SPArty Weekend at Loreland Farm Resort

Just this past weekend, my friends and I were spoiled rotten by the team of Loreland Farm Resort in Antipolo. 

Originally meant to be our 'horror movie night', the plan went out the window because Loreland prepared pleasant treats for us.

Photo credit: Ramon Mariñas

(BOYS) L-R: Ramon, Dong, Ken, Jherson, RJ and Rem

(GIRLS) L-R: Endette, Me, Natz, Kaiye, Gelai and Claire 

We were welcomed by Ramon Mariñas, Loreland's Project Manager, and led us to our respective rooms. We stayed at 3 Standard Triple rooms within the Admin Office building. Rooms are equipped with cable TV, mini ref with complimentary bottled water, and some, with en-suite hot & cold shower. 

Other room types are Standard Double, Standard Twin, Superior, Family and Loreland Villa.

Verde Restaurant

Shortly after settling in our rooms and some rest, we headed to their restaurant, Verde -- aptly named because the resort is surrounded by rich foliage -- where we were served with Antipolo's native delicacies: cashew nuts and suman (sticky rice) with super yummy melted cocoa dip! 

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Fired up from our afternoon snack, Ramon toured us around the resort. He explained it was named after his parents, Lolita and Renato. Originally built as a family rest house more than a decade ago, the 8-hectare property has grown to cater to families, groups of friends and even for business/corporate functions.

Whether you're here for a day or night trip, you have plenty of 'cottages' to choose from from the smallest one, Umbrellas (fits a group of 4 pax), to the largest, Bahay Kubo (can fit a group of up to 20 pax).

Other options are Shade, Kubo (open-type and not to be confused with Bahay Kubo), Gazebo, Tree House, Cabana, Ulog, Nipa Hut and Pantalan.

Pools are from 3 to 7 feet deep and there's even a dedicated Kiddie Pool for the little ones.

Phase 1 

Main Pool

The Phase 1 Main Pool is the closest to Verde Restaurant. Also beside Verde is a mini playground for the kids (and kids at heart).

Aplaya and Phase 2

Superior Room

Umbrellas at the Volleyball Court

'The Yacht'

The Floating Nipa Hut

Tree House

Phase 3

Phase 3 pool with slide from 3 to 5 ft. deep

Events Place

Terraces

Taktak Function Hall

There are three events place (but we were only able to see two) ideal for special occasions such as debut, reunions, Christening, weddings and more.

Other attractions are the Station of the Cross and Camptipolo Adventure Land. We hope we could try the latter next time. Can't wait to go back!


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After checking out most of the amenities, next on the agenda was Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa. Luljetta is the Spanish version of the owner's name, Lolita. 

Only guests who availed of spa services are allowed access to this area. 

And because the spa was built on the side of the mountain terraced through riprap, it was only fitting to call it 'Hanging Gardens'.

Services and amenities offered here include manicure, pedicure, herbal foot bath, foot spa, body massage, body scrub, heated jacuzzi, infinity pool and more.

Zen Lounge

There are several lounges tastefully decorated with native ornaments sourced from Bicol, Palawan, Mindanao, and of course, local crafts from Rizal. Additionally, there are pockets of space for those who wish to meditate.

Photo credit: Ramon Mariñas

Deeper into the 'garden' is a small pond of doctor fish that can nibble on your feet's dead skin cells. And as you descend further, you eventually get a glimpse of the hydro massage area. 

Cream Soup, Gourmet Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Tuna Pesto Pasta

After our tour of the Hanging Gardens, we were then treated to a healthy dinner -- where travel experiences and laughs were exchanged -- at the Hanging Gardens Restaurant.

At the moment, food are still cooked at Verde Restaurant and brought to Hanging Gardens Restaurant. Ramon shared they also aim to grow their organic produce in the future.  

The highlight came after dinner, and no, I'm not talking about dessert. I'm talking about their hour-long signature massage which is a combination of Thai, Swedish and reflex.

We were ushered to the kubo-inspired massage room with a nice view of Rizal. It has four massage beds and a shower room.

Our masseuses were obviously trained well as they applied just the right pressure. I think I've had my fair share of body massages, and yes, there are those that can leave your body aching afterwards -- totally defeating the purpose of having a massage in the first place.

I was surprised that my therapist knew I had a lot of tension on my shoulders without me telling her about it and I'm glad she concentrated on that part. The rhythm of her strokes eased my weary muscles and almost sent me to dreamland. Needless to say, I felt lighter after the massage and slept like a log that night. 

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There was no specific agenda the following day except for more pampering!

Buddha Lounge

 

After having traditional Filipino breakfast of Beef Tapa or Daing na Bangus with Egg and coffee/hot chocolate plus freshly-squeezed apple and orange juice, we went back to Hanging Gardens to dip at the infinity pool and have a foot spa. But first, we had a 'mini photo shoot' at the gorgeous Buddha Lounge decorated with Asian-themed pieces.  

Photo grabbed from Dong Ho's Instagram

I know infinity pools are not new in this country, but most of it has a view of the beach/sea. I think it's safe to say this is one, if not the only one, with a view of the mountains. I can't help but feel as if I was transported to a Balinese resort. I'm sure my friends would all agree when I say that our time at the infinity pool was the icing on the cake!

Photo credit: RJ d Explorer

Before checking out, we still feasted on Sinigang na Bangus Belly sa Mangga, Beef Kare-Kare and Classic Grilled Platter - sampler of grilled stuffed squid, tilapia and pork liempo partnered with ensaladang mangga, camote tops with okra and bagoong (shrimp paste) for lunch.

I think it's pretty obvious we had an amazing time! Thank you so much to Loreland Farm Resort for this memorable and relaxing stay with friends.

K

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