Time flies fast these days, with Facebook posts and news flying out at a breakneck pace, it is a wonder how we Urbanites can cope with so many distractions. There are times when I feel burnt out from work and that is when I decide to disconnect from the digital to recenter my mind.
On a recent trip to Tagaytay together with Summit Hotels and Cebu Pacific, I was able to do just that as part of our itinerary included a visit and tour of Nurture Wellness Village which is located just a short 15-minute drive from Summit Ridge Hotel Tagaytay.
A pioneer in the Philippine spa and wellness industry, Nurture Wellness Village is located deep amidst coffee orchards, and offers a distinctive brand of “Ecotherapy” or healing by and through nature. Proudly Fipipino, it a unique Filipino wellness experience which is evident from its unique Ifugao native huts to its Filipino themed décor to its therapeutic Filipino themed spa treatments, to its Filipino fusion cuisine in its restaurant. The experience I loved the most though was the tour across Nurture Spa’s Nurture Farmacy.
An educational tour tailored to educate urbanites of the beauty of organic and healthy food, the Nature Farmacy is the Nurture Spa’s own working farm that produces the kale, arugula, herbs, and the many fruits used for its restaurant and treatments.
The section of the farm features the many different herbs, fruits and vegetables planted in the shape of the human organs that benefit from consuming them. From the brain down to the heart, liver, and even down to gonads, the farm is an educational visual treat for kids and adults alike. The walk around the garden’s pathways was refreshing as well, thanks to Tagaytay’s cool mountain air.
Walking past the first section, we arrived at Lola’s Garden where we were met by lola herself who explained the different uses of medicinal herbs and plants. It was a virtual library of what herbal solutions our Filipino ancestors used whenever they have an ailment. There was also a farmhouse where many of traditions such as cloth weaving, de-husking rice using a huge mortar and pestle, and kite-making were shown.
The star moment of the tour for me however, was when we finally met the Farmacy’s official mascot, Maria Clara the carabao, who was all too eager to eat the grass offered to her by visiting guests. Of course that meant having a selfie. But aside from that moment with Maria Clara, I never once looked at my smartphone which was the digital break back to simpler times that my mind needed.
The Nurture Wellness Village is located at Pulong Sanigan, Barangay Maitim II West, Tagaytay City, Cavite.
Summit Ridge Hotel Tagaytay is located at Km. 58 Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City. For more information and room reservations, you can visit www.summithotels.ph.
