When King Writes

I’m writing about an amazing getaway in the Philippines because I’m heading back in a few weeks and I’m already excited! 

I’ve been to Qi Wellness in Tagaytay a few times, but it never gets old.

I usually come here for a quick romantic getaway from Manila. We love the peaceful vibes, and the overnight package is just right for a weekend date.

But people come here for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you’re craving dim sum at their Chinese restaurant, or you want to experience a relaxing massage while admiring the view of an active volcano. 😂

Location and View

Qi Wellness is an ideal location for viewing one of the Philippines’ most frequently erupting volcanoes. I know that may sound scary haha! But don’t worry. It doesn’t erupt often enough for the area to close permanently. 😅

Anyway, because they’re in such an ideal position, the views are just drop dead gorgeous. You get unobstructed views of Taal Lake, with the unmistakable cone of Taal Volcano rising from its waters. 

Even if Qi Wellness is literally in front of an active volcano, albeit one separated by miles of lake and natural buffer zones, the temperature usually isn’t as hot as in Manila. Tagaytay has a higher elevation, so the climate is cooler year-round.

Massage

Instead of just standing by the rail admiring the view, you can do what we do. Get a massage outside, overlooking the volcano. Of course, you can’t admire the views when your eyes are closed and you’re sinking into the touch of an expert masseuse. But you’ll still feel the breeze and hear the calming sounds of nature, adding to the overall unique experience.

There’s also an option to get a massage indoors. I’ve done that once. Personally, nothing beats the combination of a high-quality massage while surrounded by nature.

However, the massage at Qi Wellness isn’t your typical affordable Swedish massage. The prices here are higher, but I prefer paying more for the quality. I love how relaxed my muscles feel afterwards because they just know how to find the right spots. 

Pools

After the massage, you can hang out in the pools on the property. One is heated, the other is cold—a common wellness technique to help with circulation and muscle recovery.

I tend to stay in the heated pool because I’m just not a fan of cold water. 🫣 My fiancé, on the other hand, enjoys the cold one. He says it helps seal in the relaxation from the massage.

When you book, you get access to both pools, and you’ll have them all to yourself whether you’re alone or with a group. Qi Wellness is a boutique retreat, so it’s never packed. You really do get the peace and quiet you’re paying for, even if other guests are staying too.

Rooms

After pool time, I like ending the night in our Zen room. I wish I had a better photo of the rooms, but sadly, I only have videos and they’re way too funny to post. 🤣

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Anyway, you can check out their Instagram to see what the rooms look like. There’s nothing too fancy about them, especially if you’ve stayed at more curated boutique spots. The design has some Chinese accents, but what I really love is how quiet it gets at night. It’s part of the house rules to respect the silence, which makes winding down so easy.

Food

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all Chinese cuisine. The overnight package includes breakfast and some refreshments. If you want to try more from their menu, you absolutely can.

They have indoor and outdoor dining spots. I prefer eating outside early in the morning when the breeze is just right, and in the afternoon I like sitting inside the small restaurant upstairs.

When we don’t have time for the overnight stay, we just drop by for the dim sum or a 90-minute massage. You can do that too!

Worth It?

Always. 

The quality of service at Qi Wellness has stayed consistent through the years. It’s still the same calming escape, complete with clean private rooms, comforting Chinese food, relaxing private pools, and deeply satisfying massages. And of course, the breathtaking view of Taal Volcano.

Qi Wellness is one of the best places outside Metro Manila if you’re looking for a peaceful break. I couldn’t recommend it more.