Our Holistay at The Sanctuary Batulao

We did not plan anything for our Christmas Break because we have so many “things to do” that we put off since we were so busy for the past ber months. But after our Christmas celebration, we decided to welcome 2023 in other places but obviously, it was too late for us to plan. Most of the resorts that my husband checked were already fully booked. Good thing, my husband is still on vacation and my son has no face-to-face class yet, so we were able to have a staycation after the holiday. 

Last year, we were in Acuaverde Beach Resort so for a change, gusto namin sa cold places. Baguio is out of the option because it is too far and yung Tagaytay naman, lagi na kami doon. Upon searching, my husband discovered “The Sanctuary Batulao” which is just located in Nasugbu, Batangas so malapit and it is situated in a high place so malamig. 

Unfortunately, it was fully booked on our preferred date but fortunately, dahil nagchange kami ng date, naavail namin yung New Year Promo (January 1-31, 2023) which is 40% off. Monday to Thurs, holidays and breakfast are not included. 

The Sanctuary Batulao has 5 different villas which cater to couples, families, and big groups. Since we are a family of three, our options are Bahay Kubo and Bunker Room; we chose the Bahay Kubo because we prefer the location and it is much cheaper. The regular rate is PHP5,000 for two persons but because of the promo, we got it for PHP3,000 + VAT. Additional person is PHP1,000 + VAT, inclusive of extra bed and free breakfast. 

My husband booked on their website but in order to confirm the reservation we need to pay the full amount within 48 hours after we received the pending booking confirmation via email. My husband paid the reservation via online bank transfer and sent the screenshot. It will take 1 to 2 business days daw to confirm. Based on our experience, matagal sila magconfirm ng payment. 

Sat: husband booked on their website 

Sun: paid and sent the proof of payment via email. 

Tues: we received a reminder that we need to pay, even though we already paid. 

Wed: we received our booking confirmation 

Staycation at The Sanctuary Batulao 

Since we live in the South Luzon area, Nasugbu, Batangas is not that far so we don’t need to leave early. We left before 12NN after eating our lunch and we arrived before 1:30PM. There is a PHP1,500 incidental fee that we need to pay upon check-in and they only accept cash so make sure you have enough cash for your stay. Checking in is easy but check-in time is still 2:30PM so we need to wait. While waiting, we explored the place and we just received a call informing us that our room is ready.

This is the Bahay Kubo. It has its own parking space and we have one Queen Bed, Toilet and Bath, Desk and Fridge. Since we are a group of 3 people, we requested for extra bed and towel. Sanctuary Batulao is not a resort so don’t forget to bring your own toiletries. They only provide towels and tissue rolls. 

Bringing food is allowed but limited to snacks and desserts so for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we ate at their restaurant. You can pre-book your meals so by the time you go to the restaurant, iseserve na lang nila yung meals niyo. Sharing some of the foods that we ate during our three days staycation. 

For breakfast, here are the options: Tapa, Hotdog, Daing na Bangus, Cornbeef and Garlic Longganisa for PHP238. This includes egg, rice, and coffee or hot chocolate. Favorite namin yung Tapa, kakaiba version nila Roast Beef. 

For lunch and dinner, we ordered Garlic Butter Tanigue PHP360, Grilled Liempo PHP420, Nilagang Baka PHP480, Soy Garlic Chicken Wings PHP385, Pinakbet PHP265, Lechon Kawali PHP540, Leche Flan PHP250, Cup of Rice PHP40, Soda PHP50 and Juice PHP60. favorite namin yung Garlic Butter Tanigue, Lechon Kawali and Grilled Liempo. 

We enjoyed our food trip here, so kahit isa lang ang restaurant nila, hindi ka magugutom kasi marami dishes and masarap din. Medyo late lang start ng breakfast, 7:30AM and my son’s online classes start at 7AM so hindi siya makababa ng restaurant. I’m thankful na inallow naman nila dalhin namin yung breakfast meal ng anak ko sa room. We just returned the plate and utensils after. 

There is nothing much to do in Sanctuary Batulao so if you are looking for activities, this place is not for you. There is only a swimming pool and ATV for rent, we were not able to experience ATV kasi not safe, dahil maulan during our stay. In addition, there is no television and no wifi but if you want to disconnect, I can recommend this place. Sabi nga nila, “Being offline is a new luxury”. 

Hmmm, I guess it is a sign of aging na rin because despite that we did not do anything during our stay dahil maulan, we still enjoyed our holistay. All we wanted was to eat, relax and rest before we go back to reality. 

“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it". - Robert Orben 

Notes: 

*Even though there is no wifi, okay naman ang data signal so my son was able to attend online classes. 

*Be careful sa swimming pool, slippery talaga. 

*Downside ng Bahay Kubo, rinig mo talaga yung raindrops sa bubong. 

*Good customer service din. Since maulan, the staff even went to our kubo to give us an umbrella so we can go to the restaurant.

*Upon check-out, they will check your room first before they will return the PHP1,500. 

Watch the video here