SM patriarch’s former Tagaytay penthouse now ready to accept guests

MANILA, Philippines — Those who visit Tagaytay often cite three reasons for making the trip: the view, the food and the cooler temperature.

One long-established property that has all three factors on its side is Taal Vista Hotel that has been around for over eight decades. Their unobstructed view of Taal Lake and the cool breeze is worth the drive. During a recent overnight trip, we arose at dawn to see trees in the foreground still draped with mist.

The few times we had been to Taal Vista, we hardly noticed the ship-like structure on one side of the property. The top floor of the structure which used to house the hotel spa has since been renovated and rebranded as the presidential villa.

“Before it became the luxurious retreat it is today, the space was once the private penthouse of Mr. Henry Sy before it was transformed into a spa,” said Ramon Makilan, general manager of Taal Vista Hotel.

The first guests of the villa was a newly married couple who chose to spend their honeymoon there. They shared their first few days of married life gazing at the views of the lake and the mountains from the suite’s three bedrooms. A few months later, they rebooked the presidential villa, this time with their in-laws, one of whom was celebrating a birthday.

With a total area of 600 square meters including a veranda that can be used for small gatherings, the villa does not lack for space. It comes with a dedicated butler service and a pantry to store refreshments. As such, it is also marketed as a space for intimate events or product launches.

“The villa is designed for guests looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, from honeymooners celebrating special milestones to families hosting intimate gatherings such as baby showers and bridal showers. It is also ideal for executives who want to seamlessly blend work and leisure while enjoying quality time with their loved ones,” Makilan said.

As the largest and most premium accommodation at Taal Vista Hotel, it features a luxurious master suite with a presidential bathtub, a king bedroom with breathtaking views of Taal Lake, and a twin bedroom overlooking the scenic mountains. Makilan said that a three-day, two-night stay is an ideal length of time to fully enjoy the villa as well as the hotel’s other service and amenities.

At Rain, the Spa, guests can book 60- or 90-minute massage treatments before or after having a bite to eat at Taza Fresh Table next door or at Veranda, the hotel’s all-day dining outlet

The hotel’s executive sous chef Kim Dalisay recommends the Tomahawk Pork at Taza that is good for three to four diners. At Alta Ridge, he suggests ordering the Gambas and Salpicao during cocktail hour to enjoy the darkening skies at sunset.

“A must-try experience is our weekend buffet at Veranda, featuring cultural performances and well-loved regional dishes under our culinary project ‘Mga Bayan ng mga Bayani,’ which celebrates the diverse flavors and heritage of the Philippines,” Dalisay said.

If you’re feeling peckish late at night, the chef highly recommends ordering a pizza from Veranda from the in-room dining menu. Before heading home, check out the pasalubong options. The chef swears by the “crowd favorite” Pan de Coco as well as the Empanadas, Spanish bread and Ensaymadas.

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