I've always longed to experience for myself that much-gabbed about, intimate Tagaytay hideaway that was Sonya's Garden (which, fortunately, is now a B&B) ... and with the chilly x'mas breeze for company, off we went ...
The cottage they assigned to us was at the end of a verdant trail, nestled cozily under the ever-present trees of ... Sonya's forest? ;-) The gentle tinkling of windchimes, and the relaxing sound of flowing water brought to mind images of Rivendell and Lorien. A refreshing scent of mint and other unidentified herbs pervaded the air, which was a welcome olfactory treat for noses desensitized by Manila's ever-present smog.
Portentiously, our cottage was named "Parsley" of Scarborough Fair fame, believed to provoke lust and love in Medieval times ... avert!!! :-)
The capiz door opened into a delightfully bright and cheerful sala
With fresh flowers, esoteric reading materials and a spectacular view of the greenery ...
The bedroom was even more charming, with a large comfy bed and big, fluffy pillows designed for pure sleeping pleasure ...
The bedspreads, pillow covers and mantels were all embroidered with dainty floral patterns, reminding me sharply of my tita's sorely-missed vacation house in Bulacan ...
Native "His n Hers" slippers were also provided ...
The bathroom was an amalgam of native charm and modern convenience ... and the feeling of intimate isolation fostered by the cottage almost lulled us into forgetting about the drapes ... ;-) (what a shock that would have been to the dogs cavorting innocently outside!)
Organic toiletries - honey mint shampoo and oatmeal soap ... guaranteed to make you smell absolutely delectable after your shower!
The cottage itself is pretty enough to tempt you stay inside forever ... but then you'll miss out on the other stuff the place has to offer ... for what is a garden without flowers? ...
which are all grown in the greenhouse ...
that doesn't look like a greenhouse ...
because of its pleasantly surprising nooks ...
which are ideal for lovebirds like us ;-)
If you thought the place was colorful only by day, guess again. The various ornate, antique lamps adorning nearly every nook and cranny set the place aglow with rainbow lights at night ... which nearly made me forget about the creepy sigh of the wind and the eerie rustling of branches against our bedroom window ... forgive my hyperactive imagination :-)
The main massage house looked invitingly relaxing and romantic at the same time, unfortunately we weren't able to experience it (due to poor customer service) oh well, there's always next time ...
However, we quickly forgot about our pique come breakfast time ... as we were greeted by this charming country tableau ...
Breakfast was served shortly after, and consisted of fried rice, crunchy danggit, aromatic adobo, hot chocolate and fresh fruits ... mmmm ... yummm!
Returning from our occular inspection of our future wedding site, we were served with Sonya's patented lunch - salad, pasta and fresh dalandan juice ...
Advice for future diners: don't stuff yourself - else you'll miss out on this sinful chocolate cake partnered with the most refreshing mint tea I've ever sipped ....
So was the P2,800 per head worth it? Definitely! We only wish we had more time to just laze around at the cottage, re-read the worn-out copy of "The Little Prince" at our bedside table, walk the many hidden pathways and take hundreds more pictures of this charming place ...
Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva, Sonya (Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet)
