Christine Rodriguez
At Lotuspod, the old pleasure of soaking in natural spring water finds a quieter setting among gardens, rice fields and the foothills of Mount Makiling.
I left Quezon City at 5:30 in the morning, heading south to Bay, Laguna. The drive took about two hours and 45 minutes, including a quick coffee stop at an SLEX gas station. As the urban landscape gave way to the greener foothills of Mount Makiling, the journey itself began to feel like a break from the city.
Casita entrance at Lotuspod
In the 1980s and 1990s, a Laguna getaway was uncomplicated. Families rented a private pool, packed food, invited the cousins, and spent the day swimming. The province’s hot springs also drew people from Manila seeking rest and recuperation. Warm water, familiar food, and provincial surroundings were reason enough to make the trip.
Today, we readily associate restorative bathing with Japan’s onsens, while familiar local destinations can seem less exciting than the latest fashionable getaway. Yet Laguna’s springs remain, fed by the volcanic landscape around Mount Makiling. In Bay, Lotuspod Bed and Breakfast offers a chance to revisit this tradition.
Conceived by renowned journalist Cheche Lazaro as a personal escape from city life, Lotuspod feels like my own private resort. Its Bali-inspired design sits comfortably within a landscape of trees, gardens and rice fields. The casitas offer privacy, while the grounds can accommodate family gatherings, intimate celebrations and corporate retreats.
Nature is part of the experience. A lizard might dart across your path, while bees and flies may appear depending on the season. The property embraces a simple principle: respect nature. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the gardens and observe the wildlife without disturbing them. This refreshing approach treats the tropical setting as part of the stay.
At the heart of the property is its lotus pond, whose appearance changes with the seasons. Sometimes the leaves dominate the water; at other times, flowers emerge. The plants also need pruning from time to time. Watching the pond reminded me that growth and renewal have their own seasons, and that pruning can be part of beginning again.
The spring water is the main draw. Each casita has a private hot-spring natural rock pool where guests can soak at a preferred temperature. Sitting in warm water with tropical foliage in view, I found myself soaking longer than planned. Afterwards, I could return to my room, read or nap.
After my nap, I watched a staff member clean a drained casita dipping pool, getting ready for the next day’s guests. I learned the resort is torn over whether to use heavy chemical treatments to remove mineral staining. They’re caught between preserving the integrity of their raw, additive-free spring water and dealing with occasional loud guests who spot a brownish water line and immediately cry foul. It highlights how thoroughly we’ve been trained to expect the sterile yardstick of a standard chlorinated pool. Water safety is essential, but mineral rings are just the reality of natural spring water. It feels absurd that an authentic sanctuary might feel pressured to chemically bleach its pools just to satisfy visitors who want an artificial resort experience.
Food and small activities round out the experience. The main Pavilion restaurant serves Filipino and Asian dishes and can customize menus for events. Yoga sessions are held on Wednesday mornings and Saturday afternoons, while the newest facility, Lotuspa, offers massage treatments. On some days, the resident baker demonstrates how to make pandesal, letting guests watch the process and taste the soft, pillowy bread fresh from the oven.
The staff also provides practical touches, including citronella insect repellent and patches for children at registration. Guests looking for accessible accommodation can ask about the senior-citizen-friendly casita and confirm its features with reception before booking.
Service can be slow when several requests come in at once, so allow extra time. Internet access is limited in some areas, which may be inconvenient for those who need to work online but welcome for guests hoping to disconnect.
On the drive back to Manila, I thought about how easily we dismiss places once they stop being fashionable. We look elsewhere for experiences that seem more sophisticated, sometimes overlooking what has been available to us all along.
Lotuspod reminded me that a good getaway can be as simple as a warm soak, fresh pandesal, rice fields outside your room, and an afternoon with no specific agenda. Laguna has offered that kind of escape for generations. Perhaps it is time we gave it another look.
How to get there
From Makati, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) southbound and continue toward Calamba, Los Baños, and Bay, Laguna. Lotuspod is in Barangay Puypuy, near the foothills of Mount Makiling. Allow approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car, depending on traffic, and use a navigation app for directions to the property.
What to bring
Pack light clothes, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, and insect repellent. Hiking activities may be available seasonally, so contact Lotuspod in advance to inquire about schedules and arrangements.
Bookings and inquiries
Website: www.lotuspodbedandbreakfast.com
Instagram: @lotuspodbnb
Photos by Jay Jay Lucas
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