Just a short drive from Metro Manila, SotoGrande Batangas is quietly redefining weekend escapes in the South. Nestled along Bauan’s newly opened diversion road, this newcomer in the hospitality scene opened its doors in December and is quickly gaining attention. What it lacks in fanfare, it makes up for in warm hospitality, comfort, and experiences that linger.
On a Friday morning, our group left the bustle of the city. After a quick stop at the SLEX Petron station, we resumed the drive. In just over an hour and a half, we arrived at SotoGrande Batangas and were welcomed with cool towels and refreshing drinks—a small but thoughtful gesture that set the tone for the weekend.
Lunch at Suelo, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, marked the start of our stay. Room keycards were handed out with our meals, making check-in seamless and efficient. After a bit of downtime, we set out for a brief trek to Mt. Gulugod Baboy, stopping first for a delicious bowl of lomi at AA’s Lomi House. The five-minute trek rewarded us with panoramic sunset views, where prenup shoots were taking place against the cinematic backdrop.
As night fell, we made a stop at Kalumala Heights to enjoy the city lights before returning to the hotel for dinner by the pool. We feasted on grilled tanigue, chicken inasal, pancit, and more, while being serenaded by Ms. Ara Paz. A bar was set up by the pool; I passed on the beer for a glass of wine—a perfect prelude to the in-room massage that followed.
Saturday began with breakfast at Suelo before a 30-minute drive to Taal Heritage Town. At the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours and several historic homes—like Villavicencio, Goco, and Galeria Taal—we stepped into the stories of the region’s past. The Agoncillo house was especially memorable, with a vintage sewing machine symbolizing Marcela Agoncillo’s handcrafting of the first Philippine flag.
Back at the hotel, we had lunch and sat down with general manager Chris Guballa and chef Irwin Rarugal.
“SotoGrande awaits,” said GM Chris, highlighting the hotel’s vision to place Bauan not just on the diving map but on every traveler’s radar.
We toured the hotel’s amenities—a gym, event spaces, suites, and the Sky Lounge—which would host our final dinner. That evening, human bingo, kambing dishes, flair bartending, and live music rounded out the experience.
By Sunday, it was time to check out. But SotoGrande Batangas had already made a lasting impression—a quiet gem that welcomes you to relax, discover, and come back for more.
