The winner of over 100 awards and named ‘Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World,’ it’s no surprise that butterflies set in as the bustling skyscrapers of Manila faded into the distance, replaced by lush tree-clad roads en route to The Farm – and my first-ever health retreat.
Nestled in the heart of the Batangas region, within 130 acres of towering coconut palms and ancient trees, this car-free retreat is framed by the dramatic Malarayat mountain range. The property is dotted with strutting peacocks, vegetable allotments and secret gardens, with every building and yoga pavilion thoughtfully designed to blend into the natural environment.
Established over twenty years ago, The Farm was at the forefront of mental health, self-care, and traditional healing practices, long before the health and wellness movement took off.
Inclusive and Therapeutic
While The Farm at San Benito is a serene and luxurious retreat, it’s also refreshingly down-to-earth.
I had imagined a place filled with model-like yogis and hardcore health enthusiasts, but the reality was far more inclusive and real.
Just an hour and a half south of the bustling Filipino capital, The Farm attracts a diverse clientele – from those seeking a complete lifestyle overhaul to the rich and famous of Manila. But it’s not just for the elite; families, groups, and anyone looking to enjoy the stunning facilities and fantastic restaurants are also welcome.
Despite its ultra-luxurious vibe, The Farm offers something for every budget. You can stay in charming thatched huts starting at just AED 700 per night, including breakfast, or opt for the most luxurious villas, which reach AED 4,500 per night.
What makes The Farm truly special, though, is the wealth of complimentary activities available with every stay. Guests can enjoy daily yoga sessions, nature walks, gym classes, cooking masterclasses, and even mandala flower making – all designed to nourish health and wellbeing.
That said, it’s the personalised medical programmes that truly set it apart from any other wellness retreat. Created by a team of six in-house doctors and various medical partners, The Farm offers transformative itineraries for every kind of physical and mental ailment.
Whether you want assistance with menopause, rehabilitation, pain, fertility, addiction, prenatal care, weight loss, or improving sleep, anxiety, or general mental health, they can create a plan to address your particular needs. Kids can even enjoy a digital detox that allows them to discover games and activities away from their screens.
My goal was simple: I wanted a programme that would leave me feeling happy, healthy, and energised. Having always enjoyed working out, practicing yoga, and maintaining a balanced diet, I figured I had a pretty good handle on how to take care of my mind and body. I didn’t expect to learn much – but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
After checking into my astounding villa (complete with a private pool, homemade organic coconut oil toiletries, and stunning jungle views) my journey started with a holistic health consultation.
The consultation covered every aspect of my physical and mental health in detail. The doctor asked about my sleep patterns, how I relaxed, and what my stress levels were like. It was the first time in my life that I had spent a full hour discussing nothing but my own wellbeing with a qualified medical professional.
Unlike the quick in-and-out visits I was used to, my in-depth session with Dr. Michelle was incredibly revealing, useful, and at times emotional. I found myself expressing worries I had never before admitted to anyone, things I had simply glossed over as I was ‘too busy’ to look into them.
One of the most fascinating parts was seeing my blood sample magnified, and the nutritional assessment I received went far beyond the usual BMI calculation.
Green Gastronomy
While The Farm’s best-selling programme is a full detox complete with a colon cleanse, I opted for a less intense wellness journey that involved a mix of healing treatments, three healthy meals per day, and lots of fresh juice and water.
My mornings started with a ginger tea and turmeric shot that was dropped at my villa door at 6.30am sharp. And for coffee lovers, you can ease into your caffeine detox by requesting coffee made from ground brown rice.
Now, while I’m sure that the more intense juice cleanse that is on offer leaves you feeling fantastic, I’m not sorry that I was able to explore the incredible menus of Alive vegan restaurant, and Prana, the Ayurveda-inspired Indian vegetarian restaurant.
Providing healthy versions of colourful Filipino and international specialties, I enjoyed vegan curries, rice paper rolls, incredible carrot cakes and, of course, many bowls of refreshing halo-halo (a traditional Filipino dish that features a mix shaved ice milk, various fruits and ice cream).
I also had tasty, freshly squeezed green juice delivered to my side several times a day. No matter where I was, they somehow always knew how to find me. The healthy diet combined with the myriad of rejuvenating treatments, daily morning yoga classes, fresh air, and plenty of walking, I was feeling more rested, energised, and healthier than ever.
While my holistic health was nourished with floatation therapy, myotherapy (my choice was a sports massage), and a session in the vital dome infrared-sauna (a gentle way of improving skin tone, sleep, and aiding detoxification), the spa team also treated me to a purifying body scrub, and a relaxing massage.
Sustainable habits
A stay at The Farm isn’t just a temporary escape – it’s a transformative experience that is designed to stay with you long after you leave.
My retreat ended with a final consultation with the doctor, where we discussed how I could continue to prioritise my health and the new habits I’d bring into my daily routine.
Unlike the countless hotels and resorts that eventually blur together, The Farm is simply, unforgettable. What started as skepticism about the value of a health retreat, I now cannot wait to do something similar again in the future.
With regular direct flights to Manila offered from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, The Farm is the perfect break from the UAE’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Your body and mind will thank you for it, I promise.
