Escape to Villa Escudero for Quality Family Time

If you're seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in San Pablo, Laguna, offers a perfect retreat just a three-hour drive from Manila. Nestled on the border of Quezon and Laguna provinces, this 800-hectare coconut plantation and hacienda has been welcoming visitors since 1981, providing a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

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Getting There

Our journey began early one morning when my family, comprising my mother, eldest sister, and her two adorable children, set off from Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The drive was smooth, taking us less than two hours to reach Villa Escudero. For those without personal vehicles, the resort is accessible by bus, with affordable fares. Upon entering Quezon Province, a left turn after the "Welcome to Quezon Province" arch leads directly to the resort's entrance. 

Warm Welcome and Cultural Immersion

Upon arrival, we registered at the Reception Area, where we were greeted with complimentary welcome drinks. A cheerful staff member briefed us on the day's activities, ensuring we didn't miss any highlights. Just a short walk from the reception, we visited the museum housed in a charming pink building. Inside, we explored an extensive collection of religious artifacts, antique furniture, traditional costumes, and historical memorabilia from the Spanish colonial period. Photography is prohibited within the museum, so we immersed ourselves in the exhibits without distractions.

Villa Escudero Museum

Exploring the Resort's Attractions

We embarked on a leisurely carabao-drawn cart ride around the plantation. Our carabao, affectionately named "Sexy," trotted gracefully, providing a picturesque tour of the lush surroundings. Along the way, we were serenaded by the resort's staff, adding a nostalgic touch to the journey.

I, niece, nephew, and mom at Villa Escudero.

We opted not to rent a cottage because we got lucky to find empty chairs in the swimming pool area. Because my skin was already tanned from my previous escapades, I stayed in a shaded area and didn’t make use of the pool; just happy looking at my niece and my nephew having a great time swimming.

Close to the swimming pool area, you can enjoy rafting on the lake. A signboard reads “a person who cannot swim and children under 7 years old are not allowed to ride the raft,” so I wasn’t able to row on the calm waters of the lake.

Villa Escudero Lake.

Unique Dining Experience at Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant

When it was time to have lunch, the resort’s staff informed everybody to go to Labasin Restaurant. This is an open area restaurant offering a buffet. The tables and chairs were set on running water, so while enjoying your food, your feet are submerged in water, giving you a cooling effect even if you’re under the sun. The thing that makes this restaurant notable is the manmade waterfalls – the sight and sound of the waterfalls make the place more relaxing and refreshing.

The family having lunch at Labasin Restaurant, Villa Escudero.

My nephew was satisfied with the food at Villa Escudero :)

Of course, you'll find Filipino food here like liempo, grilled chicken and fish, beef caldereta, kare-kare, etc. I must admit, I did eat a lot here, but my nephew had the most share of food. He did like 3-4 trips to the buffet table, and so the birth of the standing joke “Villa Escudero lost P625 from him because we paid a fee for a child, but he ate like an adult”.

Having made ourselves full and after taking pictures on the waterfalls, we went back to the swimming area and lounged on the chairs, and the kids went back swimming. Because the sun was really burning hot, my sister and I bought halo-halo, a bad decision because my tummy looked like it’s gonna burst anytime.

My sister eating halo-halo at Villa Escudero.

A cultural show was also being held at Villa Escudero, which runs for 1 hour during our visit. Watching this show is a first-hand experience for foreigners who want to learn Filipino culture, so going to Villa Escudero is a good suggestion for friends from other countries. I really had a great time watching the cultural show; seeing people wearing our traditional dress, dancing Filipino folk dances, brought me back to the time when I used to dance at school programs. It was a great show, and I commend the person who got the idea of providing this kind of show in this resort.

Before deciding to leave Villa Escudero, we took a bit of strolling around, taking funny pictures with the statues, hopping around, and savoring the country life.

It was indeed a fun experience with my family, a great family outing we can have once in a while.