I love vacations where I have no agenda other than seeing what a place has to offer for nature and food. That’s how I spent last weekend in Hacienda Isabella in Indang, Cavite off Tagaytay City. Together with travel blogger friends, I hit up south of Manila and casually made my way enjoying a wide stretch of great landscapes for prenup wedding photoshoots, gustatory delights and of course, cool company. π
– THE BLOGGERS –
The name “Hacienda Isabella” didn’t ring a bell until I read some blogs about it. Apparently, I had known about this place years before, when it was featured on a TV show. Confirmed: Hacienda Isabella is owned by Philippines’ Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma and is named after her daughter, Isabella.
According to their website, visits to Hacienda Isabella are strictly by appointment. The same thing was said by Victor Aquino, management staff of the hacienda and first cousin of Kuh, for the reason that they want guests to feel relaxed and somehow treat the place as their own property when on vacation. I guess I’d agree to that; we felt so pampered and special! π
Review of Kuh Ledesma’s Resort: Hacienda Isabella (Indang, Cavite – Tagaytay City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
“Hacienda” is a Spanish term which means “vast ranch” or a large estate or plantation. Sprawling five hectares of land, Hacienda Isabella is no plantation of any agricultural crop though it has vast greens displayed as visually attractive lush grounds throughout the property. Walls embellished with exuberant decoration and giant doors with carved embellishments welcomed us,Β making the place look enchanting. The walkways directed us to cobbled patios, spacious grounds and the villas surrounding the main house.
Victor shared that the main house (in the following pictures), built 15 years ago, is where Kuh Ledesma stays when she’s in the Philippines. It was originally intended to be a coffee plantation and private rest house until TV Personality Apa Ongpin held his wedding there and it became the very first wedding in Hacienda Isabella. She then decided to develop other villas and opened the houses to the public six years after, though number of visitors was still kept to minimum.
Kuh as an artist designed all these and I’m just so impressed! Ceilings like those of typical old houses are stretched up high and everywhere there was beauty and decadence.
Designed with touches and traces of Mexican, oriental and Western modern decor and amenities, the landscapes, interior and exterior designs are truly mesmerizing. The vintage stuff, the glamorous chandeliers, the rustic doors and windows, paintings, and wooden pieces of furniture are put together so well that they made me feel dreamyΒ β dreamy of fairy-tale wedding concepts, as this venue is just perfect for such. β₯
I don’t watch a lot of local TV series and films but it’s interesting to know that Hacienda Isabella is a popular choice of location for taping and shooting shows. Examples are:
- the movie “Till I Met You” which showcased the romantic pairing of Regine Velasquez and Robin Padilla;
- ABS-CBN’s teleserye “Beautiful Affair” which starred Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz and John Estrada;
- GMA 7’s “NOW AND FOREVER ” with Sheryl Cruz and Zoren Legasp;
- Vice Ganda’s movie “Petrang Kabayo”, a Filipino remake comedy-drama film which became a blockbuster; and
- GMA7βs βMundo Mo’y Akin,” a prime-time drama series currently being aired which stars Angelika Cruz, Jaclyn Jose and Sunshine Dizon.
Weddings of famous TV personalities and celebrities like Actress/Beauty Queen Precious Lara Quigaman, ABS-CBN’s Newscaster Nadia Trinidad, Patty Laurel, Chef Luigi Muhlach (Son of Actor Aga Muhlach and Actress/TV Host Janice de Belen), and fashion models Anna Lloren and Sarah Meier transpired here. Question is, will you be next? π
Service: β β β β β
What about service? It was no doubt, top notch! Hacienda Isabella reflects a simple personality yet with grace that can be seen through its staff (about 30 of them).
Every person here took pride in their work, whether it was the wait staff in the kitchen and dining area or groundskeepers of the houses. They were courteous and generally had just the right amount of attentiveness. They were punctual in serving our meals, responsive when we asked to move some couches together, and helpful in touring us around, answering our questions about the places and taking some of our pictures. We always felt safe and well cared-for.
