Wellness in Batangas:
Your Perfect Retreat

As traffic congestion increases this holiday season, more individuals are flocking to malls and supermarkets, reconnecting with old friends, attending family gatherings, and participating in various social events and celebrations. With all of these, we take time to slow down and relax by visiting wellness destinations in Batangas. This article goes beyond typical travel content, this invites you to explore self-rejuvenation and rediscover your inner peace. Embrace a journey that nurtures your spirit and revitalizes your mind. 

Shanti Wellness Sanctuary

A wellness sanctuary nestled among tall, lush green trees in Lemery, Batangas. “Shanti” originates from Sanskrit and signifies peace, encompassing a profound sense of tranquility, balance, and well-being.

They offer a variety of activities at their Wellness Village for free, from Balance Walk, Mandala Arrangement, Rock Balancing, Foot Reflexology, Labyrinth Walk, etc. It is designed to elevate the mind, encouraging rest, relaxation, and meditation while breathing in the purest, freshest air amidst the stunning scenery. A gentle reminder, you have to be quiet when you head to the Wellness Village and you have to walk on foot.

Shanti Wellness Sanctuary provides an escape from the chaos of city life. Immerse yourself in a calm and grounded atmosphere, a secluded haven of peace and tranquility. We tried their Kawa Bath after we finished doing the activities in the Wellness Village. The Kawa Bath is a relaxing experience that allows you to unwind and feel refreshed. Immerse yourself in warm water infused with herbs and flowers. The steam and warmth are excellent for detoxing and promoting circulation. It’s a calming ritual that combines the healing benefits of heat with a connection to nature. An essential experience to try.

After that, it’s time to visit the Spa Village. We tried their 1-hour Swedish Spa. The therapist is gentle and attentive, providing a personalized and calming experience for each guest. The soothing fragrance of lavender oil, combined with the sounds of nature, will gently guide you to dreamland. We spent a night in their tent lodge, surrounded by the forest’s embrace. Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of crickets, the whispers of strong winds, and the gentle rhythm of raindrops; it’s a profound experience of being one with nature. While waking up to a slow, peaceful morning, watching the fog become a mist, accompanied by the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the fresh, earthy scent of the trees.

Overall, staying at Shanti Wellness Sanctuary was a fun and relaxing experience. The serene surroundings, combined with the soothing spa treatments, created the perfect atmosphere for unwinding. Whether indulging in a rejuvenating massage or simply enjoying the peaceful nature trails, every moment was designed to refresh both mind and body with a renewed sense of calm and balance. For more details, you may visit their official website at https://www.shanti.ph/

Acupuncture at Sonya’s Secret Garden

We planned to visit Sonya’s Secret Garden for lunch. However, after enjoying their delicious buffet and roaming around, we found ourselves at an acupuncture clinic. A little bit of insight, Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that entails inserting thin, sterile needles into specific body points. Its purpose is to balance the flow of “qi,” the vital life force that travels through the body’s meridians, promoting overall wellness.

The process of Acupuncture begins with a consultation, Mr. Kim the Acupuncturist at Sonya’s Garden assesses our medical history and symptoms. He also asks about our lifestyle and sleep patterns. Following a consultation, the next step typically involves needle insertion. For first-timers, it will feel ticklish at first nevertheless you won’t feel a thing. Note the number of needles used in acupuncture can vary depending on the treatment and the condition being addressed. In this experience, they inserted around 50 needles.

The needles are applied to the front part of the body for a duration of 30 minutes. During this time, you may experience sensations such as relaxation, mild tingling, or warmth, which are normal responses. While 7 minutes for the back part. Once the needles have been removed, you will experience relief and a sense of wellness. On our part, the lower back pain and shoulder pain were gone. What amazes me more is that after our session, all the food we ate at the buffet was gone, and we were starving, which also seemed to enhance our overall wellness. Note that bruising or soreness at the needle insertion is a common side effect of acupuncture.

It was indeed a great Acupuncture experience. Don’t be afraid to try this when you visit Sonya’s Secret Garden. You are in good hands with Mr. Kim, who brings 40 years of acupuncture expertise. As a guardian of your wellness, he is a true maestro of the ancient art of healing.

Caleruega Church

During our visit to Batangas, we also made a quick stop at the Caleruega Church, in Barrio Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu. It is well-known as a popular venue for weddings. In fact, during our visit, there was a wedding ceremony. For an entrance fee of 30 pesos, you can enjoy and relax at the 7.5-hectare Caleruega Retreat Center.

The Caleruega Church is situated in a beautiful area surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. It features walking paths and various facilities for spiritual retreats and wellness activities, offering a magnificent view of Mount Batulao. The tranquil environment provides panoramic views of the natural landscape, making it an ideal space for prayer, reflection, wellness, and spiritual renewal.

On the far right side of the church, descend the stairs to reach the Koi pond, there is also a hanging bridge and picnic areas leading to the Tent Chapel, a smaller church offering another view of Mt. Batulao. Walking through the compound envelops you in the beauty of flowers, shrubs, trees, butterflies, and birds, complemented by a refreshing breeze that will invigorate your spirit and wellness.

Commuters Journey

To Shanti Wellness Sanctuary

Manila to Batangas

1. Ride a Bus from LRT Buendia or at Edsa Taft with signage of Nasugbu or Calatagan, the fare is 160.00 pesos.
2. Ask the conductor to drop you off at “Boundary”. It refers to the Cavite-Batangas boundary. For Overnight Guests: they can fetch you at Tagaytay-Nasugbo highway near Welcome to Nasugbu Arch in 7-11, free of charge.

To Sonya’s Secret Garden

Manila to Batangas

1. Ride a Bus from LRT Buendia or at Edsa Taft with signage of Nasugbu or Calatagan.
2. Ask the conductor to drop you off  Buck Estate Road just after Splendido Taal Golf Country Club. The fare is 150.00 pesos.
3. Hop on a tricycle to Sonya Secret Garden the fare is 30.00 pesos each.

To Caleruega Church

Manila to Batangas

1. Ride a Bus from LRT Buendia or at Edsa Taft with signage of Nasugbu or Calatagan.
2. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Evercrest. The estimated fare is around 165-200 pesos.
3. Hop on a tricycle Caleruega the fare is 50.00 pesos each.

Expenses

Shanti Junior Tent Lodge (accommodation) – Php 2,499.00

Shanti Kawa Bath + Swedish Massage(1hr) – Php 1,699.00/person

Acupuncture at Sonya’s Garden – Php 2,800.00/person

Caleruega entrance fee – Php 30.00/person

Fare expenses

Bus fare from LRT Buendia to Boundary (Cavite-Batangas boundary) – Php 160.00/person

Jeepney fare from Boundary to Evercrest – Php 13.00/person

Tricycle fare from Evercrest to Caleruega Church (back and forth) – Php 100.00/person

Tricycle fare to Sonya’s Garden (back and forth) – Php 120.00 per person

Bus fare from Twin Lake to Edsa Taft – Php 150.00/person

Take away

No matter how busy we are with our lives, we should remember to take care of ourselves. Go home, take that vacation, book that flight, and do things that set your heart on fire. Embrace the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, reconnect with your inner peace, and nurture the spark of your inner child. Remember, there’s only one YOU, so take care of yourself. # Amping