After a long and tiring workweek, most of us are looking for a relaxing weekend destination and we found just that nestled along the slopes of Antipolo.
Luljetta's Hanging Gardens has all the ingredients to a relaxing weekend escape. It's a spa complex that includes massage huts and rooms, infinity and massage pools, hut tub and sauna, set amidst a garden landscape that offers a view of Laguna Lake and Manila in the distant.
It was an e-flyer at facebook that prompted my interest to visit the place. Upon further research on it's exact location, I found out that it is owned and operated by the same family behind another Antipolo landmark, Loreland Farm Resort. Luljetta's is the recent development to the 8 hectare property, this time offering spa services that includes body and foot massages, body scrub, and salon services.
Last Saturday, we were able to convince 8 other friends to join me and my partner on this Antipolo weekend road trip. Surprisingly, a friend coming with us knows one of the owners Mr. Ramon Marinas and arranged the reservation for us. It is best that you schedule your visit in advance since they only have 5 Therapist especially if you're a big group.
There are many options to reach Antipolo City. The more popular routes are via Sumulong Highway and Ortigas Extension. Since we are picking up another friend in Libis, we decided to take the Marcos - Sumulong Highway Route. We found ourselves right in front of Antipolo Church where we turned right and asked for directions to Loreland which everybody seems to know. A few minutes later, we found Unciano Hospital where a small road marked with directional signages guides you to the resort entrance.
Here's a more reliable instruction as grabbed from their website:
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION:
FROM C.P GARCIA AVE, FORMERLY KATIPUNAN AVE., IN QUEZON CITY
If
you’re coming from Quezon City, take the route from C.P. Garcia Avenue
(formerly Katipunan Ave.) going to Aurora Boulevard. Follow the road
going to Marcos Highway. Don’t go to the flyover.
Head for
Sumulong Highway. That’s when you see Masinag Market to your left, you
will have to make a right turn to Sumulong Highway.
Follow the
highway until you reach the intersection of Taktad Road. Turn right. Go
straight then turn left at Aquino Blvd. Go straight and when you see
the first triangle park (Aquino Park), turn right. Go straight.
Turn
left at Hamaka Park Triangle which is near Ynares Sports Center. Follow
the road leading to Unciano Medical Center. McDonalds should be on your
left. From there, turn right. There are signs giving directions to
Loreland Farm Resort. Follow the signs.
FROM PASIG
From
Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City, go straight to Ortigas Extension leading
to Rizal Province. Take the U-turn slot at Tikling area in Taytay
(beside Manila East Hospital) before going up to Antipolo. In Antipolo,
you will reach Hamaka Triangle Park, turn right here. Ynares Sports
Center and Rizal Provincial Capitol should be on your left. Straight
ahead. A few meters away is McDonalds. Turn right at Unciano Medical
Center. Follow the signs that will lead you to Loreland Farm Resort.
Upon our arrival at Loreland Farm Resort, we were guided to the Spa Lobby where we chose the services we will avail from their Spa Menu. They have an on-going Rainy Day Promo with different inclusions.
SPA PACKAGES
CLEANSE
Php 800.00
2 hours
Inclusions: use of hydro pool, heated jacuzzi and sauna at Phase 1 of Spa with 1 hour Luljetta's signature body massage.
REVITALIZE
Php 1,500.00
3 hours
Inclusions:
Use of hydro pool, heated jacuzzi and sauna at Phase 1 of Spa with body
scrub, herbal foot bath, pedicure and Luljetta's signature body
massage.
SERENITY
Php 2,500.00
5 hours
Inclusions:
use of hydro pool, heated jacuzzi and sauna at Phase 1 of Spa with body
scrub, body mask, facial, foot spa pedicure and Luljetta's signature
body massage.
INDULGENCE
Php 3,000.00
6 hours
Inclusions:
Use of hydro pool, heated jacuzzi and sauna at Phase 1 of Spa with body
scrub, facial, hand spa with paraffin wax, manicure, foot spa, pedicure
and Luljetta's signature body massage.
Since we want to be able to try as much of the amenities as we can, we availed the Cleanse Package that allows us the use of the pools and a massage. To have a better understanding on what to get, it's also advisable to tour the place first.
After the tour, we were guided to the lockers where we changed to our swimming shorts. The first area we tried was the hydro pools. The hydro-pool is divided into 3 sections. The rain jets, the main infinity pool and the reclining ponds. We would have loved to stay longer but the water was getting colder as the afternoon progresses.
We decided to try the heated pools instead. All 10 of us fit in one Jacuzzi. We also tried the salon and steam room.
After exploring the water amenities, the first 5 of us availed the massage on the Tropical Resort Type Massage Huts. We were asked to change into robes and was guided to a room good for 4 and another one designed for couples. Air-conditioned rooms are also available, but we want the rustic charm of the bamboo inspired hut.
We were so hungry after the relaxing massage and ordered ourselves meal from the resort restaurant, Verde Resto. They will deliver your food at any area in the Spa. Instantly, the Pancit Bihon became our favorite, and ended up having 4 orders of the same dish. After the light dinner, we lounged on one of the huts as we wait for the others to finish their massage treatment.
Everything seems to slow down after the massage. It's as if you just want lounge, be still, and enjoy the view and surroundings a few hours more. Nobody want's to leave!
I think Luljetta's Hanging Gardens has that affect on people. Thank you Ramon for being a gracious host!
For more information and contact details, visit their FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LuljettasHangingGardens
and website:
http://www.bienvenidotours.com/luljettas-hanging-gardens-and-spa.html
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