PEOPLE TEND TO BE CONfused when they hear about The Farm in Lipa, Batangas. Some people think of it as a spa, resort, rural medical hospital, rehab center, even a real farm complete with livestock.

It?s a little of all of those, said marketing and sales director Cita Villanueva. The Farm (8848074, 0918-8848080; www.thefarm.com.ph), which has been around for five years, is a holistic healing and wellness center, with medical facilities with trained doctors who are also knowledgeable in alternative medicine.

It?s also a health and beauty spa that offers exquisite treatments, a detoxification getaway which could easily pass off as a high-end resort with swimming pools and lush greens.

It actually has a vast garden, minus the livestock, since The Farm only offers organic, vegan meals.

?The Farm is a sprawling 50-hectare establishment and is the only health farm in the country,? Villanueva said.

It is easy to get lost in The Farm, but you wouldn?t mind. It is a forest-like sanctuary with towering palms and abundant greens. A peacock or group of ducks may greet you, the air smells of wild flowers and fresh herbs, and there are cool lounges where you could take a break after a leisurely walk.

A visit to The Farm may seem too posh and pricey, but Villanueva said health could be affordable.

?They could always call and say this is their budget. We have a package for everyone, although it?s best to book on weekdays for best prices,? she said. ?We have promos like Rejuvenation Getaway and A Day at The Farm which makes it easier for guests to discover the place.?

Wellness warriors

People go to The Farm for different reasons, according to doctors Ronville Bardonado and Jean Rosales, both licensed physicians who also practice ?mystic medicine.?

?The body has the ability to clean itself, but because of unhealthy lifestyle, too many late nights, imbalances and poor nutrition, illnesses manifest,? says Dr. Bardonado. ?We want to encourage people to slow down, educate them.?

Both doctors are vegan and teach their patients how to minimize, if not totally eradicate meat, from their diet.

?Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes are some concerns of people who go to The Farm. We tell them there is no magic formula to get back in shape but we jumpstart their diet, teach them how to eat ?live? food,? said Dr. Rosales. ?They leave The Farm feeling better, and we give them a sustainable plan so they could continue on their program outside The Farm.?

Other cases include depression and addiction to cigarettes, drugs, food. These individuals find the eco-friendly place a refreshing break from their usual environment. But boredom could be the enemy, especially on long stays. Apart from restrictions in food (strictly no meat, seafood, dairy) and vices (smoking and alcohol), there are also no radios and TVs at The Farm.

?We want our guests to meditate, clear up their minds. Or do physical activities like aqua yoga, gym exercises, Pilates. To walk around and find peace,? said Bardonado.

Medical treatments include Holistic Medical Consultation, Live Blood Analysis, Colon Hydrotherapy, Kidney and Liver Cleansing, and Weight-Loss Body Wrap. There are doctors available 24/7 to make sure all clients are taken care of.

Romantic retreat

Apart from being an exotic healing place, The Farm is a romantic destination with its luxurious suites and villas.

Couples and families could go there for spa treatments at Salus per Aqua, which means ?health through water.?

The pampering menu lists Balinese, Reflexology, Relaxation, Stone, Thai and therapeutic massages. Beauty treatments include foot scrub, facials, body wraps and scrubs. Healing therapies like ventoza and hilot are also offered.

After a relaxing treat, dine under the stars and enjoy gourmet vegan dishes from Alive! Most of the ingredients are sourced from The Farm?s garden. The organic selection takes getting used to, though, especially for meat eaters. A basic lunch consists of tomato-and-mango sandwich with blue cheese and spicy cashew for appetizer; summer vegetable chowder for soup; salad with pea mole, salsa fresca and garlic tarragon ranch dressing; main course is mushroom empanadas with chili sauce, green pepper cilantro salsa and spiced cabbage; and dessert is chocolate ganache. There are yummy tuba cocktails which go well with dinner fare.

?The Farm is not just for people who have health issues, it is for people who want to relax and recharge. Parents take their kids here, and celebrities also go here for privacy,? adds Villanueva.