Cover The calming presence of the lagoon forms the heart of The Farm at San Benito, infusing the entire space with tranquility (Photo: The Farm at San Benito)
The calming presence of the lagoon forms the heart of The Farm at San Benito, infusing the entire space with tranquility (Photo: The Farm at San Benito)
1 / 1
Just outside Manila, The Farm at San Benito offers a luxe escape where science-led therapies meet holistic healing—all set in the heart of lush Philippine forest
We all need time to step back and recalibrate from the demands of work. That’s exactly how I felt in the first half of the year, after months of back-to-back projects and dining events. My mind and body were telling me to hit pause—and more importantly, to return home to the Philippines to recharge my batteries.
Friends had long recommended The Farm at San Benito, a luxury holistic medical wellness resort nestled in Lipa City, Batangas, which will soon be under Marriott International’s Autograph Collection later this year. Known for its holistic healing programmes and tranquil natural setting, it seemed like the perfect escape. And, from how my friends described leaving the resort feeling deeply rejuvenated, I knew that this was exactly what I needed.
The idea of flying to Manila might not appeal to everyone—especially when you think about the notorious traffic—but there’s a way around that. I took a midnight flight from Singapore, landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) at 4am, and completely bypassed the usual airport chaos that often starts later in the day. Guests can also arrange for airport pickup, which I did, thus kickstarting a hassle-free wellness journey.
In case you missed it: How these luxury resorts in Southern Thailand are building sustainability into guest experiences
First Impressions
Above The Farm at San Benito offers a host of science-backed and holistic wellness programmes
The Farm at San Benito offers a host of science-backed and holistic wellness programmes
1 / 1
The Filipinos are known for their hospitality and it was immediate upon check-in at the al fresco reception area, when the friendly concierge warmly welcomed me at 8am and showed me around the massive property where animals like peacocks and ducks roam around freely. My immediate thought was: even the animals are happy here, what more if you were staying guest?
At the heart of The Farm at San Benito is its fully integrated medical wellness centre staffed by a team of onsite doctors offering health consultations, nutritional guidance, and specialised digestive cleanses. Wasting no time, I booked a nutritional screening on my first day to get expert advice on simple, sustainable lifestyle changes I could continue back home in Singapore. The doctor suggested starting with a one-day juice cleanse to help reset my system, and encouraged me to participate in activities like yoga, flower meditation and sound healing to promote relaxation and inner balance.
For future guests, you’ll be pleased to know that The Farm at San Benito offers multiple wellness classes daily, making it easy to build a routine that nurtures both body and mind.
Do Not Disturb
Above The Mahogany Luxury Residence at The Farm at San Benito is a two-storey villa that can accomodate up to seven guests
Above The Mahogany Luxury Residence also comes with its own private pool and gazebo; it's truly one of the most luxurious villas at The Farm at San Benito
The Mahogany Luxury Residence at The Farm at San Benito is a two-storey villa that can accomodate up to seven guests
1 / 2
Tucked within lush forest and overlooking the mountains, The Farm at San Benito spans 52 hectares and features 70 exclusive suites, villas, and residences. I stayed at the Mahogany Luxury Residence—a lavish two-storey villa covering 3,000 square feet, spacious enough to accommodate up to seven guests. Perfect for families, it comes with a private pool and gazebo, two bedrooms, a generous living area, and even a dedicated home office. With its warm, home-like ambience and thoughtful touches—from rattan chairs and woven textiles to Filipino baskets—the villa feels both luxurious and deeply rooted in local charm. It’s the kind of place that makes you never want to leave.
Read more: Hotel review: Inside Hilton Bali Resort’s stunning coastal transformation
The Extras
Above At The Farm at San Benito, enjoy massages that draw upon traditional Filipino healing practices
At The Farm at San Benito, enjoy massages that draw upon traditional Filipino healing practices
1 / 1
Beyond its medically guided health programmes, The Farm at San Benito is equally revered for its celebration of time-honoured Filipino healing traditions. A highlight of my stay was hilot haplos, one of the retreat’s signature treatments. It began with a decadent full-body scrub made from coconut cream and raw cacao—rich, earthy and grounding—setting the tone for what followed: a deeply soothing hilot massage. This centuries-old Filipino therapy relies on intuitive touch to release muscle tension and restore the body’s natural energy flow.
After the indulgent 90-minute massage, I eased into a warm coconut milk soak, which left my skin soft, nourished and glowing for weeks. Equal parts ritual and remedy, the entire experience felt like a soulful return to nature, steeped in cultural tradition and quiet luxury.
Don't miss: Best wellness retreats in Phuket for a relaxing island escape
Food & Drink
Above The Farm at San Benito only uses organic and locally-grown produce at its 5 restaurants
The Farm at San Benito only uses organic and locally-grown produce at its 5 restaurants
1 / 1
In the real world—especially in my line of work—it’s all too easy to overindulge in rich food and fine wine. But my time at The Farm at San Benito served as a welcome palate reset, reminding me of the quiet joy in eating mindfully. The resort is home to five dining concepts, each rooted in a wellness philosophy where the farm-to-table ethos takes centre stage. Dishes are crafted using organic, locally grown ingredients, with an emphasis on nourishment and balance.
I’m not usually one for breakfast, but at The Farm, I found myself happily rising early for a leisurely start at Pesce, the resort’s seafood restaurant by the pool. Mornings offered a generous spread of both Western and Asian fare, but I kept coming back to the comforting Filipino classic: inihaw na bangus (grilled milkfish) with garlic fried rice, best had with a glass of fresh-pressed juice or a strong cup of coffee.
Tasty vegan fare drew me to Alive Restaurant, where plant-based gourmet dishes are crafted using produce harvested straight from The Farm’s own organic vegetable and herb garden. For something a little more indulgent, I ventured to Soufflé de Vie, the resort’s French restaurant tailored to the Filipino palate. The menu strikes a delicate balance between classic technique and comforting familiarity; think creamy burrata with cherry tomatoes and basil pesto, a deeply savoury French onion soup enriched with beef stock, and perfectly flame-grilled lamb chops glazed in a rich red wine sauce.
Tatler Tip
Above Expanding its 360-wellness programme, The Farm at San Benito now offers a Scalp Microbiome Detox, developed in collaboration with Meinas
Expanding its 360-wellness programme, The Farm at San Benito now offers a Scalp Microbiome Detox, developed in collaboration with Meinas
1 / 1
While staying at The Farm at San Benito, I highly recommend experiencing one of their latest wellness innovations: the Scalp Microbiome Detox. As one of the first guests to try this seven-step treatment earlier this year, what immediately stood out was the exclusive use of all-natural and herbal Meinas products.
My session began with a thorough analysis of my scalp, which, I’ll admit, was in dire state. The therapist then gently massaged my scalp before moving into the purifying sea mud therapy, designed to deeply detoxify. The true highlight for me, however, was the incredibly relaxing steaming and waterfall therapy. My head was positioned so warm water cascaded over it for an extended period, working to open pores and effortlessly remove dead skin cells. This unique approach truly enhanced my overall scalp health, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Credits
Images: The Farm at San Benito
Topics
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
