Revisiting The Farm at San Benito

Arriving late in the afternoon, I started to feel the pangs of having eaten something I shouldn’t have a few hours earlier at the airport. By dinner, I was in bad shape. 

Fortunately for me, where I landed could not have been a better place. You see, I was to enjoy a 4 day medical wellness retreat at The Farm at San Benito, just 90 mins south of Manila, the Philippines. 

Once aware of my predicament the team rallied. I was provided electrolytes, clear soup, infused water and fresh herbal tea to settle my stomach and slow the inevitable other end. While I missed my first scheduled day of appointments, Elbert, our butler and ‘handler’ for our visit, quickly rescheduled everything including extending my stay for 2 days to ensure I didn’t miss out on my quick retreat. 

I have visited The Farm before, just before the pandemic. Since then they have doubled the number of villas and added 2 restaurants. Spread across 50 hectares of lush tropical forest, there is ample space for recreational activities and eco-conscious development.

During this time The Farm also introduced 16 new wellness programs, including holistic approaches and evidence-based therapies aimed at combating the discomfort of aging and menopause, addressing chronic health conditions, and managing pain and mental health issues without relying on pharmaceutical medications.

Being surrounded by nature at The Farm isn’t just a perk – it’s a powerful prescription for well-being. Nestled within the heart of a verdant jungle, the property plays host to a vibrant community of ducks, geese, and peacocks, adding a delightful touch of whimsy to the scene. But that’s just the beginning. 

A network of intertwining walkways crisscrosses the property, offering you the opportunity to embark on immersive bushwalks without ever straying far from the comfort of your surroundings. It’s a nature lover’s dream come true.

Yet, the allure of The Farm extends far beyond mere aesthetics. The profound impact of immersing yourself in nature cannot be overstated. With every step along shaded pathways and every moment spent basking in the tranquility of the jungle, guests find themselves enveloped in a sense of serenity and renewal. 

The therapeutic benefits are palpable – stress melts away, spirits are lifted, and a profound sense of connection with the natural world takes root. It’s a sanctuary for the soul, where the healing power of nature unfolds in every rustle of leaves and every birdsong. Here, amidst the embrace of Mother Nature, guests embark on a journey of holistic wellness, reaping the rewards of a profound and deeply enriching experience. It immediately disarms you. I was gliding. 

Comfortably ensconced in my Narra Pool Villa, bigger than a one bedder in Sydney, surrounded by nature and unable to see villas either side, this solitude is exactly what I (didn’t know) I ordered. While I hadn’t planned a day of rest on arrival, I would highly recommend, giving you enough time for the inevitable massive exhale, replenishing you with a little energy and mind power to take it all in when you start your program. 

A few weeks prior to arrival at The Farm at San Benito, I received a questionnaire from the medical team seeking detailed health information. This information is then used to curate a program for you.  There really is no point in secrecy, it’s what you’re going for after all and everything remains highly confidential. 

First up on arrival, was a Purification Treatment. Not knowing what to expect, I surrendered to Cristy’s direction. With The Farm’s signature composite of cold-pressed coconut oil with dead sea salt and lemongrass my body was gently scrubbed, rubbed and nurtured for 90 glorious minutes. 

Day 1 of the serious business started with my Holistic Consultation.  A consultation just running through the questionnaire and elaborating as necessary with an explanation from the Doc about my program for the coming days. 

Immediately followed by the Cellular Consult, where my blood is read by yet another medical practitioner to explain what was going on with the big red blobs on the screen. Apparently, dehydration, she tells me, makes sense due to the gut issue on arrival. 

Acupuncture next, treated by ‘Sir’ Darwin, acupuncturist and The Philippines only, specialist Fascial Manipulation Practitioner, we have none known in Australia and this is what he focussed on for me. I have to manage recurring plantar fasciitis due to tight calves and, as the name suggests, this is all caused by the fascia. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief as this has been an annoyance over the years. A skill I take home is working on these in my lower calves and ankles with the right tools. 

Another of The Farm’s specialisations is Psychoemotional Clearing. As I had a short stay, there was only enough time for one session, but even with that, I walked away armed with some tools to use in my day-to-day. 

Falling into bed after a day of nurturing, I went to sleep easily and enjoyed some vivid dreams. The first I can recall in a long time.

Starting and punctuating the day, are the juices and tonics ‘prescribed’ exclusively for you. Featuring the herbs, spices, veggies and fruit designed to help you improve ailments. Mine morning tonic was a turmeric shot with a ginger tea chaser. During the day a house made V7, a delicious mix of veggies. 

Water Wellness is an experience a water baby like me dances along to. The Farm has created the standalone Aqua Sanctuary featuring everything from an Onsen, to steam rooms, infrared saunas, vichy shower, floatation tank and a series of pressure pools. Each visit is scheduled for you so you are the only one using the onsen at one time. 

Punctuating these treatments, there is a program of ‘free’ classes such as various Yoga including Restorative practice, Sound Healing, Functional Fitness, HiiT, Sunrise Breathwork and more. 

The Farm’s food philosophy is ‘farm to table’ as you’d expect. There are hectares at the back of the property dedicated to it.  They previously had an exclusively vegan menu until the expansion of two new restaurants, Prana, an Indian vegetarian and Pesce, seafood. The food is clean, light and will have you looking forward to the next meal.

My retreat at The Farm at San Benito was, while short, was a transformative experience, offering a holistic approach to wellness that left me feeling rejuvenated in body, mind, and spirit. From personalised treatments to nourishing cuisine, every aspect of my stay was meticulously curated to promote healing and rejuvenation. It was truly a sanctuary for holistic wellness, and I left feeling grateful for the opportunity to return home whole.

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For more information on this or other wellness retreats, contact your wellness concierge at Pure Health Travel