PHILIPPINES: GROWING WELLNESS AT THE FARM

The Farm´s wellness approach follows the beliefs of Hippocrates who advised: Let food by thy medicine and let medicine be thy food.

It felt a little odd - I even hesitated at first - to disturb the edible works of art on my table. They looked to be lovingly crafted from fresh herbs and veggies grown in the on-site gardens. Meals at the “85/15” (the name was chosen to reflect the ratio of uncooked to cooked food served here) restaurant are pleasing to all the senses. They are also ‘live’. Enzymes, nutrients, vitamins and minerals are carefully preserved by heating most edibles to less than 40 Celsius.

Wellness as a Priority

Be prepared that some of the Farm's wellness concepts may seem unusual, even radical. Consider: Raw food only, no-smoking, no alcohol except wine with meals in the restaurant. Mobile phones, radios and perfumes strongly discouraged… Those associating a spa vacation with loud music, partying and booze better find their pleasure elsewhere.

Ok, there is the occasional live entertainment. A subdued traditional dance performance, a reading… Small library. TV in the lounge. Thinking of sneaking out for some fun? Save your energy, there isn’t anything to speak of nearby. Just focus on your wellness program.

Also, no television in guestrooms. No outside telephone lines and no Internet. I am encouraged to wean myself off of electronic media while here. A stay is the ultimate retreat. It's all about getting back into shape - mentally, physically and spiritually.

Treatments as a treat

Depending on your chosen package, expect an effective yet comfortable schedule of massages, reflexology, medical consultations, salt baths, Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gong , meditation classes, swimming,walking….... a host of the best modalities of East and West.

So how about a moonlit bath in your private outdoor designer bath tub following your massage under the stars? Guests of the Garden Villas can indulge in that luxury. Before you hop into the bath, just remember to light a citronella candle to keep the odd mosquito at bay. Then kick back and enjoy!

During the day, between treatments, I catch up on my reading at the pool, or in one of those comfortable lounge chairs on the patio of my villa, enjoy the orchidarium, relax in a meditation pagoda…or take pictures of swans and ducks down by the pond…

Walking in Balance

Leisurely I stroll along carefully maintained walkways through this manicured, flowery coconut-palm studded wellness-park. Aware of my lungs inhaling the crisp clean air, nostrils relishing the scent of freshly cut grass, ears listening to bird song and water flowing from fountains, eyes watching butterflies, lips returning shy smiles from a passing staff member or guest…

Already I’ve reached the hidden waterfall pond. Gratefully I relax and stretch out on the softly padded lounge chair.

One day, I decide to check out the nearby 27 hole championship golf course. The Farm’s friendly shuttle driver takes me there. After all, how can one resist the chance of playing a course that proudly advertises that one of their holes was voted as among “the top 500 best…in the world” by readers of Golf Magazine…

On my last day at The Farm I get to enjoy a special treat; a brunch of fresh gourmet "live food" served buffet style by the South Pool - almost every fruit I know is there and many more.

A gentle breeze enhances my lunch experience with a whiff of herb and flower fragrances. In such ambiance, The Farm motto Eat for Health becomes almost second nature. Life is good.

# For more information on the San Benito Farm go to www.thefarm.com.ph