A serene escape to Anya Resort Tagaytay fosters a tranquil reconnection of body, mind, and spirit
To celebrate seven wonderful years since its founding, Anya Resort Tagaytay hosted a month-long series of unique events, each designed to create a memorable, bespoke Anya experience. Among the highlights were an intimate Wellness Day, spearheaded by Wellness Workshop consultant Marilen Elizalde, and an afternoon of pampering and relaxation at the resort’s holistic Niyama Spa.
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Nestled within Anya Resort Tagaytay’s rolling terrain and nourishing green environment, Niyama prides itself as a venue for guests to discover individual paths and to make personal choices towards health and well-being.
Celebrating Copper
The unique 7th-anniversary Wellness experience began at the Anya Lounge that morning, where the ladies were warmly welcomed by Resort Manager, Melody Amor-Amacio, and Wellness and Spa Director, Carol Laguna. A beautiful fresh juice bar with colorful fruit and veggies and some healthy pass-around nibbles kicked off the wellness day journey.
The Wellness program began at the Anya Lounge where nature-inspired welcome refreshments and an exhibit of local art awaited the day’s guests
At the lounge, we also had the chance to view an interesting exhibit by local artists that was mounted in collaboration with the Alitaptap Artists Community from Amadeo, a neighboring town.
As everyone settled into the cozy space, sipping their choice of homemade kombucha or refreshing juice bursting with nutrients, I couldn’t help but try several of the enticing combinations on offer. My personal favorites were the balancing mango, kale, and coconut water and the detoxing beetroot, orange, carrot, and turmeric.
Soulful nibbles; Mushroom & Truffle croquetas, Salmon Tartare on Tapioca cracker, Txistorra Takoyaki; A beautiful salt-encrusted whole salmon carved table side
Invigorated by the nutritious welcome refreshments, it soon became time to venture into the Anya grounds where the sun shone brightly and the skies were a glorious shade of blue. “We invite you to contribute to Anya’s sustainability project by planting a tree and aiding our efforts for a greener Earth,” said Amor-Amació as she led the group towards the Sensory Garden. There, each guest was invited to plant a fruit tree seedling in her preferred spot, assisted by Anya’s efficient team who had thoughtfully prepared personalized garden tools for this fun and meaningful activity
Food For The Soul
After a leisurely walk around the property, everyone headed back to the Lounge where a bespoke “Soul Menu” meticulously prepared by Executive Chef Chris Leaning awaited. The holistic dining experience began with a flavorful mushroom and walnut pâté (served with crusty sourdough straight out of the oven) and a light essence of chicken tinola broth with herb and lemongrass dumplings. An impressive 12 pound-salt encrusted whole salmon then emerged and was served table side. The meal was complemented by a Tagaytay salad station with locally grown organic vegetables.
Chef Chris described with gusto how each dish at the Anya kitchen is “created to warm the soul” with carefully sourced ingredients from Anya’s own orchard and the surrounding rich farmlands of Alfonso, Cavite. Lunch wound down with a fresh fruit platter and mini fruit-flavored sweets.
Heavenly Spa
Next on the agenda was the visit to the Niyama Spa which sits on its own villa. There, a wonderful afternoon of pampering awaited. Wellness workshop consultant, Marilen Elizalde, a longtime yoga instructor, aromatherapist, and newly certified Wellness Coach, along with Spa Director Laguna gave a brief introduction on the Niyama Wellness Center (which officially opened in October 2022 as a later addition to the resort.) “Self-care can be as easy as taking a pause from our busy schedules, ” said Elizalde who pointed out that the Niyama Wellness Center’s proximity to Manila makes it an ideal place to drive to for a serene escape. Elizalde went on to share her own fascinating wellness journey and explain the quality of their offerings: “Niyama offers massage and holistic therapies that are handled by skilled therapists employing the best techniques and using the finest local, natural, and organic materials to color the complete spa experience.”
Spa Director Laguna described Niyama’s vision to be “an intimate haven where distinctive experiences of wellness and Filipino warmth meet.” She further outlined how guests can tailor their experience according to their individual needs: immunity boosting, anti-aging, fitness, and more.
