Take your partner to Baguio City and experience a weekend in cloud nine.
Nowadays, privacy is scarce. Seeking a peaceful sanctuary in the metro is getting harder by the day, especially with the worsening traffic and the rising population, and if every person has this problem, what more a couple?
That’s why cities like Baguio, far-flung yet flourishing comfortably, are becoming more and more attractive to lovebirds looking for a quaint and quiet nest for a weekend. So, if you and your partner direly need some sweet solitude and an intimate couple’s vacation, a rendezvous at the coziest romantic getaways in Baguio should do the trick. Here are some suggestions for romantic getaways in Baguio to start off your tender date weekend!
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1. Arca’s Yard
Where: 777 Tiptop City Limit, Ambuklao Road, Baguio City, Philippines, 2600
Rest, relax, and slow down the pace with the sought-after serenity of Arca’s Yard.
Image: Arca’s Yard Baguio Facebook page
Baguio itself is an escape from the metro’s commotion, but Arca’s Yard along Ambuklao Road makes you literally go the extra mile, but for a very worthwhile reason. The snug home-turned-café rests high above the city, surrounded by a thick blanket of fog and the panoramic view of the highland beauty. Everything about Arca’s Yard – from the food to the fond facilities – tends to slow time down, and what more can a couple want than that?
Inside, the place is a sanctuary for weary souls. An array of books lining the shelves, gorgeous paintings, and cozy seating spaces invite every visitor to just lie down and take a breather. Of course, they also offer savory food and warm and cold beverages, and where better to enjoy them than on their balcony, overlooking the lush greenery of the horizon?
July 2020 Update: Arca’s Yard is open for dine-in and take-out from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
2. La Casa Bianca
Where: 13 Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City
La Casa Bianca is perfect for both your romantic dinner and place to stay.
Image: La Casa Bianca
If you’re traveling to Baguio for more than a day, look no further for a place to stay than La Casa Bianca. A hotel, spa, and café all rolled into one, the simple yet sophisticated La Casa Bianca offers affordable room rates and excellent service to match.
For couples who are just passing by, head on to their café for a good-for-two serving of their famous flower pot cake – a chocolate cake, ganache, cream, and custard that looks exactly like what it’s called. Don’t miss out on their sumptuous all-day breakfast selections, too.
July 2020 Update: La Casa Bianca is accepting bookings and is open from Monday to Saturday, 7AM to 6PM.
3. Kamiseta Hotel
Where: #20 Villamor St., Brgy. Lualhati, Baguio City, Philippines
The gold and glamour of Kamiseta Hotel transports you to your own wonderland within Baguio.
Image: Kamiseta Hotel official website
Another bed-and-breakfast place worth exploring in the Summer Capital is Kamiseta Hotel, a 1,500-square meter development in Barangay Lualhati. Everything about the hotel—from its luxurious suites to the grandiose French-inspired lobby—shouts sophistication and makes all staying couples feel like kings and queens.
Its equally vivacious Vanilla Café shouldn’t be left out of your plans too. The colorful café offers savory meals, sweet pastry choices, as well as unlimited drinks, best enjoyed amidst their vividly-hued indoor and al fresco dining areas. Step inside Kamiseta Hotel and you are guaranteed to be treated like royalty!
4. Camp John Hay
Where: Baguio, Benguet
The vast area of the ageless Camp John Hay offers you and your partner your much-needed alone time.
Image: Camp John Hay
We revisit a timeless destination for all Filipinos with the classic Camp John Hay. Fancy a picnic under the lush pine trees? Relax and relish in the peace by setting up your own afternoon picnic amidst the 246-hectare natural reserve, or rent your picnic ground and table atop Picnic Point along the slope of Scout Hill.
Maybe a slow stroll suits you and your partner better? With scenic landmarks such as the Bell Amphitheater, the Liberty Park, the Butterfly Sanctuary, the Cemetery of Negativism, Camp John Hay is the perfect place for couples to enjoy each other’s quiet company!
July 2020 Update: Camp John Hay is open, but guests must follow safety precautions.
5. Burnham Park
Where: Jose Abad Santos Dr, Baguio, Benguet
Cruise with your bike, row your boat, and just relish in nature amidst the famous Burnham Park.
Image: Albien Sison
Another ideal place to spend your time as sweethearts is the serene surroundings of Burnham Park at the very heart of Summer Capital of the Philippines. Also regarded as the “mother of all parks” among Baguio City attractions, the 33-hectare recreational park is home to the magnificent Rose Garden, the Orchidarium, the Avong Ibaloi Heritage Garden, and other flourishing flora that underscores the beauty of nature.
You can also bike around the vicinity or go boating on Burnham Lake with your dearest. Row your boat around the vast lake, and make sure you take photos of your tender moments!
6. Tiyatro Baguio
Where: Plaza Floor Unit 04B, Cedar Peak Mall, Lower Mabini St., Baguio City
Give a fun and fresh meaning to “staycation” with Tiyatro Baguio’s private rooms and in-house entertainment systems.
Image: Tiyatro Baguio
Inside Cedar Peak Mall is a great option for couples who prefer to stay in yet still want to enjoy their private time together. Tiyatro Baguio, a private cinema and KTV house, opened its doors only in 2017, but it has already made an impact by offering a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.
Within the individual, well-kept rooms are your own flat-screen TV, where you can watch movies from their in-house selection, or sing your hearts out in karaoke without the worry of disturbing other people. You can also order something to munch on from their menu of delicious finger foods. Staying in has never felt this cozy!
7. Victor Oteyza Community Art Space (VOCAS)
Where: La Azotea Building, 108 Session Road Baguio City
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Connoisseurs of culture and local artistry will surely have a delightful time at Victor Oteyza Community Art Space.
Image: Victor Oteyza Community Art Space, VOCAS Gallery, OMG Art Cafe
For couples who are craving to feed not only the heart but also the soul, the Victor Oteyza Community Art Space or VOCAS, should be a part of your itinerary. Founded and owned by renowned filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, the 6-story building towering along Session Road is dedicate to the late Victor Oteyza, one of the “Thirteen Modernists” who pioneered the Philippine modern art post-World War II.
Today, the place is frequented by art aficionados who wish to glance at the various artworks, wooden sculptures and crafts, and native creations and merchandise at the top floors, or to eat at the Oh My Gulay! Artist Café at the penthouse.
8. Saint Joseph the Worker Parish Church
Where: Pacdal Circle, Baguio, Benguet
Share a prayer with your partner within the hallowed halls of St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church.
Image: @jozacarias
A spiritual retreat is a great reason to go to Baguio, and one famous spiritual sanctuary is the St. Joseph the Worker Parish along Pacdal Road. The pure-white façade, the distinct belfry, the stunning stained glass windows, and the ornately sculpted images of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Saint Joseph the Worker all make the parish an astounding sight to behold.
While there’s a better reason for couples to visit and walk down the aisle of this majestic church, perhaps a peaceful stroll and a shared prayer will have to do for now.
Baguio, with all its urban development, is still the timeless, tender space that we all appreciate. So, the next time you and your partner are stumped for intimate date ideas, now you know.
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on January 31, 2019.
