Airbnb #TravelAsJuan recommends these yuletide getaways
By Alithea De Jesus
One can safely presume that last year’s Christmas was very different from all the past Christmases that people used to enjoy and celebrate because of the pandemic. The much-awaited family reunion or gathering during the holidays was halted because everyone feared the virus and opted to exercise prudence and followed the social gathering norms in place thereby spending Christmas just within the family — and at home!
Needless to say, the annual well-adorned shopping malls, restaurants, parks, and places opted not to decorate the traditional, dazzling and pompous Christmas decors, a sight to behold for every Filipino and even foreigners who live in the Philippines. These are what people in the Philippines missed during last year’s Christmas.
But ’tis season gives us a different feel, and. positive outlook at that. Hence, the plan of traveling during the holidays is can now be achieved and even more exciting.
For many people, perhaps, we get used to visiting a family member’s home every holiday season, but don’t you miss spending your holiday somewhere else in a different environment? Then what’s stopping you from planning that ultimate yuletide getaway you’ve been dreaming of? And as the Christmas break draws closer, Airbnb has some exciting #TravelAsJuan recommendations for your holiday getaway.
Planning makes perfect when it comes to a family Christmas vacation. Things like destination, cost, and kid-friendly entertainment are discussions to keep in mind. If you can get past the research and reservations, you’ll soon be on your way to creating those unforgettable family memories.
If you’re looking to spend the holiday away from home, there are numerous destinations in the country that are curated by Airbnb and will certainly provide all the holiday feels you’ve been longing for. Relaxing, breathtaking, sans the white Christmas experience that every kid and kid at heart would wish to experience.
Whether you’re simply craving a weekend away cozying up with loved ones, a classic Christmas vacation filled with family traditions or a festive yuletide getaway, you’ll surely find a home away from home on Airbnb that suits your style and travel needs. To get you started, here are 12 amazing Airbnb Stays for the holidays:
Serene nature retreats for some much-deserved R&R
Imagine free-roaming animals, woodsy cottages, and hills as far as the eye can see. Doesn’t that sound like the antidote to a year spent mostly indoors?
- If you are planning to visit Cebu, check out Alhibé Farm, a boutique mountain homestay complete with its own nipa hut and swimming pool with water from the nearby springs. It’s like finding your own fairytale treehouse in the woods!
- Up for an authentic farm-to-table experience? This 7.5-hectare organic farm in Puerto Princesa offers cabins with your own hammock and a lovely gazebo, fruit and vegetable gardens, and two lovely hosts who will happily let you harvest their produce and indulge yourself in fresh shakes and salads.
- For those looking to relieve some stress, do it in style with Ataalaya Farmhouse – a 3-bedroom elegant country house with an outdoor jacuzzi with scenic views of the Taal lake.
- Another hidden gem in Batangas is Den Vacation House, where you can disconnect from the hustle with your loved ones. Practice yoga together, lounge around the gazebo and splash around the pool with a view of Mt. Maculot in the distance.
Glass houses with endless picturesque views
Glass houses are popping up across the Philippines, and are increasingly popular amongst guests for the breathtaking 360 degree views they offer.
- Blackbird Hill in Tanay offers expansive views of Pililla Windmills, Laguna Lake, Sierra Madre and the seasonal “sea of clouds” phenomenon right outside its windows.
- Hidden in the dense foliage of Baguio City’s pinewood forest, Tudor in the Pines is a perfect base for travellers going to the Summer capital. Guests can stroll through its private garden, enjoy a picnic and cozy up around the roaring fire pit.
- Camper and Cabin’s mountainside cabin offers an undeniably luxurious experience for those willing to splurge. Perched on a hill, the cabin offers stunning views of the Mount Batulao sunset, as well as Balayan Bay and lush Nasugbu farmlands nearby.
- Sitting atop Sierra Madre in the centre of Lake Caliraya, the LakeFront Resort is a secluded resthouse perfect for enjoying nature at its best. It comes with an overlooking veranda for breezy lunches and a private pier where guests can swim or use its kayaks, pedal boats and paddle boards.
Luxurious stays that are sure to impress
Boasting premium amenities and spacious living areas, these splendid Airbnb homes are perfect for that much-awaited holiday get-together.
- Casa Kalinaw is a five-bedroom villa in Batangas with cosy wood accents and an infinity pool. Guests can spend long afternoons enjoying the fresh air and lapping ocean waves.
- Tucked away in the quiet town of Lucban, Casa Esperanza offers a scenic ‘probinsiya’ look with thoughtfully designed interiors. It comes complete with its own pool and greenhouse for a classy yet homely resort feel.
- Looking for a staycation in the city? This classic 80s home is located just 5 minutes away from Banawe, Quezon City. It has four bedrooms, a spacious living room, a fully furnished kitchen and a library brimming with good reads.
- Finally, if you’re planning to spend time in the beautiful mountain town of Busay, Villa Busay might be your perfect pick. A stay in this luxurious villa comes with the usual top-notch amenities and live-in staff ready to accommodate your needs — including delicious dishes whipped up by your in-house chef!
Hosts of these Stays have all committed to Airbnb’s 5-step Enhanced Clean process, a set of standards developed in partnership with experts to ensure safety and peace of mind for guests for the times of COVID-19 and beyond.
Discover more amazing Airbnb Stays for your holiday getaways by visiting https://www.airbnb.com/philippines/stays.