When I think of Mediterranean, a picture of the cliff side villages of Santorini in Greece comes to my mind. But Greece is halfway across the globe and a visit to it is all but a dream for now. Recently, I got to experience how to stay in one of Santorini’s all-white villa when I spent a quiet night in Estancia Resort Tagaytay.
Me and a friend arrived late as a surprise rain shower hit the metro. But I welcomed the thought as Tagaytay’s cool breeze would quickly lull us to sleep that night. The rain suddenly turned into a drizzle upon our arrival.
We went straight to our room, a Santorini Villa, as we were unable to explore the hotel grounds. But the bleak weather didn’t dampen our mood and we were welcomed by a refreshing sight of an all-white room with splashes of the color blue. Our room has a veranda with a gracious view of the other villas below, the Taal lake and a partial view of the volcano itself. On a clear day when the sun is high, the landscape is simply breathtaking.
Our twin room was quite spacious. It had a shower and bath, a desk with lamp, a phone, a cable TV and a private veranda all to ourselves. A Bible was also neatly placed on the bedside table. It put a smile on my face as this has already become a rare sight in most hotels I have visited. The place is very suited for a quiet reflection. And a Bible would be the perfect aid for an injured Christian’s soul.
The hotel gifted us with complimentary snacks. We had a hard time leaving our beds as the air-conditioning was on full blast. We needed to secure a few necessities but the staff turned out to be very helpful and tended to all our requests. We just called in what we needed and it was brought to our room right away.
I prayed for a nicer weather the next morning so I could fully enjoy the hotel’s amenities. And the gods answered my calls when the sun shone. I had finally seen the resort grounds in all its glory. Vast and peaceful. Serene and rustic. An all-white seclusion on top of the cliffs gifted with one of the most magnificent views. Estancia Resort Tagaytay is surprisingly magnanimous.
Guests are free to use the different hotel facilities. I peeped into their Entertainment Hall and relaxed in the jacuzzi. I also swam a few laps in their big pool with no other companion but my mermaid tail. I think though that the facilities just needed a little upkeep every now and then. The hotel could also play some music during breakfast or open the water fountains for the guests to enjoy. There is no sound more soothing than flowing water. 🙂
Flowering plants could also give more color in the gardens but I guess I could expect this in the summer months. But the resort is already grand in a special way and it no longer needs extravagant designs.
Estancia Tagaytay’s grounds are very suitable for gatherings like weddings and debuts. They also have several indoor functions rooms.
The Santorini Villas are located farthest from the main hall. The elderly or those with very young kids may choose to decide to book the Deluxe Rooms instead which are situated nearest the gardens. But if you don’t mind walking and getting the best view, then these are the rooms you must stay in.
It was notable too that Wi-Fi was not available in our room. Wi-Fi is strongest in the dining hall and reception but I was still able to get a signal in the swimming pool area, strong enough to update my social media. However, this would be inconvenient for working guests like me as I still need to drag myself back to the lobby. I am not aware if internet connection was not really offered in their rooms or was simply broken. I was unable to inquire. But if it was purposefully not included in the room features, perhaps it was also the hotel’s way of promoting the idea of a total vacation – cut-off from the latest modern communication.
Our room came with complimentary plated breakfast. I loved the fact that the other side of the restaurant is made of glass walls. Dining with a gorgeous view definitely pumped me up as I tend to get lazy at times.
My last few hours were spent in the four corners of my room, munching on chips whilst watching my favorite action movie on cable. I stole a quick nap before gathering my things. I snapped a few selfies before checking out. I bid goodbye to Taal and walked back to the main reception area.
My stay in Estancia Tagaytay was made more pleasant by the attentive hotel staff, punctuated with warm greetings of a safe commute back home.
_________
Estancia Resort Tagaytay
Book Now!
www.estanciatagaytay.com.ph
Zone II Brgy. San Jose, Tagaytay City
Cavite 4120, Philippines
+63.46.413.1331
+63.939.237.9813
BACOLOD CITY and its surrounding area 