Hidden Haven in the Land of Corn and Rice

About two weekends ago, I decided to spend my Saturday and Sunday in Our Garden Spa and Cafe Vida at Minerva Farm in Santiago City. Tucked somewhere just outside the town proper, I spent the entire afternoon just relaxing and feeling pampered. The services the spa offers can even compete with the ones offered in Manila. I called early Saturday morning to set my appointment, as I'd be traveling from Ilagan down to Santiago (which is about 75 km, 1 1/2 hr car trip). Had a bit of car trouble (i.e. flat tire no thanks to scary neighbors) that morning, which is why I had to move my appointment from the morning to mid-afternoon.

From the main highway, I had to turn right at a small road (landmark: sign of Wilmer Resort) and drive a bit. Passed by a small residential road, with houses on my right and rice fields on the left :)

I got the body scrub + body massage package (which cost me only Php 800!). With a bit more time before dinner, I also had my nails done ;) Whattabout 75 bucks for a pedicure! Aah, the benefits of living in the province. As a Manilena, it's so refreshing to not spend so much on these types of luxuries.

After the spa, I had dinner at Cafe Vida which is also at Minerva Farm. It's actually right across Our Garden Spa. Food's good, not spectacular, but good enough considering I'd been living off fruits, crackers, and bread for the past few weeks. I had pasta with meatballs for dinner. The meatballs were quite good.

Unusually rainy that day, so I decided to spend the evening holed up in the room I got (also in the farm). Luckily, they accommodated my request that I spend the night without a prior reservation (at least 3 days before). Told them that I didn't want to drive all the way back to Ilagan in the middle of the night, and I planned on leaving early the next morning for church. Thank you Minerva Farm! :)

For more information, check the Facebook Page of Minerva Farm. Its exact location is at Purok 7 Sinsayon, Santiago City, Isabela. You can call this number to get more details (078) 622-4927.