Nurturing teams with nature at Sonya’s Garden
Nature has a way of disarming people, allowing them to be more candid, relaxed and honest–ideal for yearend team activities. So, whether you’re evaluating the year that was or planning for the year ahead, Sonya’s Garden in upland Cavite may prove to be the ideal setting.
Exceptional hospitality
Sonya’s Garden pioneered the bed-and-breakfast industry in the Philippines. Its owner, Sonya S. Garcia, offered a new way of experiencing the country, relying on the natural beauty of nature and exceptional Filipino hospitality.
The place was once a private home that took inspiration from Garcia’s childhood in her grandmother’s cottage in Capiz. For years, the place was Garcia’s little secret, known only to herself and her close friends. But in 1998, she decided to share that secret to the public through a cottage restaurant.
Due to pleadings of guests who wanted to stay a few days, she added the bed-and-breakfast component in 2002–a component that has now grown from a single cottage to 26!
Named after flowers and herbs, those homes reflect Sonya’s love for aroma. They are private sanctuaries offering the warmth of the countryside kubo. To truly help the weary escape into nature, they do not have airconditioning or television sets. That, Garcia believes, would make you and your team want to explore the many other things the place offers.
After all, booking the bed and breakfast gives guests access to the rest of Sonya’s Garden.
Work and wellness
A normal stay comes with guilt-free meals–breakfast and a complimentary early dinner or lunch.
Besides the fact that Sonya’s Garden observes a plot-to-plate philosophy, it also ensures that all the flowers, vegetables and fruits that make it to your plate are grown organically, free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. You may order additional food from the restaurants and panaderia; even wellness products, trinkets and more from several shops, like Sonya’s Country Store or Sonya’s Apothecary.
The team should not miss the “art of doing nothing” activities. Touted to be both creative and therapeutic, these activities can be restorative for each individual and trust-building for the whole team. When the fireflies enter their mating season, expect them to be at Sonya’s Garden, proof of how clean the air is.
You may also try a tour of the river, featuring the cold spring water; or the edible landscape garden and scented greenhouse, where some of the meal ingredients are sourced. Walk or trek the Proposal Garden, so named because of its popularity with couples.
You and your office mates may start the day with early morning meditation and yoga, then learn how to grow plants organically with farming lessons that teach basic gardening, compost making and propagation. Don’t forget to visit Sonya’s Spa, an experience none should miss.
Nature holds magic. If you want a spell of unity and synergy cast on your team for the days and tasks ahead, Sonya’s Garden is no doubt your perfect host.
