Exploring the hidden charms of El Jardin de Zaida

We arrived at El Jardin de Zaida resort in San Juan, Batangas, on a sunlit afternoon, feeling as though we had stepped into a hidden sanctuary. It’s about a three-hour drive from the bustling Makati City, yet it feels worlds away. The resort, nestled in 11 hectares of lush greenery, offers an experience of serenity, beauty, and a sense of belonging.

As the gate opened, a majestic acacia tree greeted us, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. My family and I were warmly welcomed by the team, setting a delightful tone for our stay.

Our accommodation was the Premiere Deluxe room, which offered a beautiful garden view and access to the private Premiere Villa Pool. With only four villas housing 12 rooms, it was a peaceful retreat from the usual hustle and bustle.

The Premiere Deluxe room offers a garden view and access to the private Premiere Villa Pool.

Nature’s embrace

Strolling through the expansive grounds, we found ourselves unwinding, unplugging from digital distractions. Surrounded by nature’s comforting embrace, the vibrant gardens offered a soothing backdrop for our explorations. We paused at the chapel, a space inviting quiet reflection.

Our wanderings led us to the charming Casa Molave. It’s a two-story ancestral house that, as the resort’s general manager Jing Castalla told me later, was carefully moved from a nearby barangay, adding a nice historical vibe to the resort.

The adjacent garden offers an enchanting venue for intimate gatherings such as weddings and family reunions.

The Casa Molave, a two-story ancestral house, was meticulously relocated from a nearby barangay, adding a charming historical vibe to the resort.

As it turned out, the gardens of El Jardin de Zaida are not just for admiring—they are a venue for celebrations.

The Royal Palm Garden, with its towering trees and golden sunsets, is an idyllic spot for weddings. The Kamagong Pavilion, with its modern Filipino interiors, offers a chic setting for smaller gatherings. Each venue is a canvas for creating unforgettable memories.

Later, Castalla guided me inside Bahay Kubo, the first structure built at El Jardin de Zaida resort, which originally served as the rest house of the owners. This venue, with its spacious living room, two dining areas, one bedroom, two toilet and baths, and a kitchen, is ideal for wedding preparations.

Elegant wooden furniture decorates the interior of the Bahay Kubo, which reflects charming Filipino architecture. It overlooks the expansive Royal Palm Garden, named after the towering trees on the grounds.

The resort’s recognition as among the Top 10 Luxe Wedding Venues in the Philippines by Wedded Wonderland reflects its commitment to providing a picturesque backdrop for special occasions.

El Jardin de Zaida offers many lovely spots for wedding venues.

We then visited the infinity pool and the calamansi orchard before proceeding to Rudy’s Bar & Lounge. Located above Rudy’s Conference Hall and overlooking Casa Molave and the scenic gardens, it is a cozy place to enjoy a drink and unwind.

Rudy’s Bar and Lounge offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to relax and enjoy a drink.

Culinary delights

Dining at Rodolfo’s was a culinary exploration of Filipino and international flavors. We indulged in kalderetang kambing (slow-cooked goat meat in spicy liver sauce), laing with lechon kawali (taro leaves in coconut cream with crispy pork belly), and crispy pata (crispy pork knuckle) for dinner.

The next morning, my husband and I enjoyed savory longganisa (Filipino pork sausage typically made from ground pork) and hearty beef tapa (marinated beef strips) for breakfast, while our son delighted in pancakes with bacon and egg. The kapeng barako (local brewed coffee) was a perfect accompaniment to our meals.

Activities and connection

The resort offers a range of activities that deepen the connection to nature. A friendly staff member guided us to the calamansi orchard, where we picked fresh calamansi—a simple yet satisfying task that connected us to the land. 

Guests can also enjoy complimentary bicycle rides around the resort, farm tours, and outdoor dining under the stars, creating unforgettable experiences.

Plans for birdwatching aim to enhance this connection, with over 25 bird species making the resort their home.  

Eco-conscious efforts

El Jardin de Zaida is making strides toward sustainable practices. Castalla shared that their use of solar panels has resulted in a significant 50% reduction in electricity costs. The resort uses refillable toiletries to minimize its environmental footprint.

They also source fruits, vegetables, and poultry from nearby markets, ensuring freshness while supporting the local farmers and reducing emissions. The orchard boasts over 250 kalamansi trees (Philippine lime) and 100 dalandan trees (Philippine orange), and they use the fruits in their dishes and drinks.

Cultural and artistic touches

Art and culture are celebrated here in thoughtful ways. The resort showcases pottery by Ugu Bigyan from Tiaong, Quezon, alongside crafts from a local San Juan artist. These artistic touches add depth to the experience, offering guests an authentic taste of the region’s cultural heritage.

El Jardin De Zaida is home to many creations by skilled local designers and artisans.

Although plans for a boutique featuring local products like lambanog (distilled alcohol made from the sap of coconut) and coco sugar are still in the works, you can already see and appreciate the touch of local flavor.

A lasting imprint

As our stay at El Jardin de Zaida resort came to an end, we felt a sense of calm and contentment, a result of the resort’s serene atmosphere and warm hospitality.

We left feeling refreshed and grateful for the opportunity to experience such a charming oasis. Our stay was a journey of discovering hidden charms that will remain imprinted on our memories forever.

All photos by El Jardin de Zaida