Batanes In Batangas: Ybonita Farm and Villas
Some places prove more difficult to write about purely because they are so heavenly I don’t feel my words can do them justice. Ybonita Farm and Villas is one of those places. My vocabulary fails me because I can’t catch the perfect essence that is Ybonita Farm and Villas. My photography is from a point and shoot Sony by a mom solo traveling with three kids - but it will have to do. I’d love to let the photos tell the story and have my words share a glimpse of the personal history of Ybonita Farm.
Family run hotels and farm stays are what make traveling in the Philippines so unique and magical. Ybonita Farm is a family run property located in Calatagan Batangas. Weekends and holidays beckoned the family from Makati to Calatagan over the years and that invitation enveloped relatives, batchmates, barakadas and is now, the public.
Ybonita casitas are Yvatan style, the style of homes from the most Northern island of the Philippines, Batanes. With growing demand from so many visitors the Caunan family honed their skills together and created a full fledged farm stay. One of the children is an incredibly talented Interior Designer who is credited to beauty and wonder of each casita. While another child is a professionally trained chef who splits their time between the Philippines and national parks in America. Take time to get to know the parents and children during your visit, knowing the story adds essence to your stay.
Ybatan Villa
the genius lies in the details
exposed wood and volcanic stones, hello heaven
My paborito portrait of Apo Whang Od settled next to a breakfast nook dressed in white linen, I was made to live here
a peek outside while you wash up
the view from the upstairs loft was a dream
sleepy head
I grew up with abolone divers in my family so these small details really took me back home
Al fresco dining and fruitas from the farm
Because Ybonita is family run and not a full fledge resort you are asked to preorder your meals before your stay which I am learning is helpful. There serving sizes are large and I unintentionally over ordered.
all this green can cure any ailment
The family was also kind enough to organize a visit to the local sandbar, Star Fish Island, and it was incredible. I will share more on that tomorrow. Until then, here’s a sneak peak.
The magic of the Philippines never ceases to amaze me. Thank you Ybonita Farm and Villas for the loveliest getaway, we will be back for more.
Kita Kits,
Amber
Santa Ana,Calatagan,Batangas
Philippines
+639291347224
ybonitafarmandvillas@gmail.com
*The largest villa is large enough for sharing which I would recommend doing. The upstairs loft has tons of space. The pricing was a bit on the high end so sharing really helped with the cost. I would recommend two family sharing.