Retreat ... Away from the Workaday World

[Laurana]

I am thirsty for time with myself away from the workaday world.
Away from the city. Away from friends, family, officemates. Away from my laptop. Away from email and cellphone. Away from Pex. Away from my problems.

I need a retreat.

Last weekend I found the perfect place. Calaruega.

(I skipped back happily, excited to ask for info. Unfortunately, I think I spent too much time staring at the magnificent view of the rolling hills outside the chapel, that the information office was closed when I got back to the lobby.)

Anybody here who can share any information on their retreats? Rates? How many days? Can I be alone? (I prefer not to be in an organized group retreat.)

If not Calaruega, any other suggestions? Preferable Tagaytay area (near enough to drive).

Thanks.

[girl25]

You can try Tagaytay Highlands. Unfortunately Id ont have the contact details.

In Caluruega, where in specific did you stay? what are the facilities? Mind me asking.

Thanks.

[ironman]

Hi ... where's Calaruega? can you share info?

One nice place you might want to consider is Caliraya Hilltop ... I'm sure that if you go on a weekday, chances are you'll have the place all to yourself. Natural-looking man-made lake ... excellent light tackle fishing ... organic food ... pleasant walks through wooded pathways around the lake.

[Laurana]

Caleruega is actually a retreat place. Commonly known to be in Tagaytay, it is actually already a part of Nasugbu.

You go way past San Miguel Training Center, way past the "Welcome to Nasugbu" arch. Then soon, to your right, you see the entrance to Evercrest (some hotel/resort). You enter Evercrest. Caleruega is still about a kilometer away from Evercrest entrance. Go straight, then if you hit a fork, take the right road. Go straight and you'll hit Caleruega.

You can reserve for overnight prior to going there simply by calling their mobile phone. I'll post their number here next time, I don't have it right now.

Yeah, I've been to Caliraya years before. I found it relatively boring. Maybe I was not into meditation and tranquility then... I better visit that place again soon. Could you refresh my memory how to get there? Gives me another alternative than going to Tagaytay. :)

[ironman]

Thanks for the info.

To get to Caliraya, you have 2 options depending on where you're coming from Metro Manila, north or south. If you're coming from the Quezon City-Pasig area, best route is the Manila east road passing through Antipolo, Teresa, Taytay. This is the more scenic route through mountain passes going down to Mabitac, Laguna, continue through Siniloan all the way to Paete. Your target destination is Kalayaan, that's where the NPC Power Station is. You'll see the sign going up to Caliraya where you turn left and up from the highway.

the other route is south of metro ... south luzon expressway, exit Calamba, right to Los Baños all the way to Pagsanjan. Drive through Pagsanjan and all the way to Kalayaan ... where you turn right and up to Caliraya. Both routes are practically equidistant from Metro Manila ... roughly 99 kilometers.

Caliraya Hilltop Resort is on the right side of the cemented road some 2 kilometers after passing atop the dam. Or you might want to try the more pricey Lagos del Sol resort around 1-1.5 kms further up the road.

[Laurana]

No problem. Thanks for the info too. :)

I'd like to make a teeny correction with my post -- past the "Welcome to Nasugbu" arch, you will see Evercrest to your left , not right. So you make a left turn. :)

Here's to our out of town trips! :cheers: