Moon Garden Tagaytay, also called Lily's Pond or Private Garden, is neither a hotel nor a resort. It is actually a company's private retreat place but one or two of its cottages are being offered for vacation rentals for outsiders.
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| A moon in a garden |
It will be disappointing to expect that it will offer the same amenities and facilities as a hotel. What it offers however, is a unique and tranquil overnight experience specifically designed for the weary city souls yearning for that "escape".
So where is this Moon Garden located? Looking at the pictures, a lot may think it's a long way from the center of Tagaytay but it's really not far from the main road to be walked and where public transportation is always available. It is located just off Calamba Road along SVD Road opposite Estancia Hotel and Starbucks. Just one thing though, the street sign to the place is small and easy to miss that we walked past it the first time, so make sure to look out for the sign and a narrow gravel track leading into the garden on the left side.
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| The track leading to the garden |
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| The entrance of Moon Garden |
Since this isn't a hotel, there’s no liveried doorman, no reception desk, and no lobby. Instead, there's an open-air common lounge area overlooking a pond and a garden where guests will be received. Checking in is a straightforward process with no forms to fill out. The staff will just get the cash payment, take the breakfast orders for the next morning, provide the keys, and lead the guests to the private casitas.
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| Common lounge where check in is processed |
The moment you set your eyes on the casitas you'll feel like you have been transported to the Shire. That is because the casitas are nestled within a lush tropical garden with round structures and flat roofs similar to the Hobbit houses. Moreover, these casitas offer unique eco-friendly overnight accommodations.
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| Pathway to the casitas |
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| The flat roofed "hobbit houses" of Moon Garden |
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| Our casita |
Our casita, both its outside and inside, is made predominantly of stone material. It provides generous space with a large bed, beautiful wooden furnishings, bamboo slats ceiling, and a window that spans the width of the casita. The window design allows the cool and fresh Tagaytay breeze inside the room eliminating the need for air conditioning.
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| Screen covered window |
The bathroom is located just behind the bed with openings on both sides separated only by curtains. It has double vanity areas, hot shower and bidet. Bathroom amenities are limited only to soap and shampoo so make sure to bring toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, and the likes.
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| The bathroom |
As for the facilities of the property, there is a common lounge and dining area with couches and chairs overlooking the beautiful pond and garden. Within the ponds are cabanas where romantic meals can be set up. There is also a multi-purpose pavilion that can host a variety of intimate events like small weddings and birthdays.
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| Soft and comfy couches with reading materials |
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| Dining area |
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| The garden at dusk |
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| The Bali-style lounge |
The property has its own kitchen so food can be prepared for the guests. The room reservation already includes breakfast for two. Upon arrival, the staff will walk you through the menu so you can place your orders of plated breakfast for the next morning. But we were told that they also serve meals for lunch and dinner.
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| The kitchen |
Since we were only staying for one night, we decided to just eat there for dinner. We ordered Paksiw na Cochinillo and Crispy Binagoongan. Both were served freshly cooked and nicely seasoned with greens on the side. Note: They only serve dinner until 7:00 PM with last orders at 6:40 PM so place your orders in advance.
In the morning we had sumptuous Homemade Corned Beef and Crispy Adobo Flakes. The meal was served with tea, juice of the day (guyabano) and fresh fruit slices.
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| Summer breakfast in the garden |
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| Tea facilities |
The beautiful Moon Garden in pictures:
The refreshing breeze, the delicious food, the peace and quiet, the unequalled charm and beauty of the garden, the magical and romantic ambiance make Moon Garden an enchanting and a must destination in Tagaytay.
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| Happy Moon |
For reservations contact +63 939 913 9097. Moon Garden Tagaytay is also listed in Airbnb.com. Room rate with breakfast is Php2,900 for two persons.
