Batangas typically conjures images of beautiful beaches, diving, and a tropical getaway for those living in the Metro. However, for those looking for a serene, slow living lifestyle, one city stands out in the province. Lipa City, a refreshing polar opposite from the sun and sand of popular destinations like Nasugbu and Calatagan, and one of the best places to live in the Philippines offers a more sophisticated contrast.
Nestled in an elevated part of Batangas, approximately 1,025 feet above sea level, Lipa City enjoys cooler and chillier weather all year round. As stated on the website WowBatangas.com, Lipa is the third “coolest city” in the country, coming only after Tagaytay and Baguio.
Subtly attracting a different crowd (those seeking accessible refined luxury), Lipa is home to grand churches, wide boulevards, and stately ancestral homes – a true testament to its history and heritage of being home to some of the country’s most elite families. Attracting Manila-based weekenders and day trippers, the city is enjoying a renaissance, drawing in discerning travelers for its culture, cool weather, luxurious offerings, and blend of modern sophistication and old-world charm.
High-End Attractions That Have Made Lipa a Day Trip-Worthy Destination
A combination of wellness, fine dining, and sports activities for the high-end traveler is waiting to be discovered in Lipa. Here are the top luxury attractions that make Lipa a day-trip worthy destination:
1. Experience Wellness and Rejuvenation at The Farm at San Benito
Established on December 14, 2002, The Farm At San Benito is an award-winning eco-luxury holistic medical wellness resort set in over 51 hectares of lush greenery in Lipa. Offering a range of wellness programs, the wellness resort provides mental health programs, detoxification, pain management and more.
Attracting affluent clients from all over the country and from different parts of the world, it offers more than just programs but an integrated approach to health, where medical diagnostics are combined with vegan cuisine, naturopathy and spa treatments for an entirely invigorating stay.
Guests experience eco-luxury villas, private pools, and refreshing gardens, making a relaxing and serene environment perfect for rest.
Related article: Top 10 Farm Stays & Resorts in the Philippines
2. Enjoy Afternoon Tee Time at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club
Combining sport and leisure, the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club is a world-class estate featuring an 18-hole championship golf course. Surrounded by the stunning backdrop of Mount Malarayat, it’s more than just a golf course but a true luxurious destination. A members-only enclave, the country club also features tennis courts, a spa, a swimming pool, and a gourmet restaurant.
Related article: 7 Best Golf Courses in the Philippines
3. Elite Horseback Riding at Leviste Equestrian Park
Only a few places in the country can claim a world-class equestrian park, and the Leviste Equestrian Park stands at the top. The park is owned and run by celebrated equestrienne Toni Leviste, who has been named the Philippine Sportswriters Association Rider of the Year 14 consecutive times from 1992 to 2005.
The facility is geared towards seasoned riders and future Olympians, but those who wish to learn horseback riding can also experience the park’s features.
Facilities include show jumping arenas, riding clinics, and world-class stables. Exclusive and committed to maintaining excellence in the industry, the 10-hectare park is considered a “horse spa” by Toni Leviste, due to its dedication to the care and wellness of horses.
4. World-Class Dining at Prism Restaurant and Casa Marikit
With a reputation for provincial sophistication, Lipa is catching up to the country’s high-end dining scene. Its top restaurants are Prism Restaurant and Casa Marikit, each offering a unique take on local and international cuisine.
Prism Restaurant is located within the Lima Park Hotel complex, serving authentic fine dining experiences with its menu rooted in Filipino flavors.
Casa Marikit, on the other hand, serves up Italian cuisine, set in a charming and beautifully preserved ancestral home. It is known for its fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and its collection of fine wines.
The Art of Slow Living, the Lipa Way
Lipa offers luxury to the discerning traveler, an affluent destination that’s a stone’s throw from Manila. Not only is it a favorite weekend getaway for those looking for a serene and cultural escape, or just the sum of its attractions, but it also offers a slow lifestyle that allows you to detox, enjoy slow activities, and indulge in sophisticated dining.
Witness beautiful stone churches, view stately ancestral homes, learn about its coffee industry, play sports, and heal, all within a day’s trip from the Metro.
–
Featured Image by Tripadvisor
