Family Weekend Getaway

Day 1

It has been ages since our last family trip to Tagaytay. Nothing much has changed from that Tagaytay we visited. The charm of this place is unchanging in its stance in the midst of neighboring developments. So instead of our usual family staycation in Metro Manila hotels, we decided to get out of the city for the long election weekend. We needed the therapeutic lull of birds chirping that was a sense of healing from the noise of the city. The fresh air from the cool mountain breeze was a welcome break from the pollution of Manila. In other words, fresh-freshan ang pegaloo!

The month of May is also extra special for the Epperson’s as we celebrate three consecutive occasions: our wedding anniversary, Tom’s birthday and Mother’s Day.

Crosswinds Resort was the perfect venue in a picturesque Swiss Alps setting. The hundred acres of green including the 20,000 pine trees, a Christmas Village (scroll down to find out) and rolling hills just like a perfect painting.

What we like about Crosswinds is that it is located away from the hustle and bustle of Tagaytay’s main road. Crosswinds Resort Suites is located in Tagaytay City, about 2 km from the Tagaytay Picnic Grove. It’s easy to get to from the Tagaytay rotonda. Click here for the map.

We checked-in Crosswinds’ service hotel managed by Hotel International, Inc. We booked a two-bedroom suite for the weekend.

The room is simple, cozy and very zen, perfect for a relaxing weekend.

Fresh fruits and flowers welcomed the Epperson’s

Kid’s station

We love hotel rooms with kitchen!

The master bedroom with a balcony and spectacular view!

I could wake up to this view everyday.

The kids’ bedroom

Aryanna and Dylan haven’t seen rolling hills so they were blown away by the view from their room to say the least.

When out of town, go out!

Walking around the village and smelling the fresh air is something my family and I miss a lot. Crosswinds has acres of land to explore.

Me: “Guys, relax. Let me take your photos.”
Tom, Aryanna and Dylan: *deadma*
Me: “C’mon! Be serious.
Tom, Aryanna and Dylan: *points finger to temple*
Me: ” Da hell…”
Tom: “You said to be serious. We’re thinking. This is our serious pose.”

Our explorations brought us to hidden and undiscovered place. Like Santa’s House. OMG!!! It’s Christmas at Crosswinds 365 days!

Sleigh ride in the Summer!

We had a great time walking around… Goofing around. Even the sky was perfect.

The life we imagined: fresh air, a yard, trees, and a Swiss chalet. Haha!

After spending time with the kids, it’s time Tom and I get to spend quality time and celebrate our 18th year anniversary.

I booked a dinner for two at Antonio’s. More about this place on my next post.

 Photo taken using Instagram

Happy Anniversary, hun! You bring joy into my life!

 Day 2

When you have a toddler, sleeping in is not an option. Even if it’s your birthday.

We took advantage of our spectacular bedroom view and had Tom open his gifts in the balcony. Again, having kids mean you never get to open your own gifts.

 Photo taken using Instagram

It’s hard to give my husband gifts as he is not materialistic. I do know that he would like some peace and quiet. So, we tried to leave him alone.

After an hour to himself, he realized we were all starving so he cooked his favorite breakfast: buttermilk pancakes!

Happy birthday, Tom!

Day 2 is all about chillaxing. No pressure to go out or be somewhere.

Aryanna and Dylan make the best playmates. They are never bored. They always find something to amuse each other. Simple things like two chairs and a comforter make the best indoor tent and a make believe cave.

Lunch meant burgers at Breakfast at Antonio’s.

When in Tagaytay, it’s all about the Taal Volcano view.

One of our favorite burgers is their House Burger. It’s simple yet mouthwatering.

Cornichon love

The soft sesame seed bun is the bomb!

Fries for sharing

Coffee break at Bag of Beans, another must-go when in Tagaytay.

Found this small store Coffee Country that sold organic vegetables. We bought some greens for dinner. It rained that day so we stayed in and cooked dinner in our suite.

Another beautiful sunset in Tagaytay.

Day 3

Mother’s Day has never been this sweet! My little man gave me a rose. I’m the happiest mom alive!

 Photo taken using Instagram

Started my day happy, cuddled my kids under the sheets. Life’s simple pleasures.

 Photo taken using Instagram

We woke up early on our last day. We wanted to beat the traffic going back to Manila.

Good bye, Crosswinds!

Last stop

Photo ops before leaving Crosswinds. We’ll be back!!!

My family treated me to brunch for Mother’s Day. Yes, we went back again to Breakfast at Antonio’s. What can I say? We’re creatures of habit.

Aryanna’s order: Banana Pecan Waffle

For the purists like me, Golden Brown Waffle. Exactly like Pancake House’s but with better syrup.

Tom had omelette

Our rug rat runner. Sige, magpakapagod ka, Dylan!

One last look at beautiful Taal Volcano.

What a very calming and soothing long weekend! Recharged, rejuvenated and revitalized are the words that can describe what we felt – ready to take on our next adventures!

Thanks a lot to the staff of Hospitality International, Inc. of Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort! We hope to be back soon!

As the old world poet Ovid beautifully worded it, “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”

Shoppingero/shoppingera, stop and smell the pine trees! Visit Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort and Hospitality International, Inc. other properties now!