Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Sunday Reset Tagaytay

<p>There’s something about <strong>Tagaytay</strong> that invites you to breathe slower. Maybe it’s the crisp mountain air, the scenic views, or the way the clouds seem to hover just a little longer. But on a Sunday, when the city’s bustle fades and you start craving a little stillness, this charming highland escape offers the perfect reset.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174434959358520250408_155119.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">My Country House is a charming dining escape, just 90 minutes away from Manila</span></span></span>My slow Sunday began at <strong>My Country House</strong>, a concept by <strong>Raintree Hospitality</strong>, tucked in the quiet, lush hills of Tagaytay. The entrance leading to the restaurant already hinted at what kind of day it would be—unhurried, charmed, and wrapped in warm hospitality. This place is all about calm and countryside comfort enveloped by nature. The Countryside Weekend Brunch Special Buffet is a true wholesome indulgence, open from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Think homemade breads, crisp greens, fluffy pancakes, golden eggs cooked to perfection, delicious and tender meat, chicken, and seafood dishes, and freshly blended fruit juices that taste like summer in a glass. I could easily tell the food quality is superb—the vegetables are harvested fresh, and livestock is raised with care and love as they support their favorite local farmers.</div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174434967432520250408_162135.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Indoor-outdoor ambiance, designed by the design genius Manny Samson</span></span></span>My personal favorites from their wide selection of dishes were the beef tapa, breakfast sausage, salad bar (the homemade Caesar dressing is a must-try), mango and strawberry crepe, and freshly baked breads with sundried tomato butter and herbed cream cheese. They also have a big pan of paella, a handmade pasta bar, and carving and dessert stations. As for the beverages, their freshly squeezed dalandan juice quenched my thirst and hit the spot. For a boozy brunch, the Dragon Blood has a strong kick, made with fresh dragon fruit, lychees, and rum. </div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/wellness/2025/4/1/i-m-hotel-i-m-onsen-spa-makati-experience-1809" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: An Urban Escape: A Sleep-Centered Staycation in Makati</a></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174434973556420250406_111152.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Homemade breads and an egg station are available at their Countryside Weekend Brunch Special Buffet</span></span></span></div><p>The interiors were just as satisfying and comforting—country chic with a modern soul. Natural wood tones, muted tropicalia prints with native accents, farm-inspired ceramic decors, and live ambient music made it feel like I had stepped into a bright and airy countryside dream. The eight-seater round tables with a lazy Susan give a homey and relaxed vibe (not to mention it was a house before it was converted to a restaurant). The service was excellent, as Ricky, their manager, always ensured everything was going well as we dined. He even gave my friends and me some wild-caught blooms tied with a jute string to add to our delight. It was the kind of setting and experience that you linger over. No scrolling, no rushing. Just sips of icy drinks and intimate conversations.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174434987894720250408_154921.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Carving station and handmade pasta bar</span></span></span><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174434992530420250408_155157.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">The place is sprinkled with charming decors! | Off-the-buffet but still a must-try is their fruit Pavlova dessert</span></span></span><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1744350002728IMG_20250406_151930_913.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Fresh blooms given to us by their friendly and hospitable Manager, Ricky</span></span></span>Their sprawling backyard with lush trees and plants encourages some forest bathing or a fun playtime with family and friends. Giant Jenga, hula hoops, and bottle toss are available for enjoyment. For quiet reflection, there are benches and seats available. Designed by the great <strong>Manny Samson</strong>, My Country House has an indoor-outdoor beauty that allows guests to fully unwind and reset for the week to come. </div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/wellness/2025/3/13/world-sleep-day-wellness-experts-best-tip-for-better-sleep-2053" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: 7 Wellness Experts Spill Their Best Tips for Better Sleep</a></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174435015056620250408_161419.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">The sprawling backyard is perfect for weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate events</span></span></span></div><p>After a stroll around the garden and viewing their caged birds, I walked for a minute and reached <strong>Nurture Spa</strong>, a 24-year-old, award-winning local spa that’s a true Tagaytay gem.</p><p>Nurture Spa is where time surrenders entirely. Surrounded by lush greenery and the scent of lemongrass in the air, I signed up for their “<em>Hele</em>” foot hilot—a traditional Filipino healing massage. My therapist had the touch of a healer; I could feel the tension dissolve with every movement. They also use their special organic massage oils they blend themselves. The touch therapy was done inside a quaint bamboo hut with screen walls to repel mosquitoes and bugs. The breeze was cool because we were surrounded by abundant greenery.</p><p>Nurture Spa’s holistic approach to wellness goes beyond pampering. It&#x27;s grounding. Healing. Whether you&#x27;re dealing with burnout, heartbreak, or just the usual hustle fatigue, there&#x27;s something about being wrapped in warm oil, birdsong, and the scent of natural herbs that reminds you: you&#x27;re allowed to rest.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174435022778620250408_162031.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Nurture Spa continues to help guests rejuvenate and recharge with their wellness services</span></span></span></div><p>After the massage, I headed over right next door to Farmer’s Table (another Raintree Hospitality concept) for an energizing and detoxifying kale pineapple shake. The restaurant&#x27;s ethos is based on the practice of being a locavore, which means &#x27;a person who serves and eats food grown or produced in their local area&#x27;. They are committed to serving the freshest ingredients from farm-to-table goodness amid nature.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174435033500620250408_161931.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Farm-to-table dishes and drinks are available at Farmer’s Table</span></span></span></div><p>As the sun began to dip behind the ridges, I found myself not wanting to leave. I wasn’t just rested—I was restored.</p><p>So if you&#x27;re craving a little soft living and soul care, consider a slow Sunday reset in Tagaytay. Book the brunch. Get the massage. Let the day stretch gently. You deserve that kind of peace.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>For reservations:</strong></div><p><strong>My Country House</strong> +63917 875 1154</p><p><strong>Nurture Spa</strong> +63917 687 8873</p><p><strong>Farmer’s Table</strong> +63905 387 7993</p>

Slow Sunday Reset: Soft Living and Unhurried Weekend Day Trips

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Slow Sunday Reset: Soft Living and Unhurried Weekend Day Trips

Danah Gutierrez

Published April 11, 2025 01:00 PM PHT

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Updated April 11, 2025 01:51 PM PHT

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2025

Sunday Reset

Rest and Reset

Tagaytay Itinerary

My Country Home

Farmer's Table Tagaytay

Nurture Spa Tagaytay

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