marc7 travels |
The past months has been a challenge for all of us. We have been confined inside our homes because of the COVID19 pandemic. The government action abruptly stopped the usual runs that we have been doing for years and this has probably caused stress, physically and mentally, to most of us. My usual routine of work and travel, pre-pandemic times, halted in a snap. I was lucky that I was even able squeeze in a major trip before the community quarantines that was also cut short because of COVID19. Even with the gradual opening of the country’s economy, going around and exploring local spots are a challenge with additional travel requirements. This has been daunting for weekend wanderers, like me. I had to check out destinations that is accessible and with minimal travel requirements. That is when it hit me to check out a serene spot in Antipolo that offers a relaxing vibe - the Luljhetta Hanging Gardens. The Luljhetta Hanging Gardens is a perfect spot for a quick and relaxing escape from the city. Located along the slopes of Antipolo facing Metro Manila, it is a serene garden with swimming pools and lounging areas that was designed to give its guests a relaxing experience. It is the “it” spot in Antipolo, pre-pandemic times, that getting a day-trip access was a challenge. So when I tried my luck to book for a day trip access and got through, it was a chance that I was not to miss out. The hanging gardens is located inside the Loreland Farm Resort, a popular resort and event place in Antipolo. It has its own themed swimming pools, team building facilities, and religious trails that can be explored and enjoyed by its guests. The resort have instagrammable spots that you can enjoy while waiting for your turn to be logged in with Luljetta’s. For those intending to enjoy a full weekend break, the farm resort has overnight facilities with access to its pools. Once checked in for a day visit at Luljhetta’s Hanging Gardens, you will be provided towels and robes and ushered inside the premises of the garden. Lockers are provided and proper swimwear is needed if you are taking a dip in their pools. It is also important to know that all scheduled access to the garden and facilities are limited to only 5 hours. The garden was designed in terraces style carved out of the mountain side so expect to walk up and down stairs as you explore the place. The lush greens give it that relaxing garden feel and there are swings and open cottages that you can use where you can sit down, relax, and breathe in the moment. There are bamboo cottages that they use for their spa services and its design complete the rustic ambiance. The garden is sprawling, with a lot of photogenic spots, so manage your time allotment wisely. They have two pools that guests can access. The spa pool on the second level have hydro massage beds where you can get a quick massage and a wading/jacuzzi pool where you can relax and enjoy the relaxing garden ambiance. An infinity pool is located on the third level of Luljhetta where you can enjoy a quick cold dip while enjoying the mountain side views of Antipolo. The also have a small jacuzzi on the third level where you can enjoy a gentle massage surrounded by gentle rustling of the leaves. The garden also has lounging areas where you can enjoy a movie or a game of billiards. You can also choose to enjoy reading a book or play sungka at their living room area or enjoy a relaxing fish foot spa at Dr. Fish. You can also opt to complete the spa experience by including a massage in your day trip package. The Luljhetta’s Hanging Gardens experience is capped off by a fried Antipolo Suman snack with lemongrass tea. POST TRAVEL NOTES A few hours in the serene and relaxing vibe of Luljhetta’s Hanging Gardens was enough break from the usual COVID19 humdrum. Being locked in the city for the months now, the experience was a welcome respite especially with a limited option for metro residents. Like what I have shared previously, this is a great time to explore what is in and around the city and Luljhetta’s Hanging Gardens is a great place where you can relax, unwind, and de-stress from what is happening, that is easily accessible to Metro Manila. Traveling is not just about taking a plane or a bus ride to popular tourist hubs. This COVID19 pandemic is an eye opener in a lot of ways, even with how we see local travels. There are a lot of cool and hip destinations in and around Metro Manila. All we need is a keen eye to discover and re-discover the usual spots in our “backyards” and look at it from a different angle. Let’s re-discover #PinasMuna to get a different appreciation of the usual destinations. Getting there: You can take a van from Robinson Galleria for Antipolo. From Antipolo, you can take a trike and tell the driver to bring you to Loreland Farm Resort.
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Marc del Rosario
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August 2024
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