The Farm at San Benito

The Farm is set on 25 acres of a larger coconut plantation located about 53 miles south of Manila. Thatched open pavilions, reflection pools, lagoons, stone waterfalls, and lush jungle surroundings make for a serene atmosphere that complements the resort’s focus on wellness and health. Surrounded by a mix of manicured grass lawns and tropical plants, the shaded lobby sets the mood for a luxurious yet relaxed stay in touch with nature. It features a charming mix of traditional Filipiniana and stylish contemporary Asian design, with bamboo and rattan furniture, polished dark wood floors, and a soft neutral palette. Outside, harmless animals such as peacocks, hens and lizards roam the grounds, and pathways lined with towering palm trees and other tropical plants weave through ponds, meditation nooks, and yoga pavilions. The vibe at The Farm is quiet and private, with suites and villas spread out across the property, many with their own walled garden. Interiors are simple yet stylish throughout, with soft hues, lots of wood accents, and glass walls that bring the lush outdoors in.

There's nothing else in the Philippines quite like The Farm at San Benito, but those who prefer a location on the beach will find a beautiful spa and yoga classes at Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa. This property is one of the top wellness-oriented luxury options in Southeast Asia, along with the COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali.

The resort has a quiet, secluded setting on a large coconut plantation outside of Lipa, a town located about 90 minutes south of Manila. There is nothing within walking distance, and the city center is about a 20-minute drive away, but few guests choose to leave the property anyway. Those interested in shopping may want to check out Robinsons Place Lipa, a large mall with dozens of stores, a movie theater, and a number of dining options. The nearest major airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, which can be reached in about two hours in normal driving conditions. However, the drive can take up to four hours during rush hour. 

The property offers nine different rooms types, ranging from cozy bi-level Sulu Terraces housed in traditional barn-style huts to stylish two-bedroom villas with kitchenettes and private pools. All units offer a high level of privacy, with outdoor areas tucked behind lush tropical plants, and long pitched roofs that cover windows while still letting in plenty of sunlight. Interiors combine traditional Filipino decor elements such as rattan furniture and dark hardwood floors with a stylish soft neutral palette. Throw pillows in green, blue, and different earth tones add some color, while natural materials such as stone, wood and bamboo give rooms lots of local charm. 

Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes, purified water, and electric kettles with a selection of herbal teas. Additionally, villas provide yoga mats, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Master Villas and The Lakan have fully stocked kitchens. Bathrooms vary in size, but all have rustic stone and/or wood finishes, and at least walk-in showers with handmade coconut oil toiletries; villas feature outdoor showers and deep soaking tubs, many also outdoors. Bathrooms in Sulu Terrace Rooms are accessed via exterior stairs, which can be inconvenient at night and on rainy days. Narra Villas, Master Villas and The Lakan have private gardens with outdoor heated pools and indoor-outdoor living areas.

The focus at The Farm is on wellness, be it physical, mental, or emotional. To that end, the property offers a wide array of private and group activities that can be combined to create a holistic programs tailored to the guest’s needs. Anti-age, detoxification, weight loss, mindfulness, and cleansing retreats are all offered here, but it is also possible to take loose yoga, cooking, meditation, or fitness classes, all free of charge. The property also features a medical clinic offering services such as nutritional consultation, colon hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, acupuncture, reiki, intravenous vitamin infusion, liver and gallbladder flush, and hara-puri treatments. Additionally, The Farm has a beautiful spa with indoor and outdoor facilities, wonderful massage and salon services, and an outdoor infinity pool. There are two other lovely infinity pools surrounded by lush gardens, including one with a bar. The fitness center has a handful of cardio and strength-training machines, plus a yoga studio for group or private classes. 

Alive! is the hotel’s restaurant, known across the region for being the first and best 100 percent vegan hotel restaurant in the Philippines. It serves excellent vegan cuisine made with organic ingredients, most grown in the kitchen garden. Raw ingredients are used whenever possible.

Although probably better suited for couples and groups than for families with young children, the property features a kids’ club with tons of daily activities, including arts and crafts, cooking, soap making, and storytelling. There is also an outdoor playground with swings, and babysitting services are available on request. The Farm at San Benito also provides free Wi-Fi, and free on-site parking. Airport transfers can be arranged for an extra fee.