The farm at San Benito

THREE of the original incorporators of the Rural Bank of Itogon and their spouse were treated for a three-day stay at THE FARM at SAN BENITO in Lipa, Batangas. Our trip was approximately 1 ½ hour drive south of Manila.

Located in an organic coconut and coffee plantation at 1,025 feet above sea level, THE FARM boasts of 24 rooms and suites, situated in luxurious tropical gardens. The 48 hectares of lush green jungle, stunning view of the majestic mountains, pure and fresh air with clear and strong energy radiating around the property was an invigorating welcome!

At the reception hall, we were handed the “Activities for the Day.” I chose the FREE activities (being an Ilocano) of meditation, yoga, power walking, floral arrangement, “Oil of Life” (coconut processing) tour, and ALIVE! Cuisine prep class. Through this program of fitness and leisure activities, I learned some tips on how to enhance my physical and spiritual well-being.

Vital to the program is the ALIVE! Cuisine experience which is rich in fibre and live enzymes. The living gourmet cuisine picked from THE FARM’s organic gardens was a delight. I bought THE FARM’s book entitled “RAW.”

Guests come to this unique destination with a simple aim: Relaxation, rejuvenation, detoxification, general wellness – or simply a stay away from the stresses of everyday life in a welcoming, restful and beautiful environment.

Recently, I read in the papers that THE FARM won the 2012 International Wellness Award for “Best Medical Wellness Resort” by SENSES – an international wellness and lifestyle guide published in German, English and Russian. The awards took place during ITB, one of the world’s largest tourism fairs in Berlin, Germany. Wow – this speaks well of THE FARM!

I interviewed one of the nurses and learned that personnel includes the expertise of a variety of medical doctors, alternative medicine doctors, yoga teachers, nurses, chiropractors, acupuncturists and a variety of therapists.

At the clinic before leaving THE FARM, a nurse read our blood pressures (BP) and weighed us. Our friends claimed their BP went down or became normal and lost at least 5 lbs! And my BP is the same as a 20-year old - naks!

On a relaxing walk, I observed and saw Yoga pavilions, a thoroughly professional SPA, numerous meditation locales, a delightful ALIVE! Restaurant, as well as swimming pools and a healing water source, all providing tranquil surroundings. Refreshing natural views complement remarkable architecture to provide elegant and comfortable accommodations.

There couldn’t be a more inspiring location to undertake a transformative journey. I came back home fresh, rejuvenated, and recharged with energy!