Getaways Within Reach: 6 Memorable Staycation Destinations

Holidays call for road trips and family escapes—but while flying out is always an option, here are some enthralling nature-filled staycation destinations that are just a drive away.

As the international travel scene has opened up, many of us are already jet-setting to places outside the Philippines. But because we love the Philippines, we came up with a new list of staycation destinations you can go to that are within a short drive from the metro, so you can still experience the joys and wonders of travel—even without booking a flight!

Villa Elisa Botolan: A Hidden Gem in Zambales

Nestled in the heart of Zambales, the newly opened Villa Elisa Botolan stands as a hidden gem—waiting to be discovered by avid travelers seeking a beach escape close to the metro. This picturesque staycation destination offers a unique blend of unspoiled beachfront, serene landscapes, and warm hospitality that sets it apart from the more popular tourist spots in the Botolan.

What captivates visitors about Villa Eliza Botolan is the newly built luxurious sea view and mountain villas, filled with everything needed for a relaxing vacation. The sea-view villas have their own private heated pool facing the private beachfront, so you can enjoy an all-day swim even during the cooler months.

Each villa also comes with a fully equipped kitchen to host memorable gatherings with family and friends—coupled with spacious bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The surrounding landscape also presents opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring hidden rivers allowing visitors to connect more intimately with the natural wonders that define this hidden gem. Or you can also opt to just chill by the beach, ride an ATV along the coastline, or
while away the day enjoying the villa’s amenities and making memories with your loved ones.

Botolan is an underrated beach destination, and Villa Elisa Botolan captures its charm while providing elevated beach villa staycation options for the city crowd that are perfect for large groups and families.

Camper and Cabin Forest: Nature’s Tranquil Private Retreat in Cavite

If you are looking for a staycation destination to relish exceptional privacy surrounded by the natural beauty of the lush outdoors, then Camper and Cabin Forest is a place you need to get to know. Hidden in the rolling hills of Alfonso, Cavite, this new offering by Camper and Cabin is ideal for individuals who seek a secluded refuge without sacrificing their need for comfort and luxury.

The Oak Cabin first opened to guests, providing an unadulterated view of its surrounding landscapes amid Japanese architecture. The two-bedroom cabin carries a distinct zen ambiance, with luxurious Tempur pillows and mattresses giving its guests an unrivaled night’s sleep while reveling in nature’s beauty. Oak Cabin also has its own private plunge pool, a fire pit with a sunken seating area, and its own pocket garden.

The Pine Cabin is decked out in a transparent sleek structure, where guests can experience the changes in natural light shining from its glass roof from dusk to dawn. The cabin is also designed for couples and small families with one to two kids.

Meanwhile, the Fir Cabin stands on stilts overlooking the hillside of Alfonso. It features glass wood with glass windows, with its own private balcony, infinity pool, outdoor dining area, and fireplace. Don’t miss out on the floating deck, offering a panoramic view of the forest below.

While each cabin has cooking capabilities, some guests understandably don’t want to slave over a hot stove during their weekends away. Camper and Cabin Forest has also recently opened Campfire by Bawais, a modern Asian restaurant within the compound, completing their guests’ multisensory experiences with gustatory delights while reconnecting with nature in sheer comfort.

The Black Gable: A Mountain Retreat in the Heart of Rizal

A striking black facade against lush greenery, The Black Gable’s allure is in its architectural masterpiece, with a design inspired by the traditional gable roofs that add contemporary elegance to the rustic charm of Rizal’s countryside. The Black Gable is a creation by Indigo Concepts—the same group behind The Black Cabin in Batangas and The White Cabin in Tagaytay.

A getaway home in Binangonan, Rizal, The Black Gable is where guests can reconnect with nature and relish the quiet of provincial life without driving too far from the city. Built with care to minimize the disruption of its surrounding nature, the home mixes bohemian and wabi-sabi elements to create a free-spirited aesthetic—emphasizing raw organic elements that provide comfort in simplicity.

The Black Gable seamlessly blends modern luxury with the natural beauty of its surroundings. What is striking about The Black Gable is the mountain retreat’s nature-centric design, with its expansive glass walls allowing one to transition seamlessly from indoors to outdoors. It has garnered attention for its unique architecture, serene ambiance, and commitment to providing guests with an unforgettable retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Guests looking to stay will have full access to the entire house, complete with a pool overlooking majestic views of the bay, lake, and mountain. The place offers three luxurious and modern bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a tub, as well as a fully equipped modern kitchen.

Although located in an underrated area of Rizal, nearby cafes and activities are available for guests of all ages to explore, such as the Sandugo Trail Eastridge, the Bunker Park Mini Golf and Playground, the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs Site, and more.

Alesea Baroro: Charming Beach Escape in La Union

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Taboc, La Union, Alesea Baroro emerges as a coastal paradise destination—inviting travelers to indulge in the blissful blend of sun, sea, and surf. It captivates those seeking a beach escape coupled with the vibrant local culture of La Union, which defines the surfing province.

With its long stretch of beach that remains mainly unspoiled by mass tourism, guests can bask along the coast relishing a postcard-perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

For those looking to enjoy the seaside adventure La Union has to offer away from the crowds, Alesea Baroro offers a secluded three-bedroom modern tropical beach villa located on the beach off a quiet
road. It offers a private beachfront experience with breathtaking ocean and sunset views and its own infinity pool.

The villa is great for entertaining as it comes fully equipped with an outdoor bar, grill, electric burners, jacuzzi, and patio to enjoy cocktails and dinner during sunset. It is also just a few minutes away from the busy San Juan area, where you can find endless choices of restaurants, cafes, bars, and grocery stores.

If your family is up for surfing, there are surfing instructors available for both beginners and seasoned surfers. The uncrowded beach also ensures everyone can enjoy the coast at their own pace, whether you want to swim, paddleboard, windsurf, or just play by the waves.

Tirta Spring Villa: A Hot Spring Spot in Laguna

Down south is a beautiful new house that overlooks the scenic Mount Makiling and boasts a natural hot spring water pool. There are four spacious bedrooms with bathrooms, making this staycation destination ideal for large families to enjoy a reunion.

Tirta Spring Villa is nestled within Lakewood Estates, a gated subdivision within the Mount Makiling area—bringing you close to nature while being shrouded in utmost security and exclusivity.

The modern home is fitted with modern amenities that provide families and large groups with the utmost entertainment, such as a digital projector for outdoor movie nights, a PS4 with a racing rig for video game-loving members, and an LED television with Netflix so you can stream to your heart’s desire. They even have their karaoke with Bose speakers and mahjong and ping pong tables, so it will never get boring during your stay.

Once you’ve had your fill of indoor activities, the entire family can lounge and relax in its 10-seater hot tub, filled with natural hot spring water.

Families do not have to venture far for a nature-filled staycation destination for the holidays or the weekends—many of these are just a short drive away, so you can make unforgettable memories.

Photos by Marie Field-Faith

More about Staycations and Destinations?

Local Escapes: Staycations in and Around Metro Manila

A Home Away From Home: 6 Fabulous Family Staycation Places

25 Tried, Tested, and Trusted Staycations for Small Families

To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Holiday 2023 Print Edition—available on sarisari.shopping. Download the e-Magazine from Readly or Press Reader for more exclusive features and stories.