The Twin Lakes Hotel—the P1.5-billion award-winning homegrown hotel by Megaworld subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI)—is bringing the nostalgic old European vibe to Batangas, coupled with that distinct Filipino brand of hospitality and the expertise of a property giant that currently manages two other homegrown brands in key areas across the country.

Tucked in the quiet side of the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road in Laurel, Batangas, the Twin Lakes Hotel is located within the integrated tourism estate development of Twin Lakes—a premium property that seeks to refine the tourism landscape with its quaint commercial strip, romantic ambience and Instagram-worthy spots, unparalleled views of the famous Taal Lake and Volcano, and a 10-ha vineyard that will bring Europe’s revered wine making traditions to the Philippines.

“Twin Lakes Hotel is the best hotel so far with this area. It is the only one with a vineyard… and the concept here is that guests can go grape-picking, while we, at the hotel, are planning to come up with grape-based dishes and pastries. We are also thinking of using grapes for our spa,” Twin Lakes general manager Jun R. Jimenez said in an interview with the Inquirer.

‘Breathing space’

This milestone offering from GERI is indeed the first and only hotel in the Philippines with an actual grape-growing vineyard at its backyard. It will be operated by Megaworld’s Global One Hotels Group, which manages and operates homegrown Belmont and Savoy Hotel brands.

Apart from the vineyard that makes this project the Philippines’ first vineyard resort community, Twin Lakes Hotel will more importantly offer a much needed breathing space for those seeking respite from the dizzying buzz of the city, while affording its guests the luxury of being able to bask in nature.

As it opens its doors to the public today, guests will finally get to revel in the soothing ambience of nature; Tagaytay’s cool climate, spacious rooms that will have a balcony and sweeping views of the Taal Lake and Volcano; and topnotch amenities that Twin Lakes can offer.

Add to that the plans to put up a chapel, thus making Twin Lakes Hotel the perfect wedding destination and the most scenic venue for all your milestones and celebrations.

A leisurely walk going to the main road will meanwhile bring you to the Twin Lakes Shopping Village, a curated row of restaurants and shops, including the “most beautiful Starbucks in the Philippines,” dubbed as such for its exquisite interiors and breathtaking views.

Club Access cardholders will also enjoy more perks as this exclusive membership privilege card will offer discounts and vouchers that they can use at the Twin Lakes Hotel.

“We also have a restaurant and a bar at the hotel, where we will be offering buffet and hosting an acoustic night to serenade guests. Our restaurant will be offering a sumptuous selection of traditional Filipino food including dishes and drinks that Batangas is known for: bulalo, tawilis, suman, and kapeng barako,” Jimenez added.

Warm reception

Guests will surely be spoiled for choice in terms of what they can do at Twin Lakes, as the hotel also features an in-house Wellness Spa, a heated infinity pool, an outdoor lounge, game room, pool deck, kiddie pool, as well as a business center, boardroom, meeting rooms, and grand ballroom that can accommodate 500 guests—reportedly one of the biggest ballrooms in the area.

According to Jimenez, the reception for Twin Lakes, this early, was already overwhelming despite the stiff competition it faces as there are a number of hotels that currently cater to local and foreign tourists in Tagaytay and Batangas.

He, however credits this warm reception to the fact that Twin Lakes Hotel is one of the biggest in the area and has one of the most unique offerings. It thus comes as no surprise that the hotel has been getting a lot of inquiries and reservations, even prior to its official opening.

Jimenez said they initially have 40 rooms available out of the 122 rooms in the hotel. But they expect to offer all rooms by February next year. Twin Lakes Hotel has five room categories including Superior (up to 34 sqm), Deluxe (up to 38 sqm), and Executive (up to 38 sqm). The two-bedroom Family Suites and the Presidential Suites both come with their own living areas, and measure up to 86 sqm.

Jimenez believes that the Twin Lakes hotel could also be a gamechanger in the hotel industry given the unique proposition it offers to guests. It is envisioned to further boost tourism in the province, which currently enjoys a fair share of local guests.

And this is a fact that has already been recognized by award giving bodies. Twin Lakes Hotel was named Country Winner for the “Best Hotel Development in Asia’ category at the 2018 Asia Property Awards held in Bangkok, Thailand, and was likewise recognized for its exemplary design, location, and huge potential for tourism, thus earning the “Best Hotel Development” Award at the 2018 Philippines Property Awards held earlier this year.

Twin Lakes Hotel is located with the 1,200-ha property of Twin Lakes, GERI’s largest development to date.

Within this integrated estate will rise condominiums, residential villages, other commercial and leisure developments, a 21-ha University Park, and a 15-kilometer stretch that will soon enable guests and residents to reach the Taal Lake via a public road that will be constructed with the Twin Lakes township. Talk about communing with nature at its best.