Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay

Time was when rumors of a secret garden tucked in the gentle rolling hills of Tagaytay inevitably sneaked into conversations of Manila’s inner circle on what is new and exotic. Stories were told in awe and delight about a flower garden planted in “organized chaos” yet soothingly pleasing to the eye, as if choreographed with artistic perfection. And then there is the simple yet incredibly filling country cuisine with fresh and organically grown ingredients from the garden, served in fine tableware that complements the idyllic setting. Then there is Sonya herself with her memories of growing up in her grandmother’s country garden in the Philippines, her life as an expat in Europe and the US, and her dreams of carving out a place in the country where she can live her philosophy on “the art of doing nothing”. This was supposed to be Sonya’s private paradise, open only to family and friends and eventually, friends of friends. But after much prodding from all who have enjoyed the country living experience to share with more people what otherwise would have been her retirement lifestyle, she finally but reluctantly relented. In February of 1998, she opened the doors of her secret garden to the public in time for Valentine’s Day.

From then on Sonya’s has been host to a bevy of visitors; the tourist from a far off land who looks beyond the beaten path; the balikbayan looking for a familiar sketch of a memory of home; burned-out city-dwellers seeking respite from the din of the city; and practically anybody who is looking for something different yet strangely familiar. Of course, as a wonderful haven of romance, love blooms in Sonya’s garden like flowers of an eternal spring. Many romantics have found it to be a popular spot to disarm, to court and to propose. Some have even returned to say, “I do.” And with that, Sonya’s Secret Garden earned the reputation of being the worst kept secret in Manila. Perhaps Sonya’s most generous gift yet is the opportunity for her guests to stay awhile in her private world thru her Bed and Breakfast facility were one can retreat to a charming cottage of their own. Families or friends who wish to bond, couples on their nth honeymoon or just the tired soul longing for solitude and a bit of pampering - all have found their way to Sonya’s B&B. And to continue her quest for creating more spaces of serenity, Sonya also opened the SPA, a pampering salon where harried city folks are reminded to be kind to themselves once in a while. ---

BED AND BREAKFAST All the Bed and Breakfast cottages are named after herbs, which, like her garden, reflect Sonya’s love for aromatic things. Inspired by her simple country lifestyle, the Bed and Breakfast facility was born out of insistent pleas from guests to stay awhile longer in Sonya’s private sanctuary. In the short time that it has been open to the public, many have already vowed to return for a myriad of simple joys, like waking up to the smell of flowers, languishing in bed from last night’s soothing massage, contemplating in the undisturbed solitude that surrounds each cottage, relaxing by the charming bay windows that opens into a view of nature in its entire splendor, the warm hospitality of Sonya and her staff—and other delightful discoveries that has made a stay at the B&B a unique experience for every person. The B&B has welcomed all sorts of people into its uniquely styled cottages. From the tired urbanite just longing for an escape from the city, the couple on their nth honeymoon, the traveler searching for a different kind of journey, the balikbayan who’s just glad to be home, and the curious who is perpetually intrigued by how Sonya’s lives her philosophy on “the art of doing nothing”—all have made the path to Sonya’s a well-traveled road. There seems to be something inexpressibly powerful about the restful setting at Sonya’s B&B that it has drawn families together for reunions, inspired bonding sessions among friends, even lured colleagues to conduct teambuilding activities here. Guests have rediscovered the lost “Art of Conversation”. Perhaps it reminds them of simpler times, when instead of watching television there would be long conversations that lasted well after dinner, when time was an excess rather than a luxury. Another long-forgotten art that Sonya hopes to revive is the art of letter writing, which she encourages by leaving guest books in every cottage. She has even provided a rose-scented ink, a concoction she made from scratch, and a notebook of hand-made paper. This has prompted many who have been moved by the country living experience to leave her personal thank-you notes while some pages are even filled with poetry and illustrations inspired by her garden. One of the best times to spend the night at Sonya’s is during the hushed nights early in the week, when the garden is quiet save for crickets singing a lulling melody, or the sound of soft tinkling from glass chimes that signals the passing of a breeze. The damp months of June to October beckons the hopefully romantic who are seduced by the rhythm of falling rain and the aftermath of a sparkling garden scene of dew-like droplets. Ever the haven for lovers, the B&B has become a popular destination for a romantic getaway. There have been quite a number who have even made the place their wedding venue of choice, where they would also have their bridal shower and spend their honeymoon. While receptions and wedding ceremonies have been held at various corners of the garden the most unique is a twilight wedding setting at Sonya’s Herb Greenhouse. Guests have described the experience as something out of a dream, specially when the pebble-stoned pathways of the B&B are lit with colored glass lanterns. 

Home-cooked meals are also included in the accommodations because Sonya treats guests as family. Her braised chicken with carrots and baby potatoes might trigger memories of a sunny kitchen always smelling of mother’s cooking. Guests on extended stay may expect a variety of dishes (try the callos!) to perk up their appetite. 

 For those who want to renew their inner selves there are therapeutic and creative activities such as cooking with herbs and gardening lessons, flower arrangement and wreath-making sessions. When she is available, there’s also a yoga class for beginners taught by Sonya herself that sets the mood for a surreal restorative experience. These are only a handful of ways among a multitude of possibilities that guests of Sonya can experience at her B&B to nourish both body and soul. 

SPA At the core of Sonya’s advocacy on “the art of doing nothing,” which she encourages all to practice, is allowing the self to indulge in relaxing activities that ultimately becomes one’s vehicle for self-rediscovery. For Sonya’s visitors, the word SPA translates to Secret Pleasures At Sonya’s , a leisure facility intended for guests to spoil themselves with a little bit of pampering. Many tired and harried city folks have long considered Sonya’s private sanctuary as their own refuge from the hubbub of life in Manila. Here, guests can choose from a variety of rejuvenating body treatments rendered by the courteous and well-trained staff while relaxing in an environment that stimulates the senses. An atmosphere of Zen-like comforts is ever-present, where simple pleasures such as watching water cascading down the window are created. Outside, an eyeful of nature’s bounty makes one feel almost immediately soothed. Services at the SPA are a fusion of European and Asian traditions merged with some modern techniques. The most popular of all is Sonya’s Signature Massage, which is a compendium of Sonya’s favorite massage strokes that maintains pressure and focus typical of Shiatsu while executing relaxing Swedish strokes that improves blood circulation combined with stretching movements of a Thai massage. Another favorite is the Four Hands Massage, a unique body treatment designed to double one’s pleasure with synchronized strokes. Guests will discover the experience to be a sensual quest that spoils the body , one that can also be shared with partner in the Couple’s Room. The SPA also offers reflexology (Shiatsu for the foot and hands) and facial treatments, even a special session dedicated to aromatherapy, which by way of steam bath, calms the body with refreshing Lavender scents. For a complete head-to-toe indulgence, Sonya suggests the Wet Pampering Treatment, which starts with hair spa, followed by a facial and full body scrubs, then capped off with a foot spa. This is how Sonya regales her guests with secret pleasures that create avenues to be kind to oneself.