Tagaytay is a favorite destination among Filipinos for its accessibility, cool climate, and natural wonders. Atop the hilly lakeside of Taal, in a location far from the noise of the main road, lies Anya Resort Tagaytay.

Written by Franchesca Lesaca
Images courtesy of Anya Resort Tagaytay
June 2023

Tagaytay is a favorite destination among Filipinos for its accessibility, cool climate, and natural wonders. Atop the hilly lakeside of Taal, in a location far from the noise of the main road, lies Anya Resort Tagaytay. Opened in 2017, Anya is a premier resort with a distinct Filipino identity, specializing in luxurious wellness retreats and tailored experiences. The name Anya is a Sanskrit word that means ‘limitless.’

Offering a mix of traditional and contemporary design, the warm interiors of Anya were put together by renowned interior designer Manny Samson and is inspired by Filipino hospitality. Mikel Arriet, General Manager of Anya, remarks that furnishings and objects, whether functional or decorative, have a Filipino touch: “[For example], in the suite, all the headboards [are designed with] Barong Tagalog embroidery. You’re also going to find pottery made from the ashes of Mt. Pinatubo. The [soap] dispensers in the suites are also local pottery. Around the resort, you can see Piedra Manila, a kind of stone from Romblon, and marble that is [sourced locally]. There are different touches all around that are inspired by Filipino culture.”

Anya Resort has 80 suites, two heated swimming pools (one for children and one for adults), a library, a wellness center, and two restaurants. Samira by Chef Chele Gonzalez offers a Spanish-Filipino dining experience with its 6-course set menu, a la carte meals, and its signature Cocido Experience. Anya’s poolside restaurant, Anila, offers a more casual, laid-back atmosphere.

Niyama, the resort’s in-house wellness center, houses all activities related to physical, spiritual, and mental health. The Niyama Spa offers holistic treatments, detox programs, massage therapy, and reflexology. A gym and fitness studio with complete sets of workout machines and equipment are also available for use. Inner Journey by Niyama offers yoga and tai chi classes.

Along with the rest of the accommodation sector, the resort was affected by the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Arriet recalls, “In the beginning, it was tough and uncertain. But with the guidance of the Department of Tourism, Department of Health, and Department of Trade and Industry, we were able to come up with guidelines to make Anya a safe place for our guests and team members. Nowadays, we are ready and all our guests fully understand the guidelines.”

Minimum contact is practiced and all suites are sanitized thoroughly. Aside from that, the resort practices sustainability and is mindful of waste, banning the use of plastic straws, bags, and containers. Refillable ceramic bottles are used to dispense toiletry products (shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, lotion) while complimentary water is served in glass bottles. The cleaning products they use are eco-friendly.

Anya also takes pride in its signature Anya Experience team that looks after guests’ needs and preferences. An assigned Anya Experience Assistant helps guests through the process of checking in and out. Assistants are trained and equipped with the right tools and knowledge to make the guests’ stay safe and comfortable.

Conforming to the highest standards of luxury and guest well-being, Anya is one of the only two resorts in the Philippines accredited by the Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM (SLH), a “community of independently-minded travelers and independently spirited hotels in the world.”

Anya Resort Tagaytay is open to everyone. However, members of its loyalty program, the Anya Elite Club, receive privileges such as early check-in, priority reservation, discounts on rooms, services, food, and beverage. Get the best rates on www.anyaresorts.com or follow them on Instagram @anyaresorttagaytay for promos and updates.