One pine day at Crosswinds, Tagaytay

MANILA, Philippines - Forty minutes away from the bustling, hubbub of the dreary city is a chilly escape, redolent with the Yuletide scent of 20,000 pine trees. At Crosswinds, Tagaytay, helmed by maverick developer Brittany, sloping green hills dotted with verdant green shrubs and coated with a dreamy, rolling mist, Christmas feels more vivid, more exciting, more real somehow.

The luxurious residential community doesn’t need to resort to garish oversize flickering lights or hyperactive animatronic deer. Instead, they let the twinkling dew on the property’s numerous pine trees and the nippy air speak for themselves. Swiss chalet-style homes create a serene, Alpine-like environment, while the large parks, chirping birds and brisk breeze provide a soothing atmosphere that helps to relax even the busiest of minds. Many Crosswinds residents claim that the location’s ambiance encourages a restful slumber — whether it’s a Saturday afternoon catnap or a good night’s sleep.

Crosswinds prides itself on its ability to evoke the Christmas spirit — whether it’s the 25th of December or September. Aside from a soon-to-rise wellness enclave (to soothe the body as well as the soul with relaxing spa treatments and massages) and Gourmet Village (which will house an organic market that aims to stock Tagaytay’s famed fresh produce, along with a cool coffee shop and deli that’s being designed to encourage homeowners to mingle, mix and meet), the 100-hectare property currently boasts a Christmas store open year round. Last-minute shoppers, early-bird gift-givers, home decor fanatics and children of all ages can enjoy the benefits of a Christmas store.

Families — young and old — find the experience of celebrating Christmas at Crosswinds particularly festive. There’s a quality to the air, native only to Tagaytay, that makes the Yule season all the more special.

Reunite with family at nearby Antonio’s or Sonya’s Garden. Picnic with friends at the pocket parks spread throughout the property. Take in the lush landscape with your spouse during twilight. Crosswinds provides the perfect backdrop for any holiday activity.

If you find yourself wishing for a second home to return to each weekend (or commute to every day), Crosswinds cross-section of homes provide the ideal setting for families hoping to create a regular escape — whether it’s a holiday or a typical day.

Modeled after the Swiss countryside, the homes are designed to meld with the surrounding landscape in a manner that complements the pine-covered geography. (Exclusive to Crosswinds are custom home designs that follow the contours of the land, whether it’s situated on an uphill, downhill or side slope location.) Find luxurious privacy at the Swiss Quadrilles quadruplex units. Take in the vista from the Grand Quartier, the mid-rise condo known for its breathtaking views and cozy atmosphere. Deux Pointe, Tagaytay’s last high-peaked tract of land, offers residents the chance to live closer to the sky.

Celebrate the Yuletide season — day in and day out — here at Crosswinds. Santa would approve.

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For more info, call 794-9998/99 or visit www.brittany.com.ph.