream. Perfection.
Its grill.
Yes, it serves great grilled steak and lobster too. Enough said.
Its spa.
After a long workday, it’s time to wind down and relax with a massage at Niyama Wellness Center. Its menu includes its signature massage with the use of bamboo sticks, hilot with warmed banana leaves and coconut oil, and a hot stone massage with smooth basalt stones, among others.
Its European Wellness Retreat.
Those who have more time may opt for detoxing, acupuncture, and laser treatments. No one has to know you’re tightening loose skin in areas where you may need it.
Its room fridge.
Welcome cocktail, cold Spanish beer, Coke, and chocolate. Free. Yeah, baby.
Its breakfast spread.
Executive Chef Chris Leaning puts together a lovely selection of breads and Danish pastries, leading to his native British bangers to salmon eggs benedict and Filipino breakfasts that are definite crowd pleasers.
Its bakery.
Let me let you in on a little secret: Chef Chris was the ADB chef who had queues for his chocolate crinkles. On days when he has a bit of time on his hands, he prepares boxes of his famous cookies and other good things for guests to take home.
Fuel for when I head back to real life in the real world.
