Vacation with a purpose at The Farm
Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured.
It was the birth anniversary recently of my late dad Ting Dayrit, who passed on 20 days before my mother Mila Salgado Dayrit did in 1997. It was never easy for my family and me but through the good Lord’s mercy and grace, we moved on.
Losing loved ones always brings difficulty, but joy and pain each have their own corresponding energy. How can one know joy if one has never experienced pain? Each second of the day, we are breathing. We stop and listen to our heartbeat, our bodies. As we exhale and inhale, oxygen provides us with what will sustain us. From the sudden loss of our parents to lung cancer, we learned how to care for ourselves, for each other and the community.
There are special, even magical places where one can heal faster and deeper than others. These places, where energy is naturally wired to inhale and exhale oxygen, is a phenomenon referred to as vacation indulgence with a purpose.
Welcome to the world-renown, award-winning The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City in Batangas, at the foot of the dramatic Mt. Malarayat where golfing is never second best.
I recently experienced fatigue from travelling too much for the work. Writing hundreds of travel articles about all seven continents over the last 14 years has taken a toll on my health. I did not realize that changing times zones, not being hydrated enough, not eating fresh organic food could lead to the need to re-energize. My dear sister Michelle (who just survived two bouts of cancer and is now completely healed) and my BFF Bum Tenorio accompanied me on this medi-vacation and we enjoyed being in spa-radise at The Farm at San Benito. I am completely healed as well.
The inspiration for these nuggets of “indulgence with a purpose” emanates not just from eating the right fresh food (like our favorite certified-organic, locally grown “Salad Time” produce) that creates a synergy of mind, body and soul but also from the stunningly beautiful Lakan Villas with two bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms including indoor shower and bathtub, central living area, walled-in gardens with koi ponds, a kitchenette and bar area, maid’s quarters and a heated swimming pool with hydro jets and relaxation bale. Located near the reception area, Mango Tree and the Master Villa, the Lakan Villa is excellent for two couples traveling together, a group of friends or a family getaway.
Each villa has a plunge pool with the rainforest as the backdrop.The comely scent of a well-managed forest is evident in the villa. There is a conscious effort to recreate nature at the Lakan Villa with natural surroundings God blessed us with.
Our dream villa is modern Filipino in style, interpreted by architect Noel Saratan, an artist who has succeeded in blending the original Farm concept seamlessly in these new villas.
There is no doubt that the Lakan Villas are the most exquisite since The Farm general manager Michael di Lonardo and his lovely wife Jennifer have 10 years experience with the group of Aman Resorts. They also opened the Vigilius Mountain Resort (www.vigilius.com) in the Italian Alps with star architect Matteo Thun. It was their career dream to bring the hospitality industry to the next level and The Farm is definitely it.
“The Farm is a very special place in the heart of our country and it is the healing hands and hearts of our staff that makes The Farm special. I would not be surprised if very soon, there will be one in another Asian country and our experts would be training them,” said Michael.
Dr. Marie Alonzo taught us sublime breathing using lithium quartz to suit our chemical requirements. She shared topics on serenity, bliss and used live blood analysis to designate what the condition of our well-being is.
Alonzo also gave us art work sessions to help us distract ourselves from the mundane existence. We truly enjoyed this exercise. Meeting with Alonzo was like finding an oasis in a desert. She said to walk barefoot. Feel the ground. Do not think of past fears. Know that I am plugged to God the infinite source of love and light. I have stayed in some of the most exotic villas with private plunge pools that reminded me of the Narra and Lakan Villas in the Farm at San Benito. There is no need to leave our country to be able to experience such beauty, luxury and grandeur. My sister Michelle, and her family, who followed later on, were in heaven. The best part, The Farm allows pets like dogs or cats.
In retrospect, the minute I walked into The Farm, I felt a sense of deep calm and peace. It felt like going home to a familiar place where fond memories of nurturing and healing take place. I thanked the good Lord for blessings such as these and remembered the owner of The Farm, Naresh Khattar who once told me: “I was looking for something to do with the rest of my life and I found it here.”?So did I.
Where in the world will you find a medical facility in spa-radise where every detail — from the lush landscape to the villas, pond, clinic, meditation nooks — is all devoted to one thing that matters most: our well-being.?I love The Farm and it’s so great to be back. As though one travels many miles away from one’s own abode to hear the salutation: “Welcome home, today is the first day of your wellness. Your life will never be the same again.”
And it is here in this loving place called The Farm that all stands still as we take care of the one thing that stands as the most significant — our health. To the Farm, I shall return to rediscover bliss and joy. And yes, to celebrate wellness of the mind, body and spirit again.
Yes, life is never meant to be endured. Here at The Farm in San Benito, you will begin to truly enjoy it. See you there!
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The Farm at San Benito is located at 119 Brgy. Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas. Its sales and reservations office is at G/F, The Peninsula Manila, Makati City. For inquiries, call (+632) 884-8074 or (+63) 917 572-2230. You can also e-mail to reservations@thefarm.com.ph or log on to www.thefarmatsanbenito.com.
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Email the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.
