A Driving-Distance Balinese Escape Awaits at Cintai Corito’s Garden

If you can’t go to Bali just yet, don’t worry—Cintai Corito’s Garden is bringing Bali to you.

A Bali-inspired escape nestled in Balete, Batangas, this resort was built to honor the memory of Corito, the matriarch of the family that owns the previously private rest house. In the final stages of her life, Corito went to the garden for peace and relaxation. When she passed away, the family immortalized their cintai (Indonesian word for “love”), hoping that the place can also serve as a safe haven for others.

Ready for your Balinese getaway? Here’s everything you need to know.

The Service

The organized check-in and check-out procedures start and end your vacation on a high note. Embodying excellent service, the staff checks up on their guests from time to time to make sure their stay is nothing short of stellar. Despite the influx of customers in their restaurant, there’s little to no waiting time, especially if the food is already a part of your booked package.

The Amenities

Solo travelers, couples, friends, and families—they all come to Cintai Corito’s Garden for a unique and scenic Balinese getaway. You get your money’s worth even just for the unli-photoshoot you can do surrounded by the fascinating landscape and architecture (even their pretty stairs can make it to your feed!). The most Instagrammable part is the big, portal-like door at the entrance with guardian statues on either side to represent Indonesia’s value for balance.

This 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence awardee holds four pools: two large pools accompanied by two smaller ones. Lush greenery surrounds them all, so if you don’t want to literally blend in, you might want to avoid green swimsuits! The pools are also designed with intricate Balinese style—the detail you never knew you needed for that perfect IG #LivingMyBestLife shot.

More zen vibes are to be had when you take in the environment with the statues of Indonesian deities. The pool even has a figure of a meditating Buddha with eyes half-closed, radiating peace all over. Casual strolls are also full of surprises; you never know which of the friendly peacocks, geese, donkeys, chickens, and ponies you might bump into. Guests may even feed some of animals like the ducks and fish. Kids sure won’t get bored, especially with the playground around.

The Food

If you get tired from snapping all those shots, the resort’s restaurant has got your energy boost covered. Abadi Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner best devoured at their al fresco areas. You’ll be thankful if you come on a Friday because of their Mongolian lunch buffet, but the weekend lunch buffets are no less special—at affordable prices to boot.

Abadi guarantees fresh ingredients and less guilt over ruining your diet with their wide selection of delectable vegetables and protein-rich food like fish, pork, beef, squid, chicken, and shrimp. You simply can’t miss their sinabawang monggo, kaldereta, and inihaw na bangus. Even their dessert choices are to die for; think leche flan with crunchy apple slices and suman with tsokolate—yum!

Tours and Accommodation

If you’re a busy bee who just wants a glimpse of this Balinese heaven, Cintai Corito’s Garden has a sweet day tour offer for Deal Grocer customers. Guests can enjoy lunch, afternoon snacks, and access to amenities like the playground, swimming pools, shower rooms, and of course, roam around the grounds to their hearts’ content from 8 AM to 5 PM.

To make the most of your R&R, stay overnight at one of their 18 villas. Each one is separated from the others by trees and elevation, so it feels like your own little world. The spacious room, queen-sized bed, large bathroom, and balcony with a terrific view are sure to make you feel like Oriental royalty. From the fridge to the cabinet, the décor, embellishments, and furniture are consistent with the Balinese design, making staying indoors all too tempting.

Social media and work emails would have to wait, though: there’s little to no signal in the villas. You can only catch Wi-Fi in the restaurant and some TV in their movie room. But this can be a good thing—you can just relax, get a Swedish/Shiatsu massage (₱1000/hour), or pick up that book you couldn’t find the time to read back in the city. It’s the perfect excuse to “disconnect to connect.”

Special Occasions

From 18th birthdays to weddings, Cintai Corito’s Garden can also bear witness to life’s big moments. Date nights and anniversaries can be made even more special with their romantic dinner for two, a package that comes with flowers and a bottle of wine at the garden’s gazebo or restaurant.

If you really feel the love in the air, the staff can also help guests organize a marriage proposal. It’s also a great local alternative for couples dreaming of a destination wedding—they can say their I Do’s and celebrate the night with up to 200 family and friends at one of the pavilions.

Looking for a unique setting for your prenuptial shoot? Smile for the camera as you stroll through the gardens with a limited-time deal for a prenup shoot with set lunch for 4, which gives you access to the rustic photo shoot locations and sprawling grounds for four hours.

How to Get There

If you’re ready for your Eat, Pray, Love moment, hop on a bus to Lipa at Buendia LRT Bus Terminal (₱124). Alight at Levitown by the Jollibee-Caltex junction before hailing a jeep to Balete (₱20), and get off when you see the gates of Cintai Corito’s Garden on your left. If you’re traveling with a group, you can take a trike for ₱80.

For private vehicles, take SLEX to Star Toll Expressway and exit at Sto. Toribio Balete. Turn right after the toll booth to Gen. Leviste Highway. Drive straight for around 4 km, and Cintai Corito’s Garden will be on your left.

Cintai Corito's Garden
Sitio Pandayan, Malabanan
Balete, Batangas
(0917) 833 1508
reservations@coritosgarden.com
cintaireservations@gmail.com

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This article was last edited on May 18, 2019 by the DG Traveler team.