Wellness retreats have always held a special place in my heart—little pockets of pause where life slows just enough to breathe deeper and feel lighter. So, when the opportunity arose to visit a sanctuary in the Philippines, I didn’t think twice. Southeast Asia had long been on my radar.

On a warm, humid afternoon, I land in Manila. A friendly resort driver greets me, and we begin a scenic two-hour drive to The Farm at San Benito, an eco-luxury holistic resort nestled within the verdant mountains of Lipa City, Batangas.  As the cityscape fades into the rearview mirror, the view slowly shifts to countryside landscapes and quotidian local life — fruit-laden roadside stalls, vibrant tricycles, and waving locals. It’s a gentle introduction to Filipino warmth and culture.

Checking Into Tranquillity

As I arrive at The Farm at San Benito, I’m welcomed by a sea of towering coconut palms—over 3,000 of them, I’m told—swaying in the breeze like guardians of peace. A staff member greets me with chilled coconut water and walks me through my personalised programme for the next four nights. It already sounds like the perfect blend of indulgence and introspection.

With 18 accommodation categories to choose from—ranging from the rustic charm of the Sulu Terrace to the elegant Garden Glass Villa and the luxurious Lakan Villa—each space is designed thoughtfully.

My sanctuary for the stay is the Mahogany Pool Residence, a 281-square-metre villa that marries Filipino design sensibilities with eco-conscious architecture. Inside, a spacious living and dining area with a kitchenette invites quiet, shared moments. The master bedroom boasts a walk-in closet, twin vanities, a deep soaking tub, and a private balcony that looks out over the ridges of Mt. Malarayat. A compact home office tucked into a corner lets rest and work flow in gentle tandem.

Outside, my private pool becomes a beloved daily ritual. As if on cue, a curious cat visits every afternoon – her quiet companionship only deepens the sense of ease this place so effortlessly cultivates.

Where tropical wilderness whispers

I wander the sprawling property to get my bearings. The winding paths lead through enchanting gardens filled with flowering shrubs, medicinal herbs, mango trees, palms and fragrant frangipani. The air here feels noticeably different—crisper, cleaner, infused with the scent of earth and leaves.

The soundscape is just as therapeutic: rustling foliage, gentle birdsong, and the soft trickle of water features form a quiet symphony. Ducks, geese, and peacocks roam the grounds freely, often near the tranquil lagoon by the reception hall. It’s a living ecosystem, and I feel like part of it.

Of all the spots on the property, none steals my heart quite like the Secret Garden—a hidden waterfall pool tucked away within a maze of verdant pathways. Enclosed by greenery and rock formations, it radiates a rainforest-like ambience. Sunbeds and small meditation nooks complete the space.

I spend hours here post-lunch, alternating between soaking under the cascading waterfall and reading on the lounger. It’s the kind of place that gently erases the boundary between wellness resort and wild paradise. I find myself returning again and again.

A personalised path to wellness

My wellness journey begins with a consultation with integrative doctor Ron Weiss and nutritionist Madelene Carpacio. They listen attentively as I share details about my lifestyle and goals—frequent travel, eating habits, emotional well-being and overall health aspirations. Drawing from this, they design a personalised wellness plan focused on practical, sustainable shifts: building colourful, nutrient-dense meals, making mindful choices while on the road, and increasing protein intake to support strength and stamina.

Connecting with my spiritual self

My mornings at the property typically begin with a turmeric shot that’s delivered to my villa, followed by a guided yoga session, which is an invitation to shed distractions, pause and align with the tranquillity of nature. As dawn breaks, the gentle warmth of the morning sun bathes the amphitheatre with a golden glow. It’s not uncommon to witness a rare white peacock gracefully strolling nearby, its presence adding a touch of magic and a sense of harmony with the natural world.

Coach Candice, who effortlessly guides the group through a Hatha-based flow—linking movement and breath, weaving in asanas, pranayama, mantra, and mudra. Her sessions are ideal for beginners and seasoned yogis, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Midweek, I join the resort’s wellness strategist, Bryan Hoare, for a mindful walk through The Labyrinth—a meditative space thoughtfully designed to inspire reflection. After a few deep stretches, we begin our slow, deliberate walk along the winding path, a symbolic journey through life. Each step invites a deeper connection with oneself, offering space to observe thoughts and emotions with clarity and calm.

On the other hand, a private mandala session under the sprawling canopy of the property’s ancient mango tree is deeply grounding. Unlike traditional mandala drawing, I am given a plate full of gorgeous flower petals and leaves along with a big bowl of water to create a floating mandala that represents artistry and centuries-old wisdom.

Perhaps the most transcendent moment comes at dusk, during the Shivling Ritual led by Spa Director Lem. As the sky turns lavender and rose, I take part in Abhishekam, a sacred bathing ceremony where milk, honey, and water are gently poured over a stone Shivling. The chanting of mantras, ringing of bells, and soft fragrance of incense create a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere—closing the day with reverence and stillness.