Queen For A Day
The lucky ladies each got to select any 60-minute full body massage or holistic treatment of their choice. “Today is all about you… unwind, restore and embrace the tranquility that surrounds you, ” said Laguna to the delight of the guests.
An extensive menu offers signature massage therapies and holistic treatments. It was hard to narrow down which to select from the enticing list ranging from Filipino “hilot”, hot stone, foot bliss, and renewal massages to Osteopathic Manipulative therapy, cupping, and crystal blading. Each one is blissful and designed to help one restore one’s inner balance. Each one is blissful and designed to help one restore one’s inner balance.
The day wound down with all the ladies sporting a glow and happily gushing about the day’s activities over a lovely afternoon tea.
We asked them to share a few highlights of their Anya Wellness Day Experience :
Lulú Tan Gan
The combination of the serene environment of lush and green terrain, the exemplary services, and the healthy meals enhanced the wellness retreat making it a truly rejuvenating and fulfilling experience. I tried the Niyama Signature Massage and look forward to try the rest!
Barbara Aboitiz
The ladies wellness day was truly special. The lush foliage all around the resort made it even more special to me as I love being surrounded by beautiful gardens. It made me feel good when we walked around the area and planted trees.
The highlight for me was to hear about Marilen’s holistic wellness journey, as well as [the] wonderful spa treatment! I had a combination of whole body massage with light stretching to release any tensions. They used a wonderful rejuvenating aroma therapy oil. The therapist was very professional and I came out of the treatment feeling light and good… ready to join the fun afternoon high tea with the ladies, which was so beautifully prepared for us.
Marilen Elizalde
The day was such a joy! I was so thrilled seeing all the ladies enjoy each experience. Form the arrival, to the amazing healthy menu Chef Chris prepared for us. I particularly enjoyed watching all the ladies appreciate the sensory garden and plant their own trees as well the excitement when we all went in for our spa treatments
Kat Mañosa
[Amazing to find out] all about fasting and the complexities and intricacies that come with fasting. I definitely want to join one of Marilen’s sessions for this.
Wonderful also for me to have met [some of the other] amazing women and to find out what we are all going through… that we all have similar, if not the same, questions about diet and menopause.
A highlight was when we all sat together at the dining table; discussions were very lively and informative. I love being with intelligent and interesting women…
I had a combination of cupping therapy with holistic treatment. It helped [in relieving ] some of my lower back pain. I know if I do one or two more sessions, the pain will really go away. The therapists are excellent and know what they are doing!
Marit Yuchengco
I truly enjoyed the wellness day with its delicious food, lush gardens, and the immersive feeling of being surrounded by nature. I can easily imagine a small group of friends spending a wellness day at Anya for a birthday or other celebration, enjoying a healthy lunch, soothing treatments, and a delightful high tea!
Marilú Batchelor
It was the perfect little escape from the city for the day! The staff at Anya made us feel so welcome and so special with their warm nature, professionalism, and meticulous planning of our special day.
I loved that we were given the opportunity to contribute to Anya’s sustainability project by planting a tree. It was a lovely and meaningful part of the day. Mine was a Chico fruit tree which is one of my favorite fruits so I was delighted!
I tried the Anya signature massage. My therapist was skilled and experienced, designing my treatment around what I needed. I felt totally pampered and relaxed. I loved our specially brewed fresh ginger tea after the treatment—a nice touch and perfect ending to the spa experience.
Blissful Escape
“What a beautiful day! I loved every minute. Pure bliss!,” said Patsy Zobel de Ayala, chiming in as the ladies gathered at the resort lobby for the drive back home. All were unanimous in their praises for the one day Anya Journey, commenting how easy it was to take off from Manila and drive up for a day of rest and relaxation.
It was clear from the glow and smiles on their faces that everyone emerged from the Anya wellness day feeling relaxed, renewed, and rejuvenated. Mission accomplished!
All photos by Paui Guevarra courtesy of Anya Resort Tagaytay.
