In terms of weekend escapes, Metro Manila dwellers often head to Antipolo or Los Baños for a fast dose of recent air and greenery. However enterprise slightly farther, previous the acquainted haunts, and also you’ll discover a tucked-away treasure in Santa Maria, Laguna (sure, spelled precisely as pronounced to tell apart it from the extra well-known Sta. Maria, Bulacan). Right here, Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort gives a refreshing mixture of journey, gradual residing, and farm-to-fork eating, making it price the additional hour or so on the street.
Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort Glamping Dome
Getting There
From Ortigas Extension in Pasig, drive straight by Manila East Street, cruising previous the Pililla Wind Farm’s towering generators, a roadside spectacle in itself. The journey is marked by winding mountain roads, the sight of occasional native horses grazing on hillsides, and roadside distributors promoting seasonal fruits, rattan furnishings, and even native moonshine. Because the wet season paints the slopes a lush inexperienced, the drive already looks like a part of the escape.
The doorway to Shepherd’s Ridge is in Paang Bundok. A brief stretch of tough street serves as a prelude to the country expertise forward. It’s manageable for many automobiles, although low-clearance automobiles could discover it difficult. What awaits is price it: visitors are greeted by the shade of a large tree, the primary signal of the property’s robust connection to nature.
A Place to Disconnect (Type Of)
Santa Maria’s mountain-side setting makes cell knowledge alerts sparse, however the resort supplies Wi-Fi for important wants. Households and teams are inspired to “contact some grass,” reconnect with each other, and take a step again from screens. Because the proprietor explains, the philosophy is rooted in respect for nature and giving youngsters the prospect to grasp the origins of their meals by a mini farm-to-fork expertise.
Issues to Do
Shepherd’s Ridge isn’t only for quiet reflection. It’s additionally a playground for journey seekers:
- Zip-lining and wall climbing
- Archery, airsoft, darts, and billiards
- Trekking and ATV rides
- Bonfires on request
The resort additionally arranges ATV rides mixed with treks to Mabitac Falls (Three Falls). Nonetheless, guests are reminded that the native authorities closes entry throughout heavy rains for security, because the path can develop into dangerously slippery and the river present too robust.
Eating at Don Genaro’s Restobar
Meals is on the coronary heart of the Shepherd’s Ridge expertise. At Don Genaro’s Restobar, the menu, created in collaboration with the Heart for Asian Culinary Research Analysis & Improvement and its alumnae, Govt Chef Mayelle Edades, contains a no-pork philosophy. As a substitute, it highlights recent, domestically sourced elements, a lot of which come straight from the resort’s gardens planted three to 4 years in the past. Company can preorder breakfast, and whereas the kitchen closes at 9:00 PM, the flavors and farm-to-table high quality linger lengthy after.
The place to Keep
Shepherd’s Ridge gives a wide range of lodging to swimsuit each type of traveler. For these craving one thing distinctive, the Glamping Domes present a comfy, Instagram-worthy mountain escape beneath the celebrities. Households or teams on the lookout for consolation can go for the Villas, whereas {couples} or associates can benefit from the tropical allure of a Tiki Bungalow. Price range-friendly non-airconditioned rooms are additionally obtainable, excellent for visitors who need a extra back-to-basics mountain keep.
The resort can host as much as 60 in a single day visitors comfortably, however the property is expansive sufficient to welcome over 100 non-sleeping visitors—perfect for day trippers or bigger gatherings. For many who want a country expertise, tenting in tents can also be inspired.
Shepherd’s Ridge additionally gives crew constructing packages designed to mix journey, bonding, and leisure in a single setting. Teams of as much as 30 contributors can avail of curated day tour or in a single day packages, making it a best choice for firms, organizations, and even large household reunions.
What to Count on (and Embrace)
This isn’t the polished resort expertise of Tagaytay or Antipolo. As a substitute, it’s an immersion into provincial mountain life—full with mosquitoes, ants, and the occasional spider. The water, recent from pure springs, is plentiful. The air is crisp, the nights quiet, and the celebrities vivid in opposition to the darkish sky.
Rooted in Group
Managed by Approche Hospitality, Shepherd’s Ridge prides itself on using 80% of its employees from close by Mabitac. Past providing journey, the resort goals to function an anchor for Santa Maria’s rising tourism id. Agriculture remains to be the city’s spine, however there’s an evident want to present weary city-goers “a provincial dwelling away from dwelling”—real folks, recent meals, and landscapes unspoiled by heavy commercialization.
The present mayor, who lately honored six centenarians on the town, graced the final night of the resort’s media tour—additional signaling native assist for this initiative.
The Essence of Shepherd’s Ridge
Journey rooted in nature—that’s the philosophy right here. Whether or not you’re in search of the joys of a zip-line, the crackle of a bonfire beneath the celebrities, or just a quiet second with household surrounded by mountains, Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort delivers a grounded, memorable escape.
So subsequent time you intend a weekend away, look previous the same old stops. Santa Maria, Laguna could not but have the title recognition of Antipolo or Los Baños, however maybe that’s precisely what makes Shepherd’s Ridge particular—a hidden gem ready for these keen to go slightly additional.
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