Here’s what went down on the first day of Lifestyle Asia’s The Lost Weekend, a three-day wellness getaway that invites guests to nourish, move, and connect with themselves.
Since its refresh back in April, Lifestyle Asia, the oldest luxury magazine in the Philippines, has been redefining what “the good life” means for today’s generation. This vision comes to life through its series of signature events, including the ongoing The Lost Weekend.
The three-day retreat is more than just a curated wellness getaway for a select group of guests. It is an invitation to reconnect with friends, with nature, with beauty, and with ourselves. As Chief of Editorial Content, Kerry Tinga puts it, this year at Lifestyle Asia is about “claiming space for our generation.” And what does our generation have that no other truly does? Time. Not in infinite supply, but moment by moment, we get to choose how we live.
That’s why the weekend may be “lost” in name, but in spirit, it’s about finding what we often lose in the rush of our days: time to pause, reflect, and be present. The question then becomes: what do we do with this regained time?
At Lifestyle Asia, our answer is simple: to nourish, to move, and to connect. These three themes define each day of The Lost Weekend. To nourish goes beyond food and drink; it’s about feeding the soul and finding joy in stillness. To move means to move with intention; to treat every step, stretch, and breath as a way of honoring ourselves. And finally, to connect is to reach outward and inward all at once: to share in meaningful moments with others, and to return to a sense of wholeness within.
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Nourishing The Soul
Day 1, themed “Nourish,” began with a journey to the serenity of the province. Our team and guests traveled to the picturesque landscapes of Batangas with the help of our official mobility partner, Subaru, whose Evoltis and Outback XT models became the vessels for a weekend of rest and renewal. Adding to the ease of travel, each guest received Delsey Paris luggage from the Primer Group (available at The Travel Club), delivered earlier in the week to help them pack for their getaway.
Before arriving at their Batangas home for the weekend, guests made their first stop at Sintâ, a culinary haven in Tagaytay helmed by Chef Ariel Manuel. Overlooking the sweeping views of Taal Lake, the restaurant perfectly set the tone for The Lost Weekend experience with its mission to feed both the senses and the soul through its soulful cuisine and impressive collection of artworks. Once all the guests had gathered, they were welcomed with freshly prepared drinks mixed right before their eyes, followed by an elegant spread of appetizers that included liver pâté profiteroles, mushroom croquettes, ham grissini, and shrimp cocktails.
Chief of Editorial Content Kerry Tinga welcomed guests before lunch, saying in her speech: “Our tagline at Lifestyle Asia is ‘Welcome to the Good Life.’ And we believe the good life isn’t a one-size-fits-all fantasy—it’s whatever resonates with your individual spirit. Our role is to curate meaningful and inspiring experiences that help you explore what that looks like for you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for bringing your presence, your time, and your energy to this experience.”
Nourishing The Body
Chef Ariel then showcased his culinary mastery with a lavish five-course lunch that left everyone more than satisfied. The meal opened with a raw and cured selection featuring fresh Oyster Gallagher, ocean trout gravlax, and ahi tuna tartare served tableside. Next came a celebration of poultry and the versatility of duck: French moulard duck breast, seared foie gras, and a duck yolk served on a delicate mini pancake.
The third course followed the same concept, this time highlighting the rich, savory gaminess of lamb with a trio of dishes: lamb cutlet, braised lamb leg, and a delicate ravioli stuffed with lamb shoulder. Then came the pièce de résistance: a perfectly executed Beef Wellington with red wine reduction, asparagus, and potato gratin.
And though everyone was delightfully full, there was, of course, room for dessert. Chef Ariel outdid himself with a magnificent dessert tower brimming with sweet indulgences; everything from lemon cheesecake to mini eclairs. And yes, there was plenty of wine, too. The culinary team at Sintâ ensured that each course was paired with the perfect varietal, turning the afternoon into a truly sensorial experience that nourished not just the palate but every guest’s inner foodie soul.
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Nourishing The Self
The journey continued after lunch toward Calatagan, Batangas, where the final stop took place at Nawa Wellness, a Filipino sanctuary designed for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation of the self. Still full from their lunchtime feast, guests checked in and retreated to their rooms, where they were greeted with a thoughtfully curated welcome kit to help them ease into The Lost Weekend. Inside were flip-flops from Havaianas for effortless comfort, Stanley Cups from Chris Sports to keep them hydrated, beauty essentials from Popique Beauty, sunglasses from Vision Express, and a handbag from Amica Studios to carry it all in style.
The afternoon was left open for guests to unwind at their own pace; whether that meant indulging in a nap, exploring the resort, or simply enjoying a quiet moment to breathe. Some opted for Nawa’s world-class wellness treatments, designed to help guests let go of the noise of daily life and reconnect with themselves. However they chose to spend their time, the afternoon was truly about nourishing the self and discovering what that means individually.
Guests then gathered at Dalisay Dining for a late dinner prepared by Nawa Wellness’s talented Chef Danilo Bustillos II, or simply known as Chef Dos. Before the meal began, Chief of Editorial Content Kerry Tinga once again took a moment to thank everyone and explained further what The Lost Weekend is truly about.
“In the pages of Lifestyle Asia, you notice we begin with a section called the Self, because change begins with how we care for ourselves: mind, body, and spirit, through wellness and beauty,” she explained. “Flip through our magazine until the end, and we then reach Culture. From Self to Culture, because ultimately, from personal transformation, we are able to reach the goal of transcending the individual to find meaning as a community.”
She continued, “That’s what this weekend is. A curated escape, to connect with friends and ourselves. But it’s also a chance to remember that with our privilege of time and of place, we can shape the future of lifestyle. It’s a word right in the title of our magazine, and more than some beautiful word of some vague ideal, I wholeheartedly believe in the concept of lifestyle, when done with intention, is what gives form to a more thoughtful and humane world.”
Then, of course, came dinner, which was a comforting spread with a Nawa Wellness twist. There was a light and lovely pechay Caesar salad, a deep and velvety broccoli cream soup, a decadent yet delicate Nantua pasta, and a mouthwatering Quattro Formaggi pizza.
For dessert, Magnum Ice Cream, in collaboration with Chef Dos of Nawa Wellness, created something truly special just for The Lost Weekend: the Vivoli Fried Strawberry Magnum, a playful yet indulgent fusion of flavors that combined Magnum’s Strawberry Panna ice cream with creamy ube and sweet langka, all wrapped in a golden, delicate crunch. It was a sweet reminder that nourishment isn’t always about what sustains us, but also about what brings us joy. It was a fitting close to a day that fed both body and soul.
Lifestyle Asia’s The Lost Weekend is done in partnership with Havaianas, Magnum Philippines, and Popique Beauty, with mobility partner Subaru Philippines, and venue partners Nawa Wellness and Sintâ Restaurant. Special thanks to The Travel Club, Vision Express, Chris Sports, and Amica Studios.
Photos by Kim Angela Santos of KLIQ, Inc.
