Not far from the hustle and bustle of Manila, you will find yourself at The Farm at San Benito, 90 kilometres from the International airport. Entering the grounds is like entering another realm, time slows and it's all about you, and your well-being.
A balmy 30 degrees almost year round, the tropical climate immediately warms me and the lush jungle provides the perfect backdrop for my healthy holiday at this beautiful wellness retreat, I am welcomed on my arrival by Jennifer and Michael, Resident General Managers of The Farm.
After check in and a refreshing welcome drink, I am shown to my Narra Pool Villa, just a short walk from reception at the edge of the property, the room is enormous with a huge king size bed, outdoor balcony with day beds inside and two sun loungers overlooking the private 3 x 8 meter heated swimming pool. Back inside I unpack my toiletries in the luxurious bathroom with double sinks, rain shower, bathtub and even two individual toilets specifically designed for guests traveling together and undertaking The Farm Detox Cleanse, no detail has been spared.
Narra Pool Villa at The Farm
One of the first things I notice is all the space to relax and embrace the scenery, and I have picked up a Filipino saying - bahala na (whatever will be will be) – so I make sure to get some time to relax and enjoy the view during my stay.
The focus at The Farm is to be your best self, and it certainly shows in every aspect of the retreat. Resident Dr. Ferdinand provides a holistic health consultation which is very in-depth and even includes a capillary scan and nutritional microscopy, I am given a thorough analysis of my current physical state and advised how I can make some small adjustments to be improve my overall wellness, his advice is easy to follow and I feel able to put it into action straight away, switching off my electronics a little earlier to improve my sleep and being more mindful to chew more slowly and enjoy when I eat.
Speaking of food, one of the highlights of The Farm is the healthy cuisine, served at Alive! Restaurant, it is a gourmet vegan sensation. Over half of all food consumed here is grown onsite and the rest acquired through relationships with local organic farmers. Lunch and Dinner are spectacular and on many occasions I indulge in the full 5 course option (a la carte is also available) and I make sure to get a copy of the retreats own 'Raw' cookbook before I leave, as I want to make vegan food like this at home. One of my favourite dishes was the beetroot ravioli with tarragon cashew cheese & balsamic figs with a side of squash & sweet potato gratin, gourmet, delicious and great for you.
Personal training in the "Jungle Gym" at The Farm (left). The Farm healthy popular Filipino dessert Halo Halo (right).
The Farm lends itself to the type of healthy holiday experience you desire, as I like to be active during my trips I am pleased to see that not only is the 'Jungle Gym' well equipped, but there is also a jogging track and many daily fitness activities; you can also craft your own fitness holiday experience. During my visit I have personal training sessions with resident Personal Trainer Jessie, who put me through my paces with a one-on-one boxing session, and a circuit training class for some heart pumping cardio.
And if you are after some activities that are a little more relaxed, there were several types of walks in and around the property as well as many yoga classes from traditional Vinyasa Flow to Belly Yoga, a combination of belly dancing into yoga practice (good for body awareness and a little laughing), our Instructor Bee made us feel like beautiful dancers, at least in the making! The Farm offers the perfect setting for a luxury detox retreat or yoga holiday.
The tranquil grounds (left). Travel Specialist Samantha is guided through a private yoga lesson with Instructor Bee (right).
And you must visit the Healing Sanctuary, The Farm's Spa and with an extensive menu of treatments, using 100% natural and organic products made fresh for each treatment; the perfect luxury spa holiday for rejuvenation.
The Sanctuary overlooks its own infinity pool and is surrounded by a beautiful relaxation area. Spa Manager Lem conducted a hands on consultation during my first visit and I was surprised at the in-depth feedback I was given after what felt mostly like a gentle massage.
The Sanctuary Spa pool and relaxation area overlooking the lush green forest.
Lem recommended a series of purification treatments for me and also made me promise to come back for a longer stay of at least 7 nights next time. My first treatment is one of the Signature treatments, the Ying Yang Body Polish, here my therapist Bernadette applied a healing Sea Salt solution using special strokes to balance the body, a very relaxing treatment uniquely developed at The Farm and especially good for stress relief and re-energising the body, I was left feeling totally rejuvenated.I also experienced the Skin Kayud & Barako Body Pack treatment, Barako is Filipino coffee, here two therapists ( I know, two – what luxury!) simultaneously using two Mother of pearl shells engage the lymph system, remove dead skin cells and tighten the skin. After this the Barako Coffee pack is applied to encourage detoxification and afterwards I am shown to a huge outdoor bathtub to soak away my worries, it is certainly a new way to enjoy coffee.The Farm is the only wellness retreat and healing holiday of its kind in the Philippines and one of the best in the world. The Farm enables its guests to cope with the ever-increasing stress-filled challenges of everyday life through a well-managed and tailored wellness programme for restoration of balance and harmony by encouraging a commitment to a proactive healthy lifestyle.By the time I am packing up to leave my skin is glowing and I feel refreshed inside and out, I have made a fresh commitment to my own well-being and to stay healthy – perfect for the solo traveller who is looking for a sanctuary for body, mind and soul, The Farm is also suited to couples and friends for some rest and relaxation and I guarantee you'll wished you were staying longer when it's time to return home.
