The City of Pines has grown commercially and became very busy through the years. Nowadays, the city offers a lot more with new establishments providing various services. With its natural beauty and cool weather, Baguio is still the destination of choice for families seeking a quick escape from the stresses and warm weather of city life.
Visits to this summer capital bring one back in time. Childhood vacations were spent with family and friends enjoying the cool Baguio breeze while having the chance to explore the vibrant history and culture of the summer capital of the Philippines that make up many Filipinos’ childhood memories.
El Retiro Baguio
These memorable moments with family and friends can now be experienced once more at El Retiro, a luxury vacation home that caters to large groups. For those who want to travel back in time to the way this mountain escape used to be, this vacation home offers a comfortable stay.
With its historic architecture and refined interiors, El Retiro elevates travel and vacation experience, providing homey and luxurious comfort that visitors won’t find anywhere else.
Once the ancestral home of affluent families, El Retiro provides a glimpse into the past for that sense of nostalgia. The beautifully restored mid-century mansion retains its original structure and natural surroundings, offering guests and travelers the charms of a heritage home with a traditional farmhouse interior.
Our trip from Manila took just a few hours with the new routes that were available via the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (or TPLEX). After being ushered in by a guard on a well-paved driveway, our group was welcomed by the very helpful staff of the mansion. And after a short tour, we realized just how big the mansion is. We were also amazed to know that the 1.6-hectare property is also home to one of the oldest eucalyptus trees in Baguio.
The exquisite villa offers the luxuries and comforts of home, providing a space for everyone with its seven well-appointed bedrooms, each equipped with its own toilet and bath. Guests have plenty of space to explore and enjoy — a living room, dining room, full-service kitchen, bar room, game room, veranda, garden and tennis court, where they can indulge in their favorite activities or simply have some peace and quiet.
Serene environs
Surrounded by a luscious pine forest and spectacular mountain views, guests are guaranteed a serene environment. The private sanctuary can comfortably accommodate up to 20 people, including those who require wheelchair accessibility. Family members of all generations can spend precious time together around the fireplace or in the garden, sharing stories or celebrating special occasions in style. With the entire home exclusively reserved for one group, guests can enjoy a sense of privacy and security.
Once we got settled, we took great pleasure in the welcome treat consisting of a charcuterie board and bottles of wine. A very relaxing time made possible by the cold weather and the smell of pine between sips of cabernet.
Guests can bring their own chef or prepare their own meals. El Retiro can also provide a chef to cater a meal or two for guests. Another highlight of our visit was a sumptuous dinner served by Kalye Catering of Baguio, which is headed by chef Cj Cabusora-Calub. The food was served at the outdoor veranda that overlooks a green belt of pine trees.
We also did not miss the chance to request the staff to cook pinikpikan, a chicken soup dish from the mountains of the Cordillera region. It was a pleasant experience to be in a relaxing place while we savored their specialties.
This mansion’s spacious kitchen made it possible to easily prepare meals for our group. Every night, members of the staff make their visit to light the fireplace.
Our after-dinner socials by the warmth of the fire were something to look forward to at the end of the day.
Each morning before breakfast, we would enjoy long walks in and out of El Retiro. The property is well-guarded and the friendly guards would wave and smile every time we walk by.
Conveniently located on Outlook Drive, El Retiro provides easy access to restaurants, shops and popular tourist landmarks, such as The Mansion, Wright Park, Mines View, St. Joseph’s Church, Camp John Hay, Baguio Country Club and everything else that Baguio has to offer.
Come visit, experience and savor the feeling of the old Baguio city once again. There is another “mansion” in this city, one that you can call home. El Retiro is always ready to welcome you, your family and friends.