La Bella Tagaytay by Lea’s is a popular staycation choice within the La Bella Tagaytay complex, a Santorini-inspired community located in Barangay Neogan. It is known for its distinctive white-and-blue architecture, lush gardens, and holistic living vibe.
Essential Travel Guide
- Location: Neogan, Tagaytay City. It is situated away from the main highway, offering a quieter, more secluded atmosphere than the busy “Rotonda” area.
- Getting There: If commuting from Manila, take a bus bound for Nasugbu or Alfonso and ask to be dropped off at Radar Taas. From there, you can take a tricycle directly to La Bella.
- Check-in/Out: Standard check-in is typically 2:00 PM, and check-out is 12:00 PM.
- Pet Policy: La Bella is famously pet-friendly, though individual unit owners like “Lea’s” may have specific house rules regarding pet fees or sizes.
2-Day Itinerary Idea
Day 1: Holistic Immersion
- Morning: Arrive and leave bags at the front desk. Explore the La Bella grounds. The “Santorini” steps and glass-walled library are iconic spots for relaxation.
- Lunch: Dine at El Cocinero (inside the complex) for authentic Spanish paella.
- Afternoon: Take a dip in the glass-walled swimming pool or visit the Bodhi Mind and Body Shop for a peaceful reading session.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at Organico Gourmet for a healthy, farm-to-table meal within the village.
Day 2: Tagaytay Exploration
- Breakfast: Walk or take a short tricycle ride to Breakfast at Antonio’s (just 12-15 mins walk away) for their famous pancakes and house-made longganisa.
- Morning: Head to Puzzle Mansion (about a 15-min walk or 5-min drive), which holds the world record for the largest puzzle collection.
- Afternoon: Travel toward the ridge for views of Taal Volcano. Stop by Sky Ranch if you want a ferris wheel ride with a view, or Museo Orlina for contemporary glass art.
- Late Afternoon: Pick up pasalubong (souvenirs) like buko tart from Amira’s or coffee beans from Bag of Beans before heading home.
Recommended Places to Visit Nearby
- Bodhi Library (Inside La Bella): A beautiful, multi-level library and cafe that encourages “digital detox.”
- Puzzle Mansion: A unique museum featuring thousands of puzzles; very close to the La Bella property.
- Sonya’s Garden: A short 15-minute drive away; famous for its lush gardens and edible flower salads.
- Twin Lakes Tagaytay: A vineyard-themed shopping and dining area with a great view of the lake’s ridge.
What to Eat (The Local Must-Haves)
- Spanish Cuisine: Specifically the Paella at El Cocinero—it’s widely considered one of the best in the city.
- Bulalo: You can’t leave Tagaytay without a steaming bowl of beef marrow soup. Nearby Bulalo Capital or the stalls at Mahogany Market are local favorites.
- Healthy Fare: Try the organic salads and fresh juices at Organico Gourmet.
- Baked Goods: The Blueberry Cheesecake at Bag of Beans and the Buko Tarts from Amira’s Buco Tart Haus are essential treats.
- Thai Food: Lime and Basil is a short drive away and offers excellent authentic Thai dishes in a garden setting.
Leave a Reply