Resort Review: Stilts Calatagan

A weekend getaway with the barkada to relax and unwind after a tiring week is always a good idea, and Stilts Calatagan is the perfect venue for that.

My friends and I aren't ashamed to admit that we take our bonding experiences seriously. And so on a gloomy and rainy Saturday morning in July, we traversed SLEX in search of the perfect vacay spot. After several ocular inspections around the Batangas area, we found Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort. The moment we laid our eyes on the quaint cottages and felt the unique, cozy vibe, we knew great memories were about to be made. Just a 40-minute drive from Tagaytay, the resort is a home away from home that’s worth checking out. Here are seven reasons why.

Land and Water Activities

I love having my options, and I was quite pleased to discover that this paradise offers boating, sandbar tours, snorkeling, and aqua sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Aside from this, introductory dives, fun dives for certified divers, and fishing trips are available as well. A vast mangrove park is located nearby, where guests are welcome to reconnect with nature.

Their main activities are the ATV and mountain bike trail. There’s also a Sunshine Patch, a garden pathway where guests can pick organic vegetables. For guests looking for some privacy, 347 Steps to Serenity is filled with picturesque spots. That’s not all—the place also offers biking, volleyball, and (get this!) pony rides! After a long and tiring day, it’s best to treat yourself to a relaxing massage in their spa, which offers a variety of services.

Garden Cabanas by the Beach

My crew really enjoyed simply playing a game of virus in the swimming pool—we felt like kids again! Afterwards, we chose to rent a garden cabana, an open hut near the swimming pool and The Sweet Spot Restaurant. We paid ₱385 each for the day trip entrance fee and ₱850 for a 15-seater open hut by the beach where a locker was provided for our valuables. There are grills available for barbecuing, although there is a corkage fee depending on the food to be cooked.

Just a few steps away is the Harmony Beach, a long stretch of white sand where we enjoyed our photo shoot overlooking the houses on stilts.

We felt like we were in the Maldives! Luckily, the beach didn’t kill our vibe even when it was raining for most of the time that we were there.

Next time, I would check out Serenity Beach, which has a shady picnic area and rustic wooden tables and chairs. Lastly, there’s Destiny Beach, located at the far end of the resort with a bridge overlooking the seaside.

Beach and Floating Cottages

Aesthetics are important, and I absolutely loved this place's architecture and the fresh interior design of the floating cottages by the seashore that are aptly named Peace, Inspiration, Happiness, Beauty, and Love. These five houses are the epitome of #vacaygoals as each cottage has a master’s bedroom, guest room, loft, and living area. There are also large cottages located near the swimming pool and only a few steps away from the beach. This type of cottage has a master’s bedroom, guest room, and a living area. I’m definitely coming back here to spend a night or two in sheer bliss!

Tree Houses

For a dose of excitement in your otherwise chill trip, visit the Serenitree, a tree house sanctuary on Serenity Beach. This is not the only one in the resort—there’s also the Eternitree which is described as “a romantic hideway during the day, your castle at night, and 24/7 your tiny bit of heaven.”

Simplicity Villa and Bungalow

The Simplicity Villa and Simplicity Bungalow stand in a shaded area by Serenity Beach. The open secret is that the huts outside these cozy rest houses are the breeziest spots in the resort. See if you can prove this yourself!

Camping

If you’re a happy camper and you know it, this is the place for you. Share memories, discover stories, and laugh the night away at the Stilts-designated campsites. Guests may rent tents from the resort or bring their own.

Day Trips

There are many options for side trips, like visiting Museo de Enrique Zobel where one can learn about the life and legacy of Don Enrique Zobel as well as the history of Calatagan. The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, and entrance is free but donations are most welcome. For golfers (or wannabe golfers,) Calatagan Golf and Country Club has stunning views and courses to play on.

The Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, the oldest structure in the area, has breathtaking angles of the bay and scenic beaches from a 51-foot tower. (It’s the perfect place for a prenup shoot, so make a mental note for when that time comes!) Entrance is free but donations are most welcome as well.

The Verdict

No questions asked, I would gladly come back to Stilts—with a barkada, a significant other, or even alone. Here, I found it easy to relax and difficult to leave. When you feel a sense of serenity descend on you from the moment you enter a resort, then you know that place is special—and you know you'll return soon enough.

For Inquiries and Reservations:
Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort
Barangay Sta. Ana
(0917) 5863343
(0917) 5807653
(0917) 5237777
(0908) 866 2254
stilts.sales@gmail.com
Makati Booking Office
1F SGV II Building, 6758 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
(02) 967 0820

Taking a side trip to Tagaytay? Check out this Travel Guide for things to do! Enjoy discounts on Tagaytay stays and day tours here.

For exclusive deals and stories about local travel, sign up for Deal Grocer!