Accommodation: β β β β β
When we arrived, we were greeted like family. Much to our surprise (and gratitude), the staff gave us the freedom to choose our rooms. There are now 53 rooms in Hacienda Isabella, all with different designs and sizes, and in different houses/villas. Each room can fit two to 10 people, and since they don’t have brochures yet and great information about the villas, the staff can recommend which room would be best if you’re staying in as a family, couple, or any group (school, office, church, organization, etc.).
We took three rooms in Villa 7: the Marrakech near the pool area and one whole Villa 4:Β Casa Agua (if I’m not mistaken, two rooms here). Each room was occupied with either two queen size beds or one mega king size bed good for 4-5 people. Additional pillows and mattresses can be provided by request.
Here are pictures of our room:
It’s a good thing that the faucet is outside the comfort rooms, for others not to wait for the person inside when they only need to wash hands, wash face or brush their teeth. The comfort rooms are divided: one is dedicated for the shower room/bathroom, and the other is specifically for toilet purposes.
We have toured all rooms and I’ve noticed that there are about two inspirational books in every one as well as framed messages consisting of devotional passages lifted from the Bible, to provide guests with hope during their stressful journey.
Hacienda Isabella is also great for team-building activities and retreats. We met some guests who did Bible-studying and just spent time reading books in the quiet. There are no television sets, computers and any gadgets but you won’t feel much secluded from civilization, as some areas have Wi-Fi connection available. Aside from relaxing in the bedrooms and the couches around and taking pictures, visitors can also swim in the pool and play billiards and Foosball.
Food can be brought to the side of the pool from the dining area (main house). Guests can also bring food to their rooms, but they cannot cook anywhere inside the hacienda.
For total satisfaction, Hacienda Isabella offers massages but you need to inform them prior your visit because they have to call their affiliate masseuse for the relaxing service.
Price for Value: β β β β β
Choosing a great vacation house can be as difficult as finding a best friend or companion. The relationship between the guest and the vacation house is just as intimate as there must be loyalty and a certain level of trust involved. The visitor not only risks money but also time in exchange for great accommodation, serenity and hospitality.
Hacienda Isabella is an ideal choice for your next great vacation house. I highly recommend a visit here to anyone who likes to relax and forget worries. Of course the food and accommodation aren’t the most economical, but the entire experience would be totally worth it.
Room rates vary according to your villa and room of choice. But just to give you an idea, prices range from PHp 3,500 (for the smaller rooms that can accommodate two people), PHp 5,500 (for those rooms for 4-5 people) and PHp 7,500 (for large rooms which can occupy 10) β exclusive of meals.
If you don’t intend to stay in but want to tour Hacienda Isabella, price of the day-tour with lunch, breakfast or dinner is PHp 1,500.
In any case, don’t trust these posted rates fully as I might have not remembered them right. The best thing is to contact them through the numbers below. π
Wrap Up
So yeah, I have just returned from the most wonderful vacation of the year thus far at Hacienda Isabella. What a gorgeous settingΒ β huge, expansive vacation houses with great staff who are ready to make you feel like royalty at least throughout your stay.
I don’t think I can go to this place alone, with my friends or even my family because our knowledge about places outside Manila is really limited. With that, I have to thank Wazzup Pilipinas for inviting me, tagging me along with their classy adventure and “widening my horizons” when it comes to marvelous sites and travels. π
Besos!
I can’t wait to go back and do it all over again next time with my family. In the meantime, I’ll be reminiscing over these photos.
How to Get to Hacienda Isabella
There’s no public utility vehicle that goes straight to the hacienda. So it’s a must to rent a van or bring your own car to get to Hacienda Isabella. The map and directions are available in their website, but I’ll share these guidelines anyway for added reference:
Drive to Sta. Rosa SLEX exit. Turn right towards the Tagaytay rotonda. Go straight and you’ll see the famous landmark: Taal Vista Hotel. Turn right to the Sotogrande Subdivision and you’ll find yourself along General Maglabe Street. Go straight past the Flower Farm and look for theΒ “Welcome Barangay Anoling Lejos” arc.
Turn left when you see a triangular barangay hall. Drive straight then turn right on the corner that says “Carasuchi.” It is very near The Puzzle Mansion! π There are signs pointing to where you should be headed so you won’t get lost. Hacienda Isabella would be on your left.
