Cover This gorgeous home in Boracay offers 270-degree views of the island

These escapist vacation villas embody the comfort and luxury of a true sanctuary

From lush verdure to soothing seaside escape, the Philippines is home to plenty of incredible panoramas. To take advantage of these, travellers looking for a comfortable stay may prefer a villa or a rented home over a hotel room. Not only do villas and homes afford guests more space, but they also allow for a variety of scenic views from all around the locale. Neither can we forget that luxurious villas and homes allow guests more privacy, and thereby more quality time with loved ones and companions.

Read more: Ask the Experts: How to make a rental property feel like home

For this, Tatler has rounded up a list of charming vacation stays and villas. Situated all across the country—from Batangas to Cebu and even Pampanga, each one offering unique features and amenities. The one thing they have in common is a thoughtful design that is meant to give each and every guest a feeling of being at home.

Treehouse de Valentine

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Above A romantic canopy bed at the Treehouse de Valentine
Tatler Asia
Above he rustic facade of Treehouse de Valentine as it overlooks a private river

It’s no secret that nature can heal the soul. For the ultimate retreat, venture to Cebu island, and escape to the Treehouse de Valentine. Romantic and serene, this incredible space offers guests the chance to dine in the heart of nature, bathe in a wooden bathtub or go for a swim in your very own private river.

Constructed mainly with wood, the Treehouse de Valentine features a rustic balcony that overlooks a gentle river. Those looking to melt their worries away can also spend an afternoon swinging around on the hammocks on their riverside patio. Alfresco spaces take advantage of the fresh air; as such, guests can expect the living room and kitchen to follow this design. Those who choose to spend their holiday here can also request for the onsite manager to arrange local tours to nearby restaurants and landmarks before heading back to the idyllic seclusion of the treehouse at night.

Nuuk Taal

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Above Nuuk Taal welcomes guests to Batangas

Of its proximity and wealth in natural resources, Batangas has always been popular among Manila vacationers. Nuuk Taal Lake, which is situated in the popular destination, is among its top boutique hotels.

Much like its Nordic namesake, Nuuk Taal offers an idyllic charm that reflects both Danish and Filipino customs. Constructed in the Eighties, it promises a variety of unique suites that house a wide collection of European and Asian artwork and artefacts. Scandinavian furnishings are complemented by Filipiniana accents, notably in The Villa. Here, archways are clad in antique Ilocano bricks, lending the area a vintage and rustic feel. Guests are free to stay in any one of the nine bedrooms set within five luxury suites, all of which showcase an amazing view of the Taal volcano. Guests can enjoy a delightful meal at their in-house restaurant, Ilulli, situated at The Lakehus after which they may head over to the infinity pool or garden for a truly memorable experience.

Read more: Home tour: A seaside Penang apartment designed to feel like a “holiday everyday”

Maison Bukana

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Above Lounge by the pool at Fabrika Villas
Tatler Asia
Above Designed using sustainable materials, Maison Bukana boasts plenty of open-air spaces

The concept of “slow living architecture” is at the core of the design concept of Siargao- based destination villas, Maison Bukana. Entirely built with sturdy and flexible Ecocast hollow blocks, Maison Bukana aims to be a holiday home, where guests can enjoy highly personalised service. Here, anyone can enjoy lush open-air showers, and open-floor plans that look over panoramas of lush mangroves or calming ocean views.

Keeping itself close to nature, Maison Bukana provides those who visit with a simple yet luxurious space that allows for a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy large, open spaces with loved ones. Relax on comfortable sunken couches, or enjoy a leisurely dinner together in your private villa. Guests also have the option to bathe in the pool or immerse themselves in a rich garden that will surely leave them feeling rejuvenated. 

Kalamansi House

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Above A spacious room at Kalamansi House

Located just past White Beach in Station 1 of Boracay Island, Kalamansi House makes for a fabulous seaside getaway. Designed to harness the natural breeze of Boracay during both the amihan (northeast monsoon) and habagat (southwest monsoon) seasons, Kalamansi House also serves as a family home to its original owners.

Constructed atop a hill, it allows for 270-degree views of both Diniwid and Balinghai beaches. Large windows and sliding doors take great advantage of these and feature incredible sunset and sunrise views. The house itself also uses plenty of local natural materials, an ode to the surrounding fauna and flora. With 11 bedrooms, a sunken seating area, an Indian daybed cabana, a TV nook, a barbeque area and a bar, the house becomes a perfect spot for hosting large reunions. Those who choose to stay here are also given the privilege of being hosted by a terrific in-house team, one that can help with groceries and meal prep, not to mention arranging day trip excursions and in-house massages.

Read more: Escape to nature at this Carlo Calma-designed property in San Vicente

Fabrika Villas

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Above Lounge by the pool at Fabrika Villas
Tatler Asia
Above Enjoy a romantic meal under beautiful canopies and warm lights

Located in the heart of Guagua, Pampanga, Fabrika Villas holds plenty of quirky charm. The property on which it stands was originally a wood furniture manufacturing facility that dedicated itself to celebrating the culture of woodcraft in Betis, Guagua. After it relocated in 1991, the manufacturing facility was taken over by Fabrika Villas and transformed into a picturesque escape.

These days, the unique Pampanga getaway dedicates itself to lending an atmosphere of Balinese calm to its guests. Each villa is designed to be private and idyllic, with personal plunge tubs and mini-gardens across the bedroom. Using a mix of classic and modern furniture, each villa allows its guests to lounge and dine on wooden decks along beautiful ponds. The furniture used also carries history, as the decor and functional pieces of the space were redesigned from the original equipment used in the factory. Fabrika Villas is famed for being both comfortable, stylish and among the top unique destinations in the city.

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