Nourishing the body, mindfully

Dining at The Farm at San Benito is more than a culinary experience—it’s an extension of the wellness journey. With five distinct venues and a farm-to-table philosophy, every meal is crafted to support healing, balance, and mindful nourishment. The staff, warm and attentive, treat each guest with genuine care, making every bite feel intentional.

My days often begin at Pesce, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant set by the pool. Breakfast is a colourful spread of organic whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—light, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Inspired by the Blue Zone diet, Pesce also serves lunch options like Seafood Bicol Express, a rich Filipino dish of seafood simmered in spiced coconut milk, and Paksiw na Isda, a home-style vinegar-braised fish served with a punch of local flavour.

Alive!, the resort’s pan-Asian vegan restaurant is a haven for plant-based dining. Here, clean eating never means sacrificing flavour. I savour a crisp pomelo salad and vegetable rolls wrapped in rice paper, bursting with garden-fresh herbs, sprouts and crunch. Other standouts include baked butternut squash, tofu steak, and traditional Filipino vegan takes like Laing (taro leaves stewed in coconut milk), Chop Suey, and Lomi—a hearty noodle soup with vegetables and tofu.

At Prana, the Ayurvedic vegetarian restaurant, ancient Indian principles meet contemporary wellness. Each dish is designed to balance the body’s energies through healing herbs and spices. I try the Lemon Coriander Soup and Vegetable Curry with Rice—zesty and flavourful, though a little too fiery for my palate.

Upper Deck, the newest dining venue on the property, leans Mediterranean in concept but is flexible and inviting. I request a traditional Filipino dinner, and the chef happily obliges. Live musicians serenade me as I enjoy a soulful spread: Tinola (a gingery chicken and spinach broth), Chicken Adobo (tender chicken glazed in soy, vinegar, and peppercorns), and Halo-Halo, a joyful medley of shaved ice, coconut, jackfruit, and sweet beans—Filipino summer in a glass.

For a more elevated experience, Soufflé de Vie, the French fine-dining restaurant, delivers refined classics. Highlights include the Salade Niçoise—crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, potatoes, tuna, and soft-boiled eggs—and Chicken Thighs Braised in White Wine, delicately flavoured with tarragon and finished with a light cream sauce.

Science-backed healing and time-honoured therapies

Wellness at The Farm at San Benito goes far beyond indulgent spa days—it’s about resetting the body, rebalancing the mind, and establishing habits that last long after your stay ends. Alongside mindful eating and spiritual practices, the resort offers a thoughtful blend of science-backed therapies and time-honoured healing traditions.

My wellness journey begins with a physical fitness assessment with Coach Jess. Through rounds of Tabata-style exercises, he evaluates my aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and flexibility. It’s rigorous yet fun—a motivating reminder to stay consistent with fitness back home.

Next, I try the IV Immune Booster, a powerful blend of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins administered directly into the bloodstream to strengthen immunity and boost overall energy.

One of the most serene spaces on the property is the Acqua Hydrotherapy Sanctuary. Here, the thermal circuit includes everything from Japanese onsen-style soaks and flotation pods to Kneipp therapy and Vichy showers. The alternating temperatures and water pressures enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and support detoxification.

Over four days, I sample a variety of rejuvenating massages—many of which use virgin coconut oil harvested from the property’s trees. Particularly effective is Myotherapy, a dry massage that targets musculoskeletal pain and deeply rooted tension without oils—perfect for someone like me who spends hours on a laptop.

I also experience Hilot, a traditional Filipino healing massage. Warm herbal oils infused with native ingredients like ylang-ylang and banana leaves are used in flowing, intuitive strokes to restore balance and energy flow.

A highlight of my stay is the post-dinner reflexology under the stars—a soothing 60-minute foot, hand, and head massage performed outdoors. With nighttime sounds as the backdrop, I drift toward sleep. Unlike most spas, The Farm’s wellness centre operates late into the evening, making bedtime massages a real treat.

Another standout is the Vital Dome session—a 40-minute infrared sauna experience inside a capsule-like dome that promotes deep sweating, mobilises toxins, and leaves me feeling renewed.

City dwellers exposed to dust and hard water will especially appreciate the Ten-Step Scalp Microbiome Treatment. This two-hour ritual includes a thorough scalp analysis, detoxifying scrub, oxygen therapy, massage, and more — mainly, deep cleansing of the scalp. It’s a reset not just for the head, but for the senses.

Returning with a renewed me

On my last morning at The Farm at San Benito, I wake feeling truly transformed. Leaving this sanctuary is bittersweet, but I depart with a deep sense of clarity and vigour. One of the simplest yet most impactful rituals I’m taking with me is the morning turmeric shot—a small, potent reminder to be intentional with how I nourish myself.

I realise that the Farm’s philosophy—rooted in psycho-emotional healing, mindful routines, and science-backed strategies—offers more than a wellness break. It encourages a new way of living, where self-care is not a phase, but a daily practice.

For wellness programmes and tariffs, visit: https://www.thefarmatsanbenito.com/