Under lockdown yet again, we find ourselves missing road trips. Packing that trunk with essentials, making sure snacks are aplenty, preparing the perfect playlist and hitting the road toward a great destination—right now, it sounds like a wonderful dream.
But this will eventually be reality again. And when it is, here are some places we intend to head to with family and friends.
Domescape
Nasugbu, Batangas
Domescape’s geodesic dome gives you a real glamping experience: You sleep in a tent that’s decked out with the comforts of a luxury hotel room. It’s air-conditioned, but step out of the dome and you’ll find yourself in the middle of nature, with a natural swimming pool just steps away. (facebook.com/domescape.ph; airbnb.com/rooms/33087863; @domescape on Instagram)
The Lake Farm
San Fernando, Pampanga
This farm resort is home to a manmade lake and also a swimming pool divided into four sections (and four levels of depth) for the whole family to enjoy. (That sunken seating area looks like the perfect place for chilling.) There are two villas (La Casa and Casita) you can book depending on how big your group is. You can also go fishing there. They only accept one booking at a time so you’ll have the entire place to yourselves. (How’s that for social distancing?) And the best part? It’s pet-friendly! (airbnb.com/rooms/41510009)
Kirei House
San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
Missing Japan? (We are, too.) Kirei House offers a taste of Japanese-style living complete with futons, shoji screens, a zen garden, and pink cherry blossoms. You can drink green tea there, make origami, read books from the Honesty Bookstore and bond with your travel buddies.
facebook.com/kireihousebulacan; www.airbnb.com/rooms/19366539
The Mountain House
Antipolo, Rizal
Leave the city behind, put down your gadgets and go back to a simpler time at The Mountain House, which is very near the Sierra Madre mountain range. Take in the fresh air, explore nature, and sleep in a kubo mansion.
facebook.com/TheMountainHousePH; www.airbnb.com/rooms/24587015
The Resthouse Laiya
Laiya, Batangas
Book The Resthouse Laiya and enjoy your very own private white sand beach just in front of your villa. The two-bedroom villa has air-conditioned dining and living room areas, a well equipped kitchen and a spacious lanai which you can also use for dining. There are beachfront cabanas too for relaxing day and night.
facebook.com/theresthouselaiya; www.airbnb.com/rooms/40596720
Tudor in the Pines
Baguio City
We’ve been to Baguio countless times but we’ve never had an experience that looks like the one Tudor in the Pines can offer. The place is home to unique accommodations. The Tudor House, which is the main house, has multiple rooms, a sky roof, a mini library and a glasshouse lounge. There’s also the Forest Terrace, Garden Terrace and Royal Cottage. They all look beautiful but it’s really the Twin Glass Treehouses that we’re curious about. Who doesn’t want to sleep among pine trees and 30 feet above the ground?
facebook.com/tudorhomestay; https://tudorinthepines.com/; www.airbnb.com/rooms/41862777