Robinsons Summit Ridge Tagaytay was indeed a pleasure to stay in. First, the view was exhilarating.

As one of the few high-raise structures in Tagaytay, more than five stories high, the hotel commands a beautiful view of the entire Taal Caldera. The deep blue, calm waters of the lake and the picturesque Taal Volcano can really be appreciated in their entirety from the hotel’s balcony.

I stayed on the eighth floor and, from my room, I had a panoramic view of Taal Lake. And when the day was especially clear, I also saw glimpses of the Batangas side of the Taal Caldera.

It was indeed a unique experience, more so because just a few months ago, I explored the Taal Lake and Volcano from the Batangas side.

I rode a boat from the jump-off point of the Taal Lake Conservation Center run by the Pusod Foundation in the municipality of Mataas na Kahoy in Batangas and landed at the foot of the volcano island. We hiked to the crater of the volcano to see the placid lake at its mouth.

Enchanting views

Indeed, the view from Tagaytay Ridge is only the beautiful cinder cone called Binintiang Malaki but, even so, all views of the Taal Caldera are enchanting and mesmerizing. Seeing the Taal Lake from the Batangas side from a boat and then seeing the entire panoramic view of the caldera from the Tagaytay Ridge was a great experience.

Why trouble yourself with the expense and hassle of going to the famous calderas in the Aegean Sea in the Mediterranean when we have our own beautiful giant caldera just south of Metro Manila? We should appreciate the beauty of our own country before setting our sights on foreign trips.

With the summer heat and temperatures rising to unprecedented levels, Tagaytay, now more than ever, is the place to go for a quick and picturesque relief from the heat. Although often horribly congested with vehicle traffic, Tagaytay Ridge remains a popular local and tourist destination.

Aside from the many restaurants and boutique hotels lining the Ridge, Tagaytay is also a popular wedding destination. In the vicinity of the quaint churches, Summit Ridge is the perfect hotel for wedding celebrations. It offers different wedding themes to suit different couples and also boasts a ballroom designed without pillars so that couples have the flexibility to plan their events more creatively.

The ballroom has partitions, so small- to large-sized weddings can be held there.

“Summit Ridge Tagaytay continually makes notable brand tie-ups that make a staycation more memorable, with thoughtful complimentary guest perks and such,” said Pops del Rosario, Summit Ridge Hotel’s general manager. “These tie-ups also come with different offers and privileges that are uniquely inspired by Tagaytay as a destination. Enjoy movie viewing under the stars, shop for fresh produce in the nearby organic market or cook your family favorites in your very own kitchen, available in all two-bedroom suites.”

Returning guests

“Relish the summer months in Tagaytay where the weather is mostly cool at 24 degrees Celsius, while complemented by the friendly and personable service of the hotel staff. Returning guests can testify that there is a unique and relaxing feeling which can be had only with a stay at Summit Ridge Tagaytay,” Del Rosario added.

This summer, Summit Ridge Tagaytay has a lot of offers to entice its guests. Every weekend, it has the Dine and Dip promo. For P499 there’s the weekend buffet of chicken inasal, pork sisig, kare-kare, dinuguan, etc., in the hotel’s dining facility, the C2 Classic Cuisine.

Guests can enjoy dipping in the pool without worrying about toiletries and towels because they will be provided at no extra cost.

This is a unique opportunity and a great offer in my book. Families and barkada can now go on a quick day trip to Tagaytay, enjoy a hearty buffet and have fun in the pool without needing to actually check into a room. The perfect weekend getaway!

The Dine and Dip promo runs from April 11 until June 30, 2015.

Another event to watch for is Summit Ridge Tagaytay’s Mother’s Day promo. On May 9, 2015, families can bring their moms to the hotel to enjoy events and perks especially prepared for mothers. There’s also a wonderful promo in the hotel where guests can enjoy unlimited coffee and pastries for only P349. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., guests can have all the chocolate caramel cakes, cheesecakes, bread and pastries, and all the coffee, tea and juice they want.

Friends and families can enjoy a fun weekend preparing healthy meals in the kitchen of select room suites. Beside Summit Ridge is the promenade leading to the Robinsons Supermarket, where you can buy fresh or organic produce, as well as other unique offerings of Tagaytay.

If you are being adventurous in whipping up your own dish, you can visit Mahogany Market, which is near the hotel.

For more information and to be updated on the latest, visit Summit Ridge Tagaytay’s website at www.summithotels.ph or call tel. 2406888.