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7. A Transformative Escape To Serenity at The Farm at San Benito

There are some places that don’t just offer an escape, they invite you to return to yourself. That’s exactly what The Farm at San Benito did for me.

Just a 90-minute drive from the chaos of Manila, I arrived at the gates of what felt like a secret Eden tucked away in the hills of Batangas. The moment I stepped out of the car, I was mesmerised by the natural beauty, the quiet, and the calm that embraces you. Towering palm trees swayed overhead, a gentle breeze carried the scent of lemongrass and earth, and birdsong echoed through the lush jungle. Sipping on my welcome drink made from freshly harvested turmeric and ginger was just a small gesture that hinted at the healing journey ahead.

A Sanctuary Like No Other

My villa, The Narra pool villa, was equal parts elegant and grounding. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, polished bamboo accents, and an outdoor rain shower under the canopy of trees and to top it a private pool. A warm quietude with just the sounds of nature to make you feel like nature is wrapping its arms around you. 

But The Farm is not your typical luxury resort. It is a healing sanctuary, deeply rooted in the belief that wellness is not a trend— it is a lifestyle.

The Healing Begins

My stay began with a wellness consultation. Not the rushed kind you find in a city clinic, but an in-depth conversation with the doctor and wellness team that examined not just my vitals, but my lifestyle, stress levels, and even emotional blocks. The treatments were designed based on the detailed discussion with the very affable Dr. Ron very aptly called the Listening doctor. A tailor-made programme was then created for me, comprising a mix of medical therapies and tests, spa treatments, movement, and mindfulness. Every day, I followed a rhythm that felt both structured and free. Sunrise yoga on the open-air deck as mist floated through the trees. Guided meditation sessions that quieted the constant buzz in my head. Functional fitness training that reminded me what my body could do when treated with care.

Nourishment for Body and Soul

Next was my meeting with the lovely nutritionist Maddy, who discussed my nutritional habits to get an insight into my routine and then some tests to see where I needed help. Well, I did need some, so I opted to let the doctor decide my menu through my stay. I did think I would be getting very little food, but to my surprise I was not starved like a lot of wellness places tend to do. The food was carefully curated as per my needs and test results, but enough to satiate and, needless to mention, scrumptious. It further proved my belief that healthy food does not need to be tasteless and boring. At ALIVE! the vegan restaurant, I tasted what can only be described as plant-powered fine dining. Each dish was a work of art— vibrant, flavourful, and sourced from their own organic gardens. Even when I dined at PESCE (their pescetarian restaurant) or PRANA (Ayurvedic Indian cuisine), Upper Deck the Mediterranean restaurant, Souffle de Vie serving French Cuisine- the message was consistent: food is medicine, and indulgence and health can coexist.

The Spa and Mindful living sanctuary

The spa at The Farm is a peaceful haven that induces you into a relaxed state of mind as soon as you enter it. The design reflects The Farm's ethos of harmony through open air treatment salas, calming water features and a soft scent of aromatherapy. Here, ancient healing traditions meet advanced therapeutic techniques in complete serenity. My favourite was their signature spa treatment, called the Tres Banyos Lunas. The 2 hour Tres Banyos Lunas, a Hilot traditional treatment, encompasses a herbal bath infused with classic Filipino healing herbs followed by an aromatic traditional steam bath followed by a herbal compress and massage. This not only detoxifies and rejuvenates but also balances the energy meridians. A special mention is surely needed for the Aqua hydrotherapy sanctuary where you can experience the healing power of water through the hydrotherapy circuit, featuring therapeutic pools, contrast baths, and steam therapies designed to detoxify, revitalise circulation, and support deep physical and emotional release.

Leaving Lighter

By the end of my stay, I was not just rested— I was realigned. My skin glowed, my digestion improved, my mind felt spacious. But more than anything, I felt connected to myself, to nature, and to the present.

As I left The Farm at San Benito, a part of me stayed behind, rooted in the stillness of that sacred place. And I knew I would return to discover more.