When city-dwelling couples need a bit of alone time, they look to Tagaytay, a city just two hours away from the capital. Overlooking Manila Bay to the north and Taal Lake and Volcano to the south, Tagaytay’s elevation guarantees cooler temperatures throughout the year, making it the ideal destination for a romantic weekend. Looking to rekindle the spark? Read on for our guide on how to make the most out of your holiday in the second Summer Capital of the Philippines:
- Acquire Awesome Accommodations
Given its reputation as a top holiday destination, you’ll find all manner of places to rest your head in Tagaytay, from the quiet and quaint to the opulent and over-the-top. Escala Tagaytay perfectly balances plush hotel accommodations and amenities with reasonable pricing for the best of both worlds. Choose from six available room types with stunning views of the lake and crater and gain access to the hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool, designed to visually blend seamlessly into the horizon. Head down to the in-house spa for couples’ treatments, or have your massages done in your room for maximum privacy. For dinner, go to Leslie’s Restaurant for their signature bulalo, or Josephine’s Tagaytay for fresh seafood and other favorites.
- Have Breakfast at Antonio’s
Breakfast at Antonio’s is an offshoot of the famous Antonio’s in Tagaytay, belonging to the Antonio’s Group of Restaurants owned by celebrated Filipino chef Tony Boy Escalante. This all-day breakfast spot and bistro serves Western and Filipino cuisine in a breezy, more casual setting. Start your day right with Classic Pancakes served with whipped butter and an assortment of syrups, or go traditional with Beef Tapa, served with garlic rice and two eggs made just the way you like them. Before leaving, make sure to check out the bakeshop and deli for freshly made bread, homemade curds and jams, and deli meats to take home.
- Visit Sonya’s Garden
There’s something almost magical about this verdant pocket of paradise in Alfonso. Sonya’s Garden is owner Sonya Garcia’s ode to nature itself and the serenity it can impart to someone: the sprawling property is a vision in green, dotted with vibrant blooming flowers at every turn. The place is so beautiful that it’s become a popular spot for wedding proposals—and is there anything more romantic than that? Dine at the lunch and dinner buffet in the function hall/restaurant; they focus on homestyle cooking and source the ingredients from their own garden. You could also skip the food entirely and just go for a leisurely tour—hand-in-hand, of course—of the grounds. Check out the bakery before you go; they sell fresh Spanish bread, their famous cheese hopia, and organic salad packs made with vegetables and flowers grown in-house. You’ll also find organic soaps, shampoos, massage oils, candles, and other scented gifts and souvenirs at the apothecary.
- Settle in for a Romantic Night at The Purple Owl
The Purple Owl isn’t quite a café or a restaurant. Rather, it’s a dedicated space for romantic dates, anniversaries, weddings and small events—the brainchild of owner Paula Yonzon. Choose from a variety of packages—whether you and your partner only want a quiet, uninterrupted meal or a private screening of your favorite movies—and the staff will not only do their best to accommodate you, they’ll also customize your setup according to your preferences. An outdoor movie screening under fairy lights? Sure. A sumptuous full-course dinner and three to four hours of alone time? Why not. An intimate party for yourself and ten of your closest friends? They’ll get it done. Pay a little more for extra touches, such as a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers, and we guarantee there’s no woman (or man!) on earth that won’t fall in love with you all over again.
- Bond over Rides and Games at Sky Ranch
If you and your partner are more into a playful good time than looking into each other’s eyes, unleash your inner children with a visit to Sky Ranch Tagaytay. The 5-hectare leisure park is home to the Sky Eye, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the Philippines, as well as various other thrill and kiddie rides. Board the Super Viking—always a guaranteed good time—or the Drop Tower for a fantastic view of Lake Taal, just before the gondola hurtles you and the other passengers back towards the ground. Afterwards, win a prize for your girl (or boy!) at any of the available carnival game stands for a memorable souvenir to take back to the city with you.
Romance is in the air in Tagaytay, and the phenomenon lasts throughout the year. Here, there are plenty of opportunities to rekindle the flame and make memories that you’ll both fondly look back at years after.
