A Healing Haven for Mind, Body and Soul
Located just south of Manila, The Farm at San Benito is a tranquil escape that offers rejuvenation in abundance
According to the 2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, wellness tourism is a $639 billion per year industry. In 2017 alone, world travellers took 830 million wellness trips, 139 million more than in 2015, and such trips make up 17% of total tourism expenditures.
Why are we spending so much on wellness travel? Well, it's obvious, really. The psychological benefits of taking a break from everyday routine and responsibilities have long been understood. And considering we're now working longer hours and are more connected than ever before, it stands to reason that getting away from it all and unplugging from reality has become even more necessary.
But mental wellbeing is only one aspect; if you’re headed on vacation to disconnect and recharge, why not also use that time to tend to your physical and spiritual wellbeing?
Enter the wellness resort concept. Growing in numbers across the globe, they offer the full gamut of medical, dental and fitness facilities plus more. And while Asia may be the birthplace of many alternative healing and wellness philosophies, within the region The Farm at San Benito is in a league of its own.
Just an hour and a half south of Manila, the multiple award-winning resort — which opened in 2002 — is nestled within lush tropical jungle, its 33 suites and villas spread over 48 hectares of fertile farmland. The wellness team includes qualified nutritionists, medical doctors, dentists, dermatologists, acupuncture practitioners, yoga instructors, fitness coaches and more, and while each is responsible for individual aspects of your stay, the philosophy and approach is entirely holistic.
All of the food prepared at the resort is either grown on the farm or sourced from local producers, and is served at one of two in-house restaurants — innovative vegan restaurant Alive! or the newly opened PESCE, catering to guests who choose to include seafood in their diet.
The resort boasts an extensive range of health programmes and treatments ranging from traditional Filippino massage and soothing facials to water acupressure and flotation therapy, with daily yoga and fitness classes, golf and two pools rounding out the experience.
Extensive as these options may be, guests have the option of choosing as many or as few of the activities and therapies as they desire. And considering how tranquil and calming this healing sanctuary is, it’s no wonder many guests choose to stay at The Farm at San Benito simply because it’s an ideal getaway destination even if one doesn’t make use of all of the facilities on offer.
Words / Suzy Annetta
Images / RR Barretto
