Narra Hill, Laurel, Batangas

“Live a life full of serenity. Not of regrets. 

- Douglas Pagels

Sweet, intoxicating serenity awaits anyone who visits Narra Hill, a premiere nature-themed wedding destination and bed and breakfast place in Laurel, Batangas, just a little past Tagaytay.

It is nestled in a lush mountainside, where fresh and cool air could be savoured, as well as the panoramic, breath-taking view of Taal Lake. Owner Chian Callaghan originally envisioned the place to be her retirement home with rooms where her children and their families could stay and enjoy their vacation; but it is just too beautiful not to be shared outside her circle of family and close friends, so she eventually opened it to the public in 2014.

Narra Hill has been on my AirBnb Saved List since forever, and I was happy to be finally visiting the place for a well-deserved R&R.

One must take about a kilometer very steep, downhill serpentine road from Alfonso crossing before reaching Narra Hill. Since I was commuting, I rode a habal-habal and got to Narra Hill five minutes later.

The registration area (which is also the meeting room for potential wedding clients), is where I waited before my check-in time. From time to time, I get entertained by the resident dogs.

I love the ambience of Narra Hill – vast, relaxing, revitalizing, romantic. Even the mandala flowers are a delight to the senses. Warning though, guests need to use a lot of stairs (and stamina) to get to the rooms or the pool area.

They have only six room accommodations, including two kubo suites with a wading pool in between them. These kubos were designed by award-winning architect George Yulo. I stayed in Kubo 2 Suite. It has a king-size bed with en-suite bathroom and a spacious balcony overlooking the lake. Room amenities are of high standard and quality comparable to 5 star hotels.

There is no TV in the room; the mobile phone signal is weak. The whole point of the place is actually to help guests get away from the stress of city life, and simply relish the calming, soothing view of nature that is not often seen in Manila. According to Chian, the concept may not appeal to everyone but really anyone would benefit from a day or two unplugged from technology. She added that the best company is not your phone or a tablet but rather another person.

Overnight stay comes with a complimentary sumptuous breakfast. I had tinapa and their most raved adobo. They also offer home-cooked dinner set meals with generous serving for additional fee. I finished with gusto their squash soup, breaded zucchini with parmesan, vegetables, Thai shrimp curry, cassava cake, and moringa juice. Everything was good and delicious!

Narra Hill has a gorgeous infinity pool with Jacuzzi. The pool overlooks a lush forest and the lake.

Aside from being a B&B, Narra Hill is also an event’s space, popular as wedding venue. The latest celebrity couple who got married at Narra Hill were Moira and Jason. The expansive and well-maintained pavilion made of natural materials and double height glass windows, is set in lush gardens with a beautiful koi pond with waterfalls. It has a maximum capacity of 300 people. It was originally built by Chian for her son’s wedding, and is now up for rent.

Overall, Narra Hill is a wonderful choice for those looking for the best sunset spot in Tagaytay, romantic staycation or solitary reflection.

It’s salubrious to take time once in a while to reflect and be thankful on how much (or little) you have. Be optimistic, more understanding, and always be kind. But don't expect the world to be always safe or life to be fair.

From Manila, take a bus bound for Alfonso or Nasugbu and get off at Alfonso welcome arc. From there, ride a habal-habal or tricycle going to Narra Hill.

Narra Hill

Brgy. Niyugan, Laurel, Batangas

Tel. No.:  0977-840-4936