Casita Ysabel in Batangas: Feel Like Coming Home to Mother Nature
If Mother Nature had a home, it would be Casita Ysabel. Embraced by a forest and its coast blanketed by a peaceful ocean, this resort in Mabini, Batangas is an idyllic setting to reconcile with nature and rediscover yourself in privacy and comfort.
Casita Ysabel is a family-run bed and breakfast along the mountainous coastline of Anilao that emanates rustic comfort and natural elegance. The overall structure of the resort is dominated by wood and rocks, a Balinese-inspired lodging that faces the Balayan Bay and is shone upon by beautiful colors of the sunset.
The resort has a total of 10 rooms, ensuring that even when they are fully booked, all guests can indulge in a peaceful retreat. For solo travelers, the ideal accommodation is the Ysabel Standard Room, located at the second level of Ysabel Casita with lovely views of nature. For groups or families, meanwhile, a great choice is the Aquarella Suite which can comfortably accommodate up to four adults and two infants. It features a large terrace that commands a view of the Balayan Bay.
Ysabel Standard Room
Aquarella Suite
The rooms are truly relaxing and will make you feel like you are in fact in Mother Nature’s home. All units are equipped with air-conditioning and heated showers with toiletries, and accommodation includes free breakfast. While there are no televisions and minibars, guests are guaranteed to have the most relaxing and peaceful getaway as you are surrounded only by the soothing sounds of nature.
Casita Ysabel is also a great place to enjoy various nature activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, island hopping, and swimming. Right in front of the resort is the Casita Ysabel reef, a designated Marine Reserve Area. Guests can dive right in with their snorkeling or scuba diving gear and find a treasure trove of corals and diverse marine life. There’s a great chance you can see up-close some amazing marine animals like small black tip sharks and sea turtles.
During low tide, the water subsides to reveal a rocky shore in front of the resort, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and just take in the beautiful surroundings. When the tide rises again, you can head to the swimming pool where you can take a relaxing dip or to the bamboo deck for sunbathing or lounging with a book in hand.
The resort also houses the Tre Earth Spa, where you can choose from various treatments that promise to free your body and mind of stress and tension. When you get hungry, you can head to the Casita garden, an al-fresco dining terrace where you can treat yourself to Casita Ysabel’s home-cooked fusion specialties that use locally sourced ingredients.
Going to Casita Ysabel takes about three hours. It is ideal to go here via private vehicle. As you go nearer the resort, the course begins to hint that you’re approaching the home of Mother Nature as you the roadway is surrounded by forest and greenery. If you’re commuting, there are tricycles at Mabini plaza that can take you to the resort.
Details:
Address: San Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas
Tel.: 02-546-7083; 02-722-4600
Cel.: 0935-395-2345; 0908-172-3466
Price range: Php 5,000 – Php 11,000
Check-in & Check-out: 2 p.m. / 11 a.m.
Email: haven@casitaysabel.com; casitaysabel@gmail.com
Website: www.casitaysabel.com
Facebook page: Casita Ysabel
Written by Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
All photos from Casita Ysabel
This feature appears in the March 2018 issue of Philippine Primer Japanese magazine.
