When we want to escape from the daily monotonous life and relax, we usually go to Tagaytay for a staycation. This time, Instead of staying in a hotel, we chose laid-back, garden-setting vacation rentals at Sonya’s Garden in Buck Estate Alfonso Cavite. The place is located in a secluded area, a bit far from the main road. It is more than an hour’s drive from our place in Bacoor Cavite.
Upon arrival, we were greeted and assisted by the staff at the parking area going to the reception area for the check-in process. We received freshly squeezed dalandan juice as a welcome drink during the process. After payment, the front desk staff explains the house rules and other activities during our stay and then, handed over the room key afterward.
Our accommodation: Cottages at Sonya’s Garden are named after herbs and flowers. Ours was named after the flowering plant, Dandelion. Space is a Filipino-style old house with linen and wood furnishings, all white from floor to ceiling. It is spotless, with two beds, one is a queen-sized canopied bed, and the other one is a single bed. The rustic bed frames, dresser, sideboard, coffee table, and bookshelves match the nature-connected space. The simple capiz panel windows are wide open to get a full view of nature. The room has a coffee and tea maker, a small sofa, and a stand fan. The bathroom is clean and large with Rainfall Showerheads. Slippers, bathrobes, bath towels, organic soap and shampoo bars, dental kits, and tissue papers are provided.
The room has no air conditioning unit, but since Sonya’s Garden is located in Alfonso Cavite, wherein the climate is way cooler than in Metro Manila, a ceiling fan and the natural air will suffice. There’s an extra electric fan if you need one. Another thing that B&B does not provide is TV and WiFi since they aim to promote relaxation. We need to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature once in a while to relieve stress. If you need to check on something on the net, there’s a weak signal in the garden lobby.
The Garden: Here, everything is green with lush blossoms. The smell of nature soothes your lungs while the sound of flowing water from the garden fountains promotes both relaxation and reflection. Truly, a haven for weary travelers. The garden transforms into a magical place at night with lights turned on.
The food: Our B & B package includes two meals. Breakfast, and either lunch or dinner for two. We chose breakfast and dinner because it was already past twelve, and we had lunch when we arrived. The food tastes good, nothing special. Garden salad is always on the table, fresh and grown right in their greenhouses. The Tarragon tea was refreshing and calming.
Dinner – Garden Salad as an appetizer, For the main course, they served pasta, homemade sesame bread, and a few pieces of fried salmon belly. The dessert was a banana roll, fried sweet potato, and a small piece of chocolate brownie. According to the restaurant attendant, they use only fresh and organic ingredients from their own farm.
Lunch – For breakfast, they served Fried Rice, Chicken Pork Adobo, Fried Fish (Daing na Bangus), Mushroom omelet, and fried eggs. They also served Champorado, a sweet chocolate rice porridge matched with crispy fried dried fish. Again, Garden Fresh Salad with edible petals was served.
Blue Ternate, Cosmos and Impatient
Spa Sevices: I availed of their hydrotherapy and massage wellness package for my muscles and joint pain that’s been bothering me for quite a long time. After the therapy and massage, I felt very relaxed and in less pain. Kudos to the experienced massage therapist who gave her best in relieving my tension and stress. We will definitely be back for another massage session.
About Hydrotherapy – it is the use of water in the treatment of many conditions, including arthritis and related disorders. Studies have shown that hydrotherapy increases the production of endorphins in your body. Endorphins are natural anxiety and stress boosters, so they act as natural pain relievers that reduce muscle soreness. Therefore, hydrotherapy is a known calming and soothing treatment for centuries.
Included in the package are the Art-of-doing-nothing activities like a Tour of the Scented Greenhouse and Edible Landscape Gardens, Basic Gardening, Firefly Watching (during the mating season only), Compost Making, Plant Propagation, and the River Tour.
The Apothecary Shop -Inside the Apothecary are some of Sonya’s Garden’s organic products like sweet-smelling bath soaps, relaxing massage oils and ointments, linen sprays, shampoos, balms, candles, body scrubs, to mention a few.
Overall, my husband and I had a pleasant stay, except that some guests from the nearby cottage are so loud when it was already late at night. I sent a text message to the reception staff telling them the situation, but they did not reply. Thankfully, it rained that evening, and with that, we really had a good night’s sleep.
The Good Points:
- The garden is very lovely, spacious, and well-maintained.
- The sound of the chirping birds and insects adds to the beautiful character of the garden.
- Knowing where the food they serve came from will give you peace of mind.
- The Spa services are a bit pricey but worth your money.
- All the employees are very neat, courteous, friendly, and helpful.
The Not-So-Good Points:
- No telephone line in the room. If you need something, you will have to go all the way to the reception area, which is far from the cottages, or better yet, use your cell phone to contact them.
- Since the place is tranquil, the conversations of other guests and staff along the pathways can be heard from the room.
- Complete Address: Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, 4123
- Telephone number: 0917 5329097
- Website: https://sonyasgarden.com
Till next time.