Mother's Day passed and if you noticed, I haven't really written about my celebration.  But this, I will not let pass without telling you about it - our quick post-Mother's-Day-getaway at Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City.  I've frequented the hotel as their corporate client and as part of work.  But this time, I was back, and with the whole family, for two days to relax and simply take a break from the hustles and bustles of our usual stressful city life.

From SM MOA (where we were picked up by Taal Vista Hotel's service van), travelling to the hotel only took us an hour and a half.  It was a perfect day to travel with the family.  We enjoyed the simple pleasure of having a safe drive to the hotel on a wonderfully sunny day.  Navigating your way to the hotel was easy.  Taal Vista Hotel is located at Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City.  It's right beside Sky Ranch, Tagaytay's newest theme park.

There is something reminiscent about Taal Vista Hotel whenever I step on it.  You know the feeling of familiarity and being very at-home?  That was my heart's state upon arriving the hotel.

Taal Vista Hotel celebrating their 75th anniversary this year and I am proud to part of their digital media guests to experience their A-list hotel amenities and services.

"It was in 1935 when President Manuel L. Quezon expressed interest in developing Tagaytay as a tourist destination in the Philippines with Taal Vista Lodge as one of the leading attractions. The cool climate, beautiful scenery and proximity to Metro Manila quickly made Tagaytay a leisure destination of choice.

Officially opened on October 7, 1939, Taal Vista Lodge was the first hotel in the city of Tagaytay. Since then Taal Vista Hotel has become a landmark in the city with its iconic Tudor-style architecture and panoramic view of the Taal Lake and Volcano."

"The year-long celebration will culminate with the Taal Vista Hotel 75^th Anniversary Gala Party on October 11, 2014. The event will feature an Art Deco theme reminiscent of the 1930s."

CAFE VERANDA
A sumptuous lunch was in order upon arrival and before checking in.  As expected, the lunch buffet spread in Cafe Veranda was complete and deliciously filling.  I'm sure by now (if you follow my blog), you know how hubby and I are into lunch buffets.  We give Cafe Veranda an excellent grade.  The lunch buffet was a feast!

Variety of Grilled Seafood (obviously our favorite,want proof?  Back track all our buffet adventures on the blog! hihihi!)

Paella Cerveseria

Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Chocolate Fountain

Variety of Tarts

My favorite Mango Crepe with Vanilla Ice Cream on top

Complete room amenities welcomed us.  There was a newspaper hanging outside the next day.

Our room with the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano's breathtaking view.

"Taal Vista Hotel will be also be unveiling the 75th Anniversary Exhibit, a multi-media showcase of Taal Vista Hotel’s rich history, legacy of quality service, and stories of memorable experiences. The exhibit will tour SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, The Podium, SM South Mall, SM City Dasmariñas, Cavite and SM City Batangas. The mall tour and exhibit will run from September 6 to October 29.  

The year-long celebration will culminate with the Taal Vista Hotel 75th Anniversary Gala Party on October 11, 2014. The event will feature an Art Deco theme reminiscent of the 1930s."

The hotel's swimming pool is located near the Mountain View Wing.
If you follow this path, it will lead you to more guestrooms, to Magnolia Pavilion, to the Gym and their Asmara Spa, which sadly I wasn't able to visit.

Taal Vista Hotel will be opening their Magnolia Steakhouse. The new dining establishment will be devoted to prime cut beef served with a selection of sauces, side dishes and fresh homegrown Tagaytay greens. Located in the Magnolia Pavilion on The Ridge, the steakhouse will feature an al fresco dining area and sweeping views of Taal Lake and Volcano.    

I can't wait to return and devour on their steaks, our favorite!

While I taking my hotel tour, I was pleased to learn that Taal Vista Hotel dedicated a Green House to grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs and spices.  This is located just beside the pool.

Clockwise from left: Carrot, Papaya, Lettuce, Onion Leeks and a tiny baby Strawberry.

They also grow Eggplant, Lemon, Watermelon, Chili, Okra, Mint and Tomato.

After a full-packed day, our dinner was hosted at Cafe Veranda.  This time, we had a great chika time with Celine Arenillo, Taal Vista Hotel's Area Marketing Communications Manager.  Matet Reyes of Travelogues and her family was also staycationing with us.  We were supposed to eat outside but that night, it was windy.  Tagaytay City's specialties were served for dinner.