Hacienda Isabella
8 Carasuchi Street Brgy. Carasuchi, Indang Cavite
Contact Numbers: (02) 625-2453, (02) 531-0688, +63917 813-9065, +63920 953-9488
Email Address: verymalo@yahoo.com
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Here’s the link to my food review, a guest post to Wazzup Pilipinas. π
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
The place must be a good one to be part of scenes of popular movies and wedding. The prices are reasonable too. Will consider this for an out of town family outing.
Hi Franc. Yes, this is a great place for retreat, to get away from busy city life and relax for a few days within a nice garden setting. Knowing you, you must be wondering there are jogging trails here? π There are pavements and grassy fields where you can take a stroll or jog.
Now, I’m more interested in visiting the place and take the whole family along with me. I also want to see the puzzle mansion.
A good plan is to set your traveling agenda to both sites, one after the other. A day-tour to both is fine, too. π
Its has a homey feeling and relaxing vibe..
Considering the names of celebrants..
I bet this place ia gaining popularity, nonetheless, the set up is good, keeping the place private.
True. While amenities are not much like in a regular hotel in the city (with spa tubs, gym and large restaurant), Hacienda Isabella is a place to beat when it comes to peaceful recreation and leisure.
I don’t watch a lot of local shows either hence I have yet to hear about Hacienda Isabella. But judging the photos and your review it seems like a good place for a family vacation.
Yup, it is a good place for a family vacation, for retreats and other events. It can be a starting point of a romance. Where it ends? You decide. π
Hey! I’m always looking for a place to go to on weekends and this one is going on top of my list for July!
Great choice! You will have an ultimate pleasurable experience. Come with your family and friends as I know they accept a minimum of 10 people. π
Is the P1.500 price for a day tour good for 1 person only?
Yup, that includes one meal + tour for one person.
the tour + meal is definitely worth it!! not bad for 1,500.. by the way, how long does the tour takes??
I mentioned that the entire area is 5ha, so you can take an estimate duration of the tour. π That’s really big! And imagine if you would stop by each of the villas and enter them, you will need at least two hours to finish the “escapade” slash photoshoots. By then you will get tired and a nice meal from their kitchen is what you deserve!
I agree, Hacienda Isabela is perfect for team building activities and retreats! Opps mukahang sulit naman yung 1500 π
Yup. But don’t forget to also add up your expenses when traveling to get there. SLEX toll rates are getting expensive! π―
When I was looking at your photos, I thought they looked familiar. Only when I scrolled down and read about the movies and tv series that were shot there, I realized that it was in ‘Hacienda Isabella pala! As always, your review and materials used in this post make any place a recommended destination, good job!
Wow, they are evident pala in the set to those who watch TV series. Glad you liked the review. Thanks for the visit. π
should totally visit this! my father in law wanted to go visit PH and thinking we might stay in tagaytay since its not hot there as we have in laguna.
Right now considerably Tagaytay is not as cold as before. I don’t know if it’s because summer is totally not over yet or global warming is what’s responsible for the climate change.
Kuh Ledesma is super rich to have established this marvelous hacienda. I was not familiar with the place even with the pitures you provided until I read Petrang Kabayo. I remember that scene in the terrace where Vice and Eugene argue.
Yeah I also thought of that. Oh how I wish I can have such wealth in the future. π I began to imagine that I was the owner of the place while eyes closed. Talk about drama. Haha.
No wonder that the place is quite familiar. I must commend the owner for keeping the hacienda well maintained. How can we schedule for an appointment?
You can call those contact numbers at the bottom of my post, send an email or post your message on their Facebook page. π
Its a Photographer’s heaven as I see a lot of interesting jubjects to photograph at plus probably some human element as well.
Yeah, I bet you would stay there from morning till night and still can’t finish your photoshoot sessions with your models. Each section has interesting subjects and there’s endless number of angles you can take. π
Hacienda Isabella is lovely indeed! P3,500 may be heavy on the wallet for just one night’s stay. But basing it on your review and photos, I think I can consider shelling out that much if it meant getting world-class service and facilities.
Just think of it like you are travelling somewhere really far away and having a unique experience away from everyday encounters. Bring in some costumes if you want to maximize the loveliness of the backgrounds – for photo-ops! π
I was able to watch Kris TV when they feature Hacienda Isabella and I was impressed by how the management and caretakers of the place preserve its homey ambiance with a feel of special pampering. I’m sure, every guest is 100% satisfied.
Yup, I also commend their staff and caretakers for being able to maintain the beauty of the place after all these years. The bedsheets and pillow cases of the pillows, couches and beds in and out of the villas are all white. They do a great job cleaning them and they also manage to polish the furniture with wax. π
This looks like an ideal place to spend quality time with family and one need not travel very far to experience it.
It’s three hours from Manila (traffic included). If you want to travel to Tagaytay, prepare to have some activities ’cause the tranquility while in the car might get you bored.
Your review of Hacienda Isabella just expose one thing. The place is ideal for family vacation. I love how the main’s house interior designs.
Each house is designed differently, and the best one to my view is the main house’s. It should be – because it’s the entrance point of every guest and first impression does count! π
Big wow! π I don’t watch local soaps and movies, too, so I can’t say that I’ve seen that place before. Your photos are great π That place really looks like the perfect venue for grand events. A lot of celebrity weddings already? hmmm nice π
Yup, and somehow I thought I want my wedding to also be held there. Garden wedding, anyone? Such grandiose and magnificent views are perfect for unforgettable events. π
we were there around the area ( 4 times ) last month visiting other landmarks and tourist spots. my family will surely love the place. the price is very reasonable! i’m just wondering why no pictures of meals? π
Good question! I thought you’d never ask. π I usually write my food reviews as well together with the travel post however this time I wrote a separate one and it will be posted soon on Wazzup Pilipinas’ blog so stay tuned! π
Update: I’ve added the link at the bottom. Anyway here it is.
What a beautiful vacation house. I always hear Hacienda Isabella and only now that I read a detailed post about the place. Indang is my grandmother’s hometown and based on the location of hacienda, I can say ,Indang is one of the best city in Cavite, known for its fruits and vegetables plantation.
Yeah. At first I didn’t know that Indang, Cavite is a “subset” of Tagaytay. We found many plantations of fruits such as mangoes, pineapples and jackfruit.
I’ve seen this on TV and have been wanting to visit the place ever since! I might go there soon! =)
I highly recommend taking fashion shoots there for you, Kim. Your photos will look stunning! π
I’ve seen this place a number of time from movies and tv series which you’ve mentioned and I’m looking forward to spending a night there, the ambiance is perfect for my taste π
I think you will have greater appreciation of the place than I have because you can recall the scenes in the movies when you’re there. An unexpected kick of nostalgia might just provide you the inspiration to record scenes same as in the film. π
A very informative post! This place looks so cozy and interesting.. π
Yup! It’s a surefire place to remove stress, especially with cool winds breezing through your hair and you’re just sitting on a couch outside the room. π
[…] To give away a token of appreciation, I’m glad to announce my first-ever giveaway here. Prize is a PHp 3000-worth of gift certificate that’s good for four (4) people, for a lunch or dinner treat at Hacienda Isabella. […]
I think nadaanan namin to dati wehn we went to Taal… maganda pala sa loob ah.. will consider this place next time we need a place to unwind.
Yes, plus you get to talk to Kuh herself when she’s there. π
This is a great place for accommodation within the woods and mountains of Indang, Cavite =) Great and clean place
Yup. There are different views in one same hacienda. The room themes vary but for sure, there will be something that’s best to fit your taste. If you book for a dining encounter, say your budget and the staff will arrange food to please your palate. Wash it all down with a glass of calamansi juice and pair it with sweet desserts for a satisfying finish.
NIce place huh. Mukhang ang laki. Medyo nostalgic lang ang look kasi parang old Spanish noh? Wow, a number of films and tv series were shot there? Cool!
YES YES YES! π Food are delicious, too.
Wow! Would love to go there and relax this summer with the fambam. thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! Plan na π