If there’s anything in the Philippines that’s hotter than the recently concluded presidential elections (or ombre hair), it’s this searing heat! Pegged at an average of 30 to 34 degrees, the Philippine summer weather makes one long for an ice-cold hug.
So naturally, when we were invited by the sales team of Sandari Batulao for an intimate swim-trek-and-eat party, I said ‘yes’ faster than I can say “Ang iniiit!”.
Sandari Batulao is Citystate Properties’ newest baby. Derived from Sanskrit words that mean “peaceful valley,” the 800-hectare green community houses a 41-hectare hillside residential section – Nale’ – overlooking the twin mountains of Batulao and Talamitam. The residences, each with beautiful pocket gardens, surround Club Ananda, Sandari Batulao’s clubhouse.
The property has always been exclusive to owners, but the clubhouse was recently opened for non-owners (must call sales team for endorsement), along with Crust, an on-site Italian-centric food joint also owned by Sandari Batulao. This exclusivity and whisper-quiet privacy is what renders Club Ananda spotless and a truly welcome respite for perpetual noise-accustomed peeps like me.
Club Ananda
A breezy 30-minute drive from Chapel on the Hill and Calaruega Church, Club Ananda is a favorite destination wedding venue in the Tagaytay-Batangas route. It’s far from the hubbub, but close enough to Tagaytay’s lauded trademarks like bulalo. Nasugbu beaches are merely 15 minutes away.
Weddings here can be held two ways: fully air-conditioned, within the confines of the 230-seater main hall; and al fresco in the 800-square meter garden (up to 400 guests). Either way, you’ll have iconic views of views of Mt. Batulao and sprawling, tree-lined gardens hugging the 25-meter infinity lap pool.
But while Club Ananda may be best known as the stuff of weddings, it’s also the stuff that families with kids dream of. Case in point: the expansive Kiddie Island, a two-feet deep pool surrounded by cream sand (real sand, yes) – which my daughter happily abused.
Of three pools though, I reckon the adjacent island-shaped river pool is probably the most abused favored by couples and adults. With its poolside bar, comfy and sleep-inducing cabanas, and relaxing landscape, the ‘island’ possesses an intimate island party vibe.
You and a BFF can cozy up on tree-covered couple lounge chairs along the river pool while enjoying the mountainside breeze.
At 300 meters above sea level, Club Ananda enjoys perennially cool weather – nearly as cool as Tagaytay’s (or about 16 to 24 °C). We expected the pool water to be nippy, but found it surprisingly warm, almost motherly so. We were told this was because the pool floors and walls are lined with granitic tiles, which retain heat from the sun then deflect it to the water. #HomeIdeas!
There are currently no overnight accommodations available on site, but gorgeous cabanas and cottages are available for rent for a nominal fee (unless you are to camp on site, in which case, reservations must be coursed in advance with the Sandari Batulao sales office). Should you choose to stay for the night, you can rent one of a few privately-owned residences on site via AirBnb. Prices range between P6,000 and P10,000 for a house that can accommodate a party of 4-6.
Treks To The Riverside
If you’re craving for more vigorous adventures, tread one of several trails within the property prior to swimming. Treks are facilitated by SkyAdventuresPH, Club Ananda’s exclusive trail tour partner.
There are four treks offered, from kiddie and novice treks along the Calamias River (30 minutes) to 8-hour long Power Climbs that span all the way to the summit of Mt. Batulao. The trail used can only be privately accessed by Sandari Batulao’s guests, making it perfect for those who are allergic to heavily trafficked trails such as Mt. Batulao’s.
Our group of eight was assigned the Beginner Trek, a leisurely 3-hour (back-and-forth) hike around a five-kilometer loop that runs through Calamias River and the foothills of Mt. Batulao, where you’ll encounter locals riding horses and picking fresh tubers. And of course, gorgeous views of Talamitam and Batulao’s peaks along the way!
By beginner – and totally unfit – trekker standards, while there it has a few steep inclines, the trail is relatively easy (Proof: my four-year old was able to finish the trek. So did a 40-plus mom who had no previous trekking experience). You would have to walk like a duck sometimes, but I found SkyAdventuresPH guides to be incredibly patient and deft in assisting that everything turned out manageable.
The air can get arid even with trees lining the trail. It gets hot in the late morning onwards, so bring water and wear moisture-wicking clothes for trekking. Expect loose soil as well; wear comfortable trek shoes with good traction.
All treks include experienced mountaineer guides, outdoor skills training, meals; and use of the water park, a kiosk, parking, shower and changing rooms, and a personal locker. The same facilities are provided free of charge to swim-only guests.
Crust’s Brick Oven Pizzas
Our mini-party closes at Crust where we gorged on thin, crackling brick oven pizza and homemade pasta, both original recipes of Sandari’s owner. Tan brick walls, low-lying warm bulbs, and blackboard menus lend a small-town, pub-like feel to this 30-seater space inside Sandari without being kitschy.
The menu is quite limited with only 7 pizzas (ranges from P280 to P425) and two pasta dishes on it, but all must-try’s nonetheless. We were fed Pepperoni (P395), Mushroom (P400), and Five Cheese (P400), of which, the third turned out to be everyone’s favorite. Rustic and comforting, the cheeses are a lovely blend of mozzarella, fontina, gorgonzola, parmesan, and kesong puti.
(My kid’s favorite though was the koi feeding by the pond fronting the restaurant, which guests can also do for P10 per head).
Also on the offer were baked mac and lasagna, both generously smothered with cheese and meat. If, like me, you’re a sucker for all things creamy, I’d bet you’ll find the lasagna more suited to your taste.
If you’re a green advocate, you’d be pleased to learn that Crust’s farm-to-table dishes are hauled straight from their own farm near the clubhouse, where they cultivate and harvest all organic ingredients using eco-friendly methods.
“The clubhouse was created because the owners simply wanted a place to relax in when they needed a vacation from the city. Same goes for Crust. They wanted an intimate place where they can share meals with friends and family. It grew from there,” the Sandari team explained.
It wasn’t so hard to see and feel that. That homey warmth and personal touch are things that are quite distinct all around Sandari Batulao. We came there craving the cold embrace of water and mountainside breeze. All metaphors aside, we went home with that and more.
For inquiries and reservations, please contact:
Club Ananda: Rodel Rivera (0916-2732969)
Sandari Batula
www.sandaribatulao.com
SkyAdventuresPH: 0977- 8425607/ 02-5060805
