Tierra de Lago

We’ve come back to Tierra de Lago five times in two years, and it’s become our go-to escape from the city. The drive up already sets a calm, serene mood, and it feels like finding a hidden gem. Billie and Mila, thanks for always being so accommodating and having everything ready before we arrive. My family and I had an amazing time again, and we’re looking forward to coming back. Stay: September 24 - September 27. Five guests, two rooms.

The jacuzzi was my favorite, and the pool water was warm, maybe because of the hot springs. The staff were courteous, the grounds well maintained, and there were lots of flowers, huts, and garden seating. We were lucky to have the whole resort to ourselves on Sunday. The changing rooms and toilets were clean and had soap and tissue, and it was fun seeing men fishing with their bare hands. There’s fresh air, wheelchair ramps, and you can bring your own food and drinks. I arrived with low expectations, but the peaceful scenery by the big resort sign surprised me. Cloudy skies, lush greenery, and the mountains made for a picture-perfect view. Pets aren’t allowed, which was a big disappointment since we wanted to bring our little dog. I didn’t see any stray cats either. The cottage area we were shown was tidy, though the far end around the foot spa and basketball court looked more sprawling and a bit mossy. The road in is narrow, so you’ll need to be a confident driver.

Waking up to birds, a strong breeze, and a garden full of well-kept plants made this feel like a relaxing haven. It’s a hidden paradise, with amenities and a location worth seeing, and the cottages are great. The downsides were one bathroom for 11 people, which got chaotic, an inadequate heater and water supply, and some confusion about service fees that was off-putting.

The route to this resort was crowded, with very little space or room to drive. Once there, though, I loved how green and peaceful it felt. The hot spring pools were great because I didn’t have to worry about getting cold, and our cottage was tidy, with a bathroom heater. The staff were friendly too. There’s a nice view of mount makiling and laguna de bay, plus things to do besides swimming, including billiards and basketball courts.