Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast, Bay, Laguna

Love is a seed. If you care it grows.

Lotus pods are seeds of the lotus flower. The pod contains several round-like balls arranged in a circular pattern; each of them could bloom into another lotus plant. The plant abounds within the three-hectare property in Bay, Laguna of veteran and award-winning investigative journalist Che-Che Lazaro. It used to be a vacant lot that she and her husband bought many years back. Slowly, they developed it into a backyard organic farm, which eventually evolved into Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast. The place is reminiscent of all the favorite worldwide travel destinations of Che-Che, though at once glance one could say that it is mostly Bali-inspired. 

Just like the pods they were named after, Lotuspod offers many fun and meaningful activities for the guests.

I was already impressed the moment I entered the bamboo-pod main gate. Much more when I finally saw the vastness of the space, the lush greeneries and of course the lotus pond. I would have loved to see lotus flowers but they’re not in flowering season yet.

The reception area with thatched-roof and surrounded with sliding glass doors and windows, is a homey, receiving space. I saw a vintage typewriter and a classic vinyl player on display; they’re for sale.  I was welcomed with a refreshing cold pandan drink by warm and courteous staff.

Since I was early for the check-in time, I was advised to roam around the property first. It’s a good thing that they have bicycles that guests could freely use.

Just across the reception is the Samu’t Sari Store. With a structure creatively in the form of a native Ifugao house, its sells an assortment of kitchenware, dining sets, and interesting finds coming all the way from dusty shelves of old barns and estate sales in New England.

Talisay, the big open-air pavilion serves as lounging and dining area. The sofas and couches are comfy.

A nearby communal comfort room are gorgeous huts with wonderful details and Oriental decorations.

There are a handful of resting areas, and a nice photo-wall with real garden as the backdrop.

After about an hour, I was ushered by the staff to the casita complex. Lotuspod only has eight rooms, thus providing exclusivity and privacy for the guests. Rooms are named after Philippine mountains and places and are classified into standard, de-luxe and special (PWD-friendly). I stayed in Room Kanlaon. It is furnished with a king-size bed that can accommodate a maximum of three persons. It has a pocket garden, an en suite bathroom, a private hot tub dipping pool and a terrace to laze the day away. Instead of a regular telephone, they’ve provided each room with a tablet so guests could contact thru Viber the staff in the reception (and vice versa). I like how homey and relaxing the room is.

Overnight stay comes with a complimentary delicious breakfast. Their in-house restaurant also offers Filipino and inter-continental menu but must be ordered in advance.

The food they serve are mostly farm-to-table, sourced from their own backyard garden. Some of their organic produce include arugula, lettuce, mushroom and other vegetables.

Though the B&B was initially meant for people to slow down and relax, there are still numerous activities for guests to choose from, quite ideal for family bonding - swimming in the infinity pool; playing with toys and doing art, even reading children’s books at the tree house recreational area; biking; fishing; and jumping and playing on the outdoor trampoline. I was able to exercise a lot!

Intimate parties and gatherings could also be celebrated at Lotuspod. The Molave which floats on top of the lotus pond is often booked for a small wedding ceremony.  Reception may also be held at the Hardin ng mga Tala, a romantic setting for special al-fresco dinner underneath a canopy of lights.  There was actually a wedding event on the day of my stay, yet I didn’t feel that the place was crowded.

The most gorgeous structure at Lotuspod is undoubtedly the Narra Spa. It’s a spa lounge with amazing Balinese architecture and vibe.

Though I didn’t avail of any massage or spa treatment, I was allowed to take a dip in their elegant back pool.

Lotuspod magically transforms into an enchanting place at night.

  

It’s amazing how from a small organic garden, the place blossomed into what is now a bucolic and sought-after location for anyone who badly needs a laid-back escape and adventure or a weekend of peace and serenity.

  

From Manila, take Sta. Cruz, Laguna bound bus from Buendia or Cubao bus terminal. Get off in Brgy. Puypuy in Bay. Then take a tricycle going to Lotuspod.

Lotuspod Bed & Breakfast

#2340 Kalsadang Putol St., Purok 6

Brgy. Puypuy, Bay, Laguna

lotuspodbnb@gmail.com