Tucked into the emerald folds of Batangas just two hours south of Manila, The Farm at San Benito has long held its place as the Philippines’ quiet temple of holistic healing. Stepping onto its 52 hectares feels like exhaling after holding your breath for far too long, palms swaying above tranquil lagoons, peacocks wandering freely across sunlit paths, and the soft hum of nature offering a rhythm far gentler than the one we carry from city life.

Along the sun-washed banks of the Douro River, the spa at Octant Douro offers a quietly luxurious retreat where nature sets the rhythm. Tucked within the hillside terraces of Castelo de Paiva, the setting feels suspended between water and sky, with views that seem to follow guests from treatment rooms to garden paths and outdoor decks. The atmosphere is minimalistic yet warm, allowing the serenity of the valley to take centre stage.