The heat of the elections around that time beat out the heat index of summer in the country. My social network timelines were used to be filled with postcard-like images but everything changed as the national elections come closer. Just in time, an invite to Sandari Batulao rescued me from the stress. A day tour around the vast property near Manila was a reliever.

Sandari, which means “peaceful valley” in Sanskrit, is situated in Nasugbu, Batangas. The 800-hectare property is near the iconic Mt. Batulao and Mt. Talamitam which provide an Instagram-worthy backdrop. Citystate Properties, under the umbrella of ALC Group of Companies, manages this real state whose vision is to provide a sustainable community of residents with active and nature-loving lifestyle.

Club Ananda

While Nale remains to be an exclusive residential village within Sandari’s grand playground, the multi-purpose clubhouse called Club Ananda was opened for non-residents. The sales team members are happy to assist you in the usage of its amenities. The moment I uploaded one snap preview of the clubhouse from my phone, it already caught a lot of attention. I also learned from one of my friends that they had Club Ananda as their wedding reception host place. Club Ananda is few minutes away from the Calaruega Church, which is on the top of the list of preferred wedding churches in Luzon.

A multipurpose covered events hall for your life milestone. They can also accommodate your event al fresco at the Gardens.

Club Ananda has an outdoor bar and restaurant, spa and massage amenities, a fully air-conditioned grand events hall, and my favourite among them all – the Waterpark. Within the Waterpark are infinity lap pool, a closed loop river pool, a sandbar for kids, and a number of cabanas. All will satisfy one’s relaxation needs.

The infinity lap pool is one of the three pools in the Waterpark

What excites me more is the idea of glamping, portmanteau of glamor and camping. I am imagining my group organising mobile and astrophotography camp classes here. Club Ananda welcomes such activities.

Boodle feast straight from their kitchen. If there is a blind item circulating among the bloggers about the shrimp attacker, I’m breaking my silence. I am guilty as charged.

Imagine this refreshing reward after the hike in Mt. Batulao

The infinity river pool on a mountain reminds me of Ubud, Bali

For inquiries, you call the sales team at +632 817 5876. Or email them at club.ananda@cpmc.ph.

Sky Adventures

Since I’ve been hiking mountains, I was also looking forward to the trekking and outdoor activities. To take advantage of the natural landscapes within the premises of Sandari, they are also offering optional outdoor activities in partnership with Sky Adventures. Apart from being consistently patient, the guides are technically skilled. I came with newbies but the introduction to trekking for them has been successful and enjoyable. Props to Kuya Cocoy Pusung, who instantly became a videography rockstar after he showed us his handheld but ridiculously stable travel videos. I remembered him giving tips to the beginners who took the challenge. One of such is that instead of frequent drinking of water to rehydrate, it is better to simply moisten the lips or dampen the throat with a minimal line of liquid. It was a mind-over-matter kind of thing for the body to adjust in such dehydrating conditions. Then I figured, there’s no need for water. What I just need is someone to moisten my lips. Lol.

Sky Adventures is also offering hike adventures to Mt. Batulao to those who are up to more challenging climb. Mt. Batulao is one of my recommended mountains for beginners so signing up for their package is a good kickstart to your fondness of mountains.

The little girl is our hero. She made it until the end without any complaints. Her reward is the Kiddie Island of sandbar in the Waterpark.

Along the trail we found a coffee tree. Coffee awakens the sleepyhead but it also dehydrates. IMHO, not a good trail food.

It’s an up-and-down terrain with alternating shady and open spots.

A local washes her sweet potatoes in the stream. Some of us bought her products before these were delivered to the market.

Nale

We also had a chance to be toured around the village. True to their mission to bring self-sustainability in the community, we witnessed such through their own organic farm. There are already built residences in the village. Some of which have rooms available for rent through AirBnb. All of them follows modern contemporary model.

They grow their own spices and herbs in their organic farm

Crust

Rule of the hungry millenials: Snap before eat

I became notorious as the food exterminator in our group. Club Ananda knows the shortest way to my healing heart – that is through my stomach. When I thought kilograms of shrimps were enough to fix my appetite, the brick-oven savoury pizza and cheesiest pasta totally sealed (and clogged) my heart. I am not complaining though. And man, they are delicious.

Our little hero enjoys frenzy-feeding the koi

Ingrid is happy in her campaign. Her feeding program is successful.

The interiors of Crust is so hipster

How To Get There

The peaceful valley situated between the mountains of Nasugbu, Batangas

You can reach Sandari Batulao via private and public transportations. The route is very familiar since it’s just few minutes away from Metro Tagaytay along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road.