Holiday escapes where you can rest, recharge

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this past year, you deserve a break. But if another staycation at your favorite hotel won’t cut it, exploring a new space just might do the trick.

There’s no better time to book that much needed quick getaway and discover new places with friends and family than the holidays. Inquirer Property has rounded up a few places you might want to check out should you decide to escape the metro (and your slew of inaanaks) in the coming weeks.

Hamanda Hotel

(Photo for Hamanda Hotel)

San Fernando, PampangaTucked inside the Souq Restaurant Compound in San Fernando is Hamanda Hotel (hamandahotel.com). The low density boutique hotel features six stylish rooms and carefully curated amenities that are designed to give guests an enjoyable stay. The best part about Hamanda Hotel is that it’s pet-friendly so your furbabies can vacay with you, too.

Since you’re in the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” revel in the spirit of the season and check out San Fernando’s Giant Lantern Festival. It’s holding in-person festivities after two years of going virtual, so expect a more dazzling, brighter and more colorful parade of heart-stopping Christmas lanterns.

The Lake Farm

(Photo for The Lake Farm)

San Fernando, PampangaIf you want the authentic feel of the farm life, you’d love The Lake Farm. It features a casita with a man-made lake, plus a pool that’s divided into four sections, with varying depths—perfect for groups with toddlers and little kids because they have their own wading pools to splash in. Pets are free to stay with you as well.

You can go fishing for free at the man-made lake. Venture out and go on a food trip–you’re right in the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, after all. Book a weekend at The Lake Farm by visiting its Facebook page, @thelakefarmph, or search via Airbnb.com, abnb.me/tlEa6a6hE4.

Kahel Resort

(Photo for Kahel)—Photo by John Rey Espinueva.

San Juan, La UnionWho said you can’t spend a Christmas holiday at the beach? Get your fix of the sea, sun and surf at Kahel Resort (kahelresort.com) in Brgy. Taboc in San Juan, La Union. Enjoy an unhampered view of LU’s azure waters and cerulean skies from the beachfront property. Its restaurant boasts of mouthwatering fare as well as a superb selection of specialty drinks.

Right in front of Kahel is the former secret surf spot Shotgun so you can count on catching some good waves without paddling out too far. You can also go kayaking, play at resort’s pool, or lounge on the sunbeds if you’re too sore from surfing (or getting wiped out).

The Coffee Farmhouse
Alfonso, Cavite

(Photo for The Coffee Farmhouse)

By this time, you know that all those planned (and unplanned) Christmas parties and reunions are going to tire you out. Perk up at The Coffee Farmhouse (thecoffeefarmhouse.com) in Alfonso, Cavite, located just two hours from Manila and 30 minutes from Tagaytay.

The bed and breakfast promises a restful and fun stay with its tasteful, rustic furnishings, hearty homemade meals and recreational activities. There’s a pool, camping swings, hammocks, bicycles and scooters that guests can borrow. The Coffee Farmhouse offers a coffee tour, naturally.

The Alch
Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental

(The Alch)

Feel the cool Christmas breeze at The Alch (facebook.com/The-Alch), a private vacation home in Brgy. Bunga, Don Salvador Benedicto, Bacolod City. It promises to be a relaxing and quiet escape which offers a picturesque view of the mountains, including Mount Kanlaon.

You can choose from its Master’s Suite and A-frame loft houses. Amenities include a pool, a gazebo, garden grounds and a fire pit. After recharging at one of The Alch’s cozy A-frame loft houses, swing by Rapha Valley (raphavalley.com), a wellness farm just 16 minutes away via the Eco-Tourism Highway. Feast on its delightful dishes which use fresh and organic produce.