Serene spaces for a happy home

MANILA, Philippines - The keys to happiness are actually less complicated than you think. In his much acclaimed book, The Happiness Hypothesis, Psychology Professor Jonathan Haidt lists several life conditions that ancient wisdom and research have proven to be accurate precursors to happiness and contentment.

Despite what many might think, a joyful life does not automatically stem from such things as material wealth. More than anything, happiness comes from the simple things in life: enjoying hobbies or sports, reading good books, or forging meaningful relationships. Even the amount of control you feel over situations affects overall happiness and contentment. But while most people might be visiting different places or even going abroad to fulfill the conditions for happiness, Ayala Land Premier’s exclusive residential enclave, Park Terraces, can provide you with an environment that can nurture all of these.  

Serenity and satisfaction

“Noise, especially noise that is variable or intermittent,” writes Haidt. “Interferes with concentration and increases stress.”

With well-designed, generously sized units that insulate you from the bustle of the city, Park Terraces offers a luxuriously welcome respite from the daily grind. Ground-floor cafes, lounges, courtyard gardens and maximized ventilation in each of the building’s units, give you relaxing spaces in the middle of Makati. Residents in Park Terraces’ northern units can also enjoy the beautiful Makati skyline during the night, while those in the eastern units can rise to the warmth and view of the morning sun. An outdoor infinity pool and a fully equipped fitness center allows you to shed stress (and unwanted pounds) through exercise. After all, fitness and feeling good about one’s body also add to the happiness quotient.

All these add up to effortless and stress-free living in a peaceful home at the heart of Makati.

A location you’ll love

Haidt also suggests that lasting happiness is obtained through lasting relationships and a strong sense of community. It’s also interesting to note that Ruut Veenhoven, professor of sociology at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands and director of the World Database of Happiness, states that happiness is all about investing in good relationships. His studies show that those who take time to have a drink with friends after work tend to be happier than those who don’t.

Located at the heart of the redeveloped Ayala Center, Park Terraces offers a wealth of luxury and leisure establishments right outside your doorstep, making it easy to bond with family and friends for dinner or a few drinks. Makati offices are just a stone throw’s away, while shopping havens and restaurants (from casual to fine dining) are a few steps from your door. Well-designed amenities, like social halls and function rooms allow for ideal places to hold parties, bond with neighbors and even meet new friends. Indeed, Park Terraces offers the accessibility and convenience of living in a prime location where  business and pleasure merge into one seamless location, and where strengthening relationships and forging ties come easy.

Despite preconceived notions that material wealth and luxury bring contentment, it seems like the secret to real, long-term happiness lies in a happy, serene home that allows you to enjoy work, hobbies and even the company of friends and family. And, with Park Terraces’ amenities, features and its proximity to various lifestyle destinations, happiness is finally just a turn of the key away.