Anya Resort & Residences Tagaytay is an oasis not far from Manila that offers rooms with a view of pineapple plantations, multiple dining options, two relaxing pools, and a spa that relaxes both body and mind

Anya Resort & Residences is located an hour-and-a half from the city limits, making it a convenient place to unwind. Friends and colleagues have mentioned the tranquil and premium experience the resort has to offer, so I quickly jumped at the chance to stay at the Tagaytay resort when the offer was made.

Upon receiving a booking confirmation, I was immediately contacted by Anya’s Lifestyle Assistant, a hotel representative assigned to make sure your stay is as relaxing as possible.

She asked for preferences in pillows, room scent, spa treatments, and whether unpacking services would be availed. Even before reaching the property, it was already clear that Anya would do anything for the comfort of their guests. Rightfully so, as the name Anya in Sanskrit means limitless.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW OF PINEAPPLES

The cool Tagaytay wind can be felt upon entering the main lobby of the hotel. Checking in was speedy, especially with the help of my Lifestyle Assistant, who saw to my bags and spoke to the receptionist, allowing me to unwind in the lobby set up like a living room. After receiving my key card, a private golf cart waited to take me to my room.

The cart drove down winding paths lined by low-rise charming villas. The driver remarked that it was a good time to visit Anya. During the summer, the sun shines brightly during the day, and temperature cools down by nightfall. Upon reaching Villa 9, I was told I had the best view in the entire resort. I concur. Beyond floor-toceiling glass windows was a sprawling view of a plantation with rows upon rows of pineapples. This is what makes Tagaytay distinctly Tagaytay, and I was excited to wake up to this view.

LITTLE THINGS COUNT

Anya knows the little things that can make a memorable hotel experience. My room smelled of lemon grass and orange blossoms, as requested. My pillows were plentiful as well, as I always opt to sleep with a lot.

To my surprise, a framed beside a handwritten welcome note and a large can of freshly-made confections. There are two swimming pools to choose from at the luxury resort. I chose the one closer to my room, which was tucked away from the all-day dining restaurant. For the next few hours, I did not move. With the hot sun on my face and the cool water over my body, it was a bit of heaven on a Wednesday afternoon.

Things only got better when the friendly wait staff brought out a cocktail, a spicy cilantro and chili mojito. Returning to my room to prepare for dinner, I saw an origami crane accompanied by a note on my bed.

A note read, “The origami that has been placed in each suite has been individually created by Anya’s own creative and warm hearted seamstress, Ms. Susan Diaz, from her hands to yours.” After a hearty dinner at the signature Samira restaurant, it was time for bed. Although Anya has a lot of amenities and activities to offer (like blind wine testing), the hotel’s cozy suite called out to me.

I soaked in a bubble bath for close to an hour, before hopping into my kingsized bed ready to drift off. After a peaceful sleep, I took my time on the balcony the next morning, savoring the view and some fresh oranges from the fruit basket. After a leisurely start, a golf cart took me to Samira, where I enjoyed a solo meal overlooking the entire property.

WELCOME HOME

Indian-born hotelier, General Manager Peter Lodovico D’Souza, has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, and has managed numerous luxury resorts in India, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Maldives, Doha, and Cambodia.

“We have set a benchmark in Tagaytay. Our tagline is “Welcome home,” and that’s why whenever someone from Anya passes by, they say it to you. Everyone, from room attendants to Lifestyle Assistants, has a mission to make you feel at home. We have a lot of returning clients who come back because they feel at home,” he explains.

The general manager makes sure the resort runs like a well-oiled machine. A typical morning for Peter includes delegating and coordinating with the hotel staff, keeping tabs on seven landscaping teams, fixing village operations of the homeowners, talking to housekeeping, and interacting with guests.

He also says that Anya has a lot planned in the near future. They are looking to hold yoga classes, build a bicycle track, and construct different entertainment zones, including outdoor giant chessboards and jenga.

For now, guests have the hotel’s popular Niyama Spa, which includes a variety of massages to ensure maximum relaxation. The most premium is the Niyami Signature Massage, a 90-minute deep-tissue massage with bamboo sticks and an in-house blend of aromatherapy oil. The treatment is said to improve blood circulation and promote overall well-being. Another option is the Traditional Massage. Also 90 minutes long, it uses ancient Filipino healing art and virgin coconut oil to relax the mind and body.

PARTING WITH PIZZA AND THE IDEA OF NEXT TIME

Before leaving, I made sure to try the brick-oven pizza at poolside restaurant Anila. A selection of the best pizzas was ordered, but one struck my fancy most: the truffle pizza! Freshly made and quickly cooked in the restaurant’s open kitchen, it was the ideal parting meal during a relaxing stay.

The experience at Anya was too short, but it leaves a yearning to return to a dreamy getaway that feels like home.

Luckily, Tagaytay isn’t too far from Manila. When things get tough, the oasis is there to welcome us home.