Quick getaways have become popular among busy urbanites eager to discover a new place without the hassle of tedious planning and long travel time. Besides, if you only have a day or two to spare, wouldn’t you want it to be more restful than stressful?
The eco-community of Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna offers a holistic staycation experience to weary weekend warriors who want recharge amid lush greenery but with urban comforts within reach. And as 64 percent of its total land bank of 2,290 hectares has been developed, this mixed-use estate presents more ways to make the most out of your visit.
Here’s a sample itinerary should you find yourself in this eco-community down south of Manila.
MORNING
Take it slow and schedule a late morning departure from Metro Manila, ideally around 10 a.m. If you’re driving, take any of the five South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) exits at Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton-Greenfield, Silangan, or Canlubang. But if you don’t have a car, take the Makati-Nuvali P2P (point-to-point) shuttle at Glorietta 2 Palm Drive; regular one-way fare costs P250. The P2P buses also travel from Nuvali to Makati from 5 a.m to 9 p.m. It only takes 45 minutes to get to Nuvali from Metro Manila by either modes of transportation.
Once in Nuvali, head over to Ayala Malls Solenad 3 for a fresh and filling brunch at Bawai’s, a cozy restaurant offering Vietnamese comfort food such as banh mi, shrimp rolls, pho, che bap, and more.
Put that energy you got from all those yummy dishes to good use by doing a bit of retail therapy at Solenad, whose 40,000-sqm space is home to more than 300 shopping, dining, and entertainment choices. Eat, shop, get a massage, watch a movie, or just enjoy hanging out under a tree at the open-air areas while you leisurely watch families and friends spend their day at the mall.
AFTERNOON
Check in at Seda Nuvali, the LEED Silver certified hotel in the mixed-use development few minutes of walk across Solenad. You will be greeted by its friendly staff and ushered in to one of its 150 guest rooms that features a contemporary design complete with a plush bed, LED HDTV, and mini bar, among other in-room amenities. Enjoy a picturesque view of the sprawling eco-city or the four-hectare man-made lake from your hotel room, as you get some well-deserved afternoon nap.
Take advantage of this day to do something you always say “you don’t have the time for”—get yourself checked up. The recently opened, 102-bed Qualimed Hospital offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. The Nuvali branch of the hospital also serves as its training and research center for healthcare providers.
Before the sun goes down, rent a bicycle at the Evoliving Dockside (P80/hour) and do some leisurely biking on secure designated bike paths at the Lakeside area. Hardcore bikers, on the other hand, may take their mountain bikes off the road at Nuvali’s 35-kilometer mountain bike trail.
EVENING
Keep you nighttime schedule light and relaxed. Head back to your room and order your dinner from Misto, Seda Nuvali’s in-house restaurant offering international and local dishes. Get a full body massage in your room or at the hotel’s spa. And enjoy the rest of the night forgetting about your work, your worries, your responsibilities and focusing on recharging your mind and body.
MORNING
You may opt to start your day early to explore other attractions in Nuvali. Test your skills on a wakeboard at Republic Wakepark or try your hand at different obstacle and rope courses at Camp N–an incubation learning camp suitable for teambuilding activities. If you prefer a much more relaxed morning activity, watch migratory birds fly by at the wildlife and birds sanctuary, or pick your fruits and vegetables at Green and Patches: entrance is P25 per person, while price of your freshly picked produce will be determined by caretakers based on their market value.
Or if you want to sleep in, go ahead! After partaking of a late breakfast at Misto, take a quick dip in Seda Nuvali’s infinity pool or play a game or two at the game room. Pack your bags and check out.
Nuvali’s multitude of indoor, outdoor, and nature-focused amenities makes it an ideal destination to spend your best weekend yet. As a matter of fact, ALI officials said around 55,000 visitors come to this Sta. Rosa estate every weekend.
“People have come to appreciate a lifestyle that embraces sustainability–a green, healthy, and balanced lifestyle. Nuvali has introduced and consistently developed the area to support and nurture this way of living,” said Nuvali General Manager John Estacio.