Kilyawan Farm
Resort, named after a bird commonly observed on the property in Ibaan,
Batangas, is bathed in natural light and surrounded by verdant greens teeming
with farm-to-table produce, which complements its ecologically constructed
cabins radiating with earth tones.
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| This resort is the ideal mindful wellness vacation destination |
There are 8 bamboo
cabins spread out on a 690-square meter cabin building which is adjacent to the
580-square meter reception hall that also includes a couple of meeting rooms.
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| The resort sits on an 8.5 hectare land most of which are dedicated to farming |
This resort easily
satisfies the whims of those who prefer eco-friendly buildings constructed from
recyclable materials. Even if you don't, you'll still be more likely to enjoy
the resort's architecture for its eye-catching form and interesting designs from
every angle.
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| Lush greens surround the property |
The Kilyawan Farm
Resort, which spreads on an 8.5 hectare property, is defined by its abundance
of natural light, which filters through its main building elements of woven
mats, bamboo, narra wood, brickwork, trees, and plants.
Shortlisted for a
Major Architectural Award
The Dominica
Galicia Architects team conceptualized the architectural design based on the
property's original use as a poultry farm—that once housed more than 50,000
egg-laying chickens, its surrounding environment, and the creations of women
weavers in a small community off the coast of Batangas.
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| Much of the interior are beautifully constructed from bamboo and repurposed wood |
As a result, the
resort has received numerous accolades, including a shortlist for Best Use of
Natural Light at the World Architectural Festival and, more importantly,
positive word-of-mouth reviews from past guests who have nothing but praise for
the resort's innovative architecture.
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| the eight guestrooms at Kilyawan Farm include seven queen cabins and one family cabin |
The rooms are
mainly constructed from recycled narra wood, handmade clay bricks, and other
found objects painted in earth tones, the rooms at Kilyawan Farm, known as
bamboo cabins, have an air of rustic charm. The Queen Cabins are spacious
enough to accommodate 2-3 people with a couple of queen beds and a couch, and
there is also a larger Family Cabin that can accommodate 4-6 guests. Each villa
features a generously sized bathroom, a workstation for remote work, and its
own set of stairs and terrace.
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| Even the lighting fixtures blends in perfectly |
The cabins at the
Cabins Building are all separated by courtyards for added privacy. Ventilated by tall jalousie windows on three
sides, the cabin's walls are constructed from repurposed wood and bamboo. Each cabin is supported by a brickwork
component that serves as the bathroom and dressing space. Cement and recyclable plastic waste make up
the constructing blocks. Another arresting decoration of Kilyawan Farm Resort
can be found on top of each bed, which shows a carving of the yellow Kilyawan,
after which the farm resort was named.
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| Whoop, there it is, the Kilyawan bird |
Similar
architectural elements also greets visitors as they enter the reception area
where high arching ceilings and open sides leads to the Courtyard Restaurant
and into the lengthy pool and farm lot.
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| Lounging by the pool is top notch chill moment |
The resort's
commitment to local craftspeople is showcased through various fixtures, such as
the lively throw cushions in green and yellow seen inside the bamboo cabins and
at the reception area. The gifted
mothers of the Sta. Margarita Sunrise Weavers Association in Ibaan, Batangas
were the creators of these woven items.
The Courtyard
Restaurant
Dine at Kilyawan
Farm Resort’s in-house restaurant called the Courtyard to enjoy several of the
finest dishes concocted from ingredients sourced directly from its own farm.
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| The Orchard Restaurant opens up to the cabins and the pool |
From mushroom
chicharon, mango walnut salad, herb pesto pasta, and bibingka soufflé to
traditional Filipino fare and innovative vegan options, Kilyawan Farm is
quickly becoming a popular dining spot. Once in a while, they collaborate with
other chefs for a restaurant takeover.
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| A filling breakfast awaits you in the morning |
During my visit with other members of the media, we were treated to a delightful feast
cooked up by the team of KRISP, a La Union-based restaurant, which includes
their signature Corned Krispy Pata.
Tractor Farm Tour
and other Wellness Activities
If you’re not doing
staycation things such as lounging by the resort’s swimming pool or getting a
relaxing rest inside your bamboo cabin, a farm tour is in order for you to get
to know more about the intricacies of farming and harvesting farm-to-table ingredients.
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| Another fun activity in the resort is the farm tour aboard a tractor truck |
The resort offers a
unique opportunity for guests to explore the farm grounds by having them board
one of its tractor-puller trailers. As part of the farm tour, visitors will get
a glimpse into the farm's workings, have the chance to pet some of the animals,
do some fruit picking and pose for photos in the picturesque bamboo alley,
where a row of bamboo trees forms a canopy.
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| The bamboo path |
The resort hosts a
calendar of different activities centered on wellness and harmony with nature
for guests. These include yoga, rope-flow, and meditation sessions, plus other
physical fitness activities. Kilyawan also holds kid-friendly activities like baking
classes and tailors special activities for specific holidays.
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| The reception area |
How to get to
Kilyawan from Manila: Take the Metro Manila Skyway in Makati and then head
to South Luzon Expressway. Continue straight to Star Tollway and exit via San
Jose Ibaan. Follow San Jose - Ibaan - Batangas Road to your destination.
