Above, under & beyond the rainbow: Chateau Hestia, Home Away From Home

If pearls are made on land, then I would say Chateau Hestia is a pearl hidden in Silang, Cavite. Since pearls are made in water, then I would say the Goddess truly smiled down unto the place since it bears tribute to and for her . . . the goddess of the hearth of Greek Mythology.

Located in Silang, Cavite, is a place of rest and relaxation, a bed and breakfast that also offers hearty lunch and dinner should you wish to experience the magic of their restaurant under the management of Executive Chef Natalia Moran. Let this the first of a series of articles describing-trying to capture in words- the beauty of Chateau Hestia.

As you transverse the main road leading you to the place you will definitely see a signage telling you that you are near. A little twist and a turn you are now entering the wooden gates of Chateau Hestia. Initially what you would see are greens, greens and greens! It is like a wild garden with no known structure, but in reality the place was designed in such a way to blend in with nature. Then you see an arc leading you to a plant covered pathway towards the main building of the place – the reception, deli, restaurant and kitchen. The main building also houses their function room, located at the second level, that is capable of serving near to a hundred guests. The deli is well stocked of wines, from the old world, cheeses and kitchen creations that you would love aka dips and sauces.

Outside of the restaurant is their open garden where events can be made whenever weather allows. From here you would also see pathways leading to the different casitas (the rooms). One thing that is quite impossible for you not to notice is the type of material used to border each step and pathway . . . the empty wine bottles. Not only used to serve as borders but they also made use of some of the empty wine bottles as light ornaments. Some of you may ask as to what happened to the corks . . . they also made use of it as part of table decoration in one of the lodging area.

There are actually two pathways leading you to the casitas. You may take either of the two depending on the location of your casitas. From the main building, you would see a bridge that has a pool of koi underneath and it serves as one of the pathway going to three (3) of the casitas - Bamboo, Capiz and Sampaguita. The other pathway is the one from the garden area; this would lead you to the Loft, the Suite and another pathway leading you to Casa Carmen and Garden Casitas. That is a total of 7 living areas that couples and a small family would love!

The interior design of the casitas (Bamboo, Capiz and Sampaguita) is not for the faint of heart since the bathing area and the toilet is simply divided from the resting area with a panel in which you can still see clearly, not silhouette, what is happening on the other side. If you are a bit demure, you can ask the staff to strung along a curtain to keep things private. One thing is definite, you will love the four-poster bed with the drappings.

The structure of the Loft is a wonder! It is a two-floor structure that has two entrances! If you wish to enter/exit via the room (bed), you may do so. If you suddenly have the urge to use the loo or simply wants to clean first before hitting the sack, then you may enter via the first floor door. The first floor door leads to the bathing/loo area and a spiral staircase leads you to the bedroom that has a bed -good for 2, covered with a mosquito net set in a spiral pattern (2nd level). There may be no cabinets in this casita's but it sure is one delightful room to stay in.

Should you wish to have a place that has everything, then book the Casa Carmen. It has everything! A sitting area, a small dining table, a cabinet, a mini-kitchen area, an outside sitting and a big bed! It may be situated a little off from the main Chateau but it is worth staying at. This is pure comfort place! Better than a hotel room because it has character and classic taste. The garden area is also well managed in this area.

Let me answer some of the questions that you may have.

Can you bring your pet with you?

YES! You can bring your pet with you as long as you bring along all the needs of your pet such as bedding, pet bowl and a leash.

Can I order food from the restaurant delivered in my room?

YES! Just inform the people concern should you wish to enjoy a breakfast on bed.

I am a PWD. Is the place equipped for my needs?

I didn't saw any ramps but I think they would be able to assist you with your needs. Before we left the place, I did saw an elderly on a wheelchair enjoying her lunch in the restaurant which means, they were able to assist her and make it enjoyable for her.

Can I have assistance going there?

As long as you know how to reach certain areas in Tagaytay, you will be able to reach the place even if you are a commuter. You can also call them to pick you up at a certain point and bring you to the Chateau. - talk about service!

Can I smoke?

As long as you are not in your room, then you may smoke. Not in the room. The bar area of the restaurant is a smoking area also. Airing out a room is not easy that is why smoking is not encouraged inside the sleeping area. Remember, you are surrounded with plants and Carbon is something that plants need during photosynthesis.

Below are some of the images taken of the place during my stay there.

ENJOY!

The beauty of the place: