Showing posts with label tagaytay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tagaytay. Show all posts

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Weekend spa at Sonya's Garden

It was one of those random weekends that we headed to Tagaytay after my almost week-long conference. Initially, we just wanted a scrumptious dinner at Breakfast at Antonio's and then coffee at Starbucks. But we arrived in Tagaytay way too early for dinner. 

We did the next best thing -- search for a spa place. So, we found ourselves at Sonya's Garden. 



The entire property is inlaid with red bricks. I think some are salvaged from old houses.
Dainty corner for book reading.
 At Sonya's Garden, you'll find yourself surrounded by shrubs, bougainvilleas and other flowering plants. It's as if you've stepped into a hideaway in the country.

These steps lead to the The Spa.
The spa house has a water feature in each room. When you're inside, it seems like it's raining outside. So, while you're enjoying your massage, surely you'll be lulled into sleep. Just like me! 


The massage rooms are very homey primarily made of wood and capiz shells. 
Here you'll be asked to change into sarong.

There's a small locker for your belongings but you can also just prop your bag on this occasional table. 

Each massage room is outfitted with a shower and set of toiletries.
The spa's menu is quite extensive which ranges from simple facials to spa packages. For our treatment, we opted to just enjoy an hour-long Shiatsu massage (P756/each).
Dalandan tea after massage. Very refreshing!
Wishlist: Scented and lighted candles in massage rooms! It should complete the relaxing ambiance.
Adjacent to the spa is this store with so many lovely concoctions. 

The store looks very promising. It sells organic home scents in vintage bottles. You can also find body creams, bugs repellant, bar soaps in really beautiful packaging. Am thinking they can be a well-thought of gift this Christmas. 

If you're thinking of a relaxing weekend in Tagaytay, consider going to Sonya's Garden. Just a word of caution though, it's kinda far. In fact, it's already in Alfonso, Cavite. But I tell you, it's worth the trip. Before you head home, you can buy freshly baked bread and pastries and potted herbs. 
 
Sonya's Garden
Address: Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, 4123
Phone:0917 532 9097 
 
Have fun!
 
Xx
 
Sheng

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Breakfast at Antonio's

I get excited about birthdays. I really do not mind getting older. I feel that the more years I have tucked in, the more that I need to celebrate. Life should be celebrated for the blessings, chances and relationships built through the years. 


And this year, I especially looked forward to it because for the first time am celebrating it as a married woman. Oh, the romance of it. 

So, in spite of the rain and storm signal we drove to Tagaytay. Of course, the brat in me sneaked out. For the better (worse) part of the drive, we gave each other the silent treatment. Funny though, in a stop light in Sta Rosa, we both turned towards each other and hugged. Spontaneously. Aw. Ha ha ha. Pardon the mushiness. 

All is well. Then, we arrived at our destination: Breakfast at Antonio's . I fell in love twice over. The interior of the restaurant has a quiet elegance to it. Exposed beams, soft lighting and open planned. Mesh wires instead of actual walls around the dining hall -- it accomplishes two things: ventilation and view.
Hello, fog!

Charming.



Breakfast with a view. Imagine waking up to this backdrop.

We learned that the menu changes on a weekly basis. The restaurant only serves the freshest ingredients coming from the local farms so the chef adjusts to what the pantry has. Organic.

I love the uniform. It's very dignified. And old world.

We were drooling for the smoked baby back ribs. Sadly, it was out of stock. But the wait staff suggested this tasty roast chicken. It's on the dry side. If you're used to having the usual roast chicken, this might disappoint you -- no fat drippings. But I loved it! It was absolutely delish!
Roast Chicken (P600). It comes with a really yum roasted potatoes flavored with rosemary.


 

Turkish Bread (P150).
These spreads came with the bread.
 I had the most satisfying Eggs Benedict, ever! This can even be shared. The serving portion is good enough for two people. I had just learned that it's the Chef's recommendation when I checked its website days after I had this. What a delight!
Eggs Benedict Pancake (P270).
Took our time to enjoy the food, the company, the ambiance, small talk and social media on the side. It's the kind of meal and place, you want to linger and savor. 

On a date like this, make sure that you save room for dessert. We did.
TWG Jasmine Tea (P180) and New York Cheese Cake (P245)




 The rest room has swag.

A huge painting by the bath room by some local artist. Swell, eh?
In strategic areas of the restaurant, this signage is displayed. 
RESPECT.
We bid adieu with a loot and a silent promise to come back. Hopefully with friends. It should be more fun. Here's the To-go counter. The raisin bread we bought was yum.

fresh greens to go!
 


Go to Breakfast at Antonio's for money well-spent on food and date.

Breakfast at Antonio's
Brgy. Neogan Purok 138
Tagaytay, Cavite 
 +63 (917) 899.2866

Dress Code: Casual

XX

Sheng