Cavinti, Laguna

posted on Sunday, February 21, 2021

It was a 2021 trip planned especially for the Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year long weekend. But since our 9-year-old daughter cannot enjoy outdoor pools yet because of her left arm’s injury, we have chosen a destination with a rather amazing lake view down south. We booked our stay in Porta Verde Resort via Booking.com. Travel time from San Pedro, Laguna to Cavinti took more than two hours. The uploaded photos on the resort’s website didn’t do justice of what we saw upon our arrival on site. The Lumot Lake backdrop was simply breathtaking. It was such a breather from our usual work-from-home setup.

The Rambutan Villa ideal for families or a big group was well worth its overnight rate of P9,945. The two-storey villa has its own living room and dining area, kitchen and a very spacious bedroom with two king-sized beds and two single beds. More than the villa’s amenities, we were beyond enchanted with the balcony and sundeck view. Though Xandy couldn’t swim in the outdoor pool because of her left arm’s cast, she surely enjoyed looking out the lake to spot and feed fishes. Our kiddo also appreciated walking around the garden more to identify various insects, plants and even fruits. Thanks to the hubby, Xandy’s nature smart self was enlightened.

Our trip could have been perfect if not for an unfortunate kayaking incident. For the price of P200, Ling and I decided to kayak around the lake for an hour. I brought Ling’s phone and snapped countless pics and vids. We were on our way back to the resort when all of a sudden, I accidentally leaned on my left side. We completely lost our balance and the kayak overturned. Thankfully, we were required to wear life vests so Ling and I were both safe. His iPhone though fell off the 20 feet deep lake! Good thing we were able to buy a new phone and secure his same old number immediately after the trip. Looking back, Ling and I can only laugh at ourselves for such a crazy and unforgettable mishap.

Note: Guests are allowed to bring their own food and cook in the villa. RT-PCR/antigen tests and medical certificates aren't required but guests are asked to submit a health declaration form before check-in. There was no needed travel pass too as we didn't see any checkpoints along the way.

See also our visit to Pili Paninap Farm in Tanay, Rizal, Ybonita Farm, The Cabin in San Miguel, Bulacan, Moolk Farm, Balai Tanay, Phillip's Sanctuary in Antipolo, Rizal, Preziosa Botanic Resort in Alfonso, Cavite, Ataalaya Farmhouse in Alitagtag, Batangas, our day trip to Pililla, Rizal and our drive down Cavite.