Being a predominantly Catholic country, the Philippines observes the Holy Week in a long holiday period. This season serves as a perfect time for everyone to take a break and recharge physically, mentally, and spiritually. Some take it as an opportunity to travel and seek adventure, while devotees fulfill religious traditions like Visita Iglesia. Meanwhile, others simply take advantage of the rare time to reflect.
Religious or not, everyone could use a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of spiritual and wellness retreats near Manila you can choose according to your needs.
Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain, Antipolo
Due to its closeness to nature, Antipolo is a great place for a relaxing getaway and a peaceful retreat. Nestled in the mountainous area of the city, Touch of Glory is a lesser-known destination for prayer and meditation. It is said to be the first prayer resort in Southeast Asia. It has a spacious garden and farm, and facilities like prayer rooms and a cafeteria. There’s also a dormitory and private accommodation, but the resort is only currently open for day visits. Reservation is required.
Location: Sitio Calumpang, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City
Operating hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact: 0917-840-1288
Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Antipolo
You don’t necessarily have to be religious to savor the season of reflection. Sometimes, the perfect retreat can be found in nature, where you can get back in tune with yourself and the world. Mount Purro, also in Antipolo, offers a nice blend of comfort, convenience, and the rawness of nature. The nipa hut-inspired cabins for accommodation are cozy, and you can choose from packages with activities like hiking, swimming, river walks, bonfire, or tent camping.
Location: Mount Purro Nature Reserve Purok 5, Barangay Calawis, Antipolo City
Contact: 02-8542-3005 / 0908-881-2701
Oasis of Prayer, Silang
Oasis Prayer is a hidden gem near Tagaytay. As a retreat center, it has a very solemn and inspiring environment that’s conducive to prayer and meditation. The grounds are pristine and beautifully landscaped, kept cool by the breeze of Tagaytay. If you just need some quiet time, it’s also a good place to spend a night or two with amply distanced cabins.
Location: KM 51.8 Aguinaldo Hwy, Lalaan II, Silang, Cavite
Contact: 0932-669-5887
Nurture Wellness Village, Tagaytay
You can go on a wellness retreat in an exclusive spa resort like Nurture Wellness Spa Village where you not only get to pamper your body but also have the time to relax and meditate. They’re now open for a staycation, so you can stay longer after your treatment and just slow down or tour Tagaytay at your own pace. The spa is surrounded by lush greenery and comprises facilities like a healthy restaurant, swimming pool, gym, and yoga area.
Location: Nurture Wellness Village, Pulong Sagingan, Barangay Maitim II West, Tagaytay
Contact: 02-8710-9876 / 0917-687-8873
The Farm at San Benito, Batangas
If you go a little further south, you can find another exceptional place for a holistic wellness retreat. As a medical wellness resort, The Farm At San Benito offers transformative healing in various ways. Indulge in pampering treatments or bask in the beauty of nature as you take part in nature walks and meditation activities. There are also health programs overseen by actual medical professionals.
Location: 19 Brgy. Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas
Contact: 0918-884-8080
Looking for more ways to relax and pamper yourself? Find more staycation and spa experiences on KKday!
*Featured image via Mount Purro Nature Reserve & The Farm at San Benito
