Pranjetto Hills: The perfect getaway

 MANILA, Philippines - If there is anything we have learned recently, the suffocating heat wave is enough of an excuse to escape the city for much cooler and more relaxing places. It is a season for company outings, workshops and seminars. It is the perfect time for families to bond and rediscover the world outside of Manila. What we have found most certainly fits this season’s need for a summer refreshe

Located by the picturesque Sierra Madre mountain range, Pranjetto Hills is a resort and conference center that caters to the needs of many corporate clients and families looking for that perfect place to re-energize themselves. Beautiful does not begin to describe the resort. Nestled in a small valley surrounded by trees, Pranjetto Hills can accommodate just about any event that wishes to have the majestic mountains and foothills as its backdrop. The lush forest beckons hikers and casual walkers to explore its paths and greenery, and many facilities are dedicated to all sorts of relaxing activities such as the Olympic-sized swimming pool, entertainment hall, and playground.

Recently, the resort made a few upgrades that included a paintball field, various team-building facilities such as a zipline and water/land zorb (a large, transparent plastic ball that fits one person and can be rolled anywhere), a hanging bridge, all-terrain vehicles, and a brand-new restaurant.

Take a hike around Pranjetto Hills and cross the hanging bridge.

The property sits on over a dozen hectares of carefully designed gardens and a natural forest untouched by humans. One may think it was landscaped, but the resort owners took careful steps not to alter any of the surroundings. The natural forest is ideal for short hikes, garden parties and even weddings. The weather here is perfect almost all year-round. The cool mountain breeze offers a respite from the heat, and natural wildlife can be seen everywhere.

By the pool are detached, air-conditioned cottages with room enough for a small family. Just lying adjacent is the entertainment hall that acts as an extension to pool parties or just a venue for gatherings and the like.

If you thought the outside was impressive, inside has everything you need to ease away your stresses or continue with your company’s corporate itinerary.

Go around the sprawling resort aboard all-terrain vehicles (above) or take a dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool.

All rooms are air-conditioned with satellite cable TV and hot water showers. The rooms are for double or triple occupancy, and stand-alone cottages can accommodate five to six guests.

For companies, there are conference rooms that can fit from 40 to 250 people. All training and conference rooms come complete with white boards and audio-visual equipment. Corporate packages are available and can be tailored to the needs of clients.

There is a multitude of things that can be arranged to make Pranjetto Hills your ultimate summer destination. The main hall is perfect for wedding receptions and birthday parties but practically any area at Pranjetto Hills can be converted into an event site. The garden may also be used for weddings and the like, and the same can be said of the swimming pool area.

Situated outside of the big city — about 70 minutes away from the major commercial business districts — Pranjetto Hills is a convenient, quiet and perfect vacation spot for weekend travelers and corporate workers who want to have a good time but don’t want to travel for hours to a destination far, far away. It has everything going for it: a fresh and natural environment, facilities that entertain anyone regardless of age, and a spirit that adequately represents the area it is in, full of energy and all the opportunity to enjoy what the quiet life has to offer.

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Pranjetto Hills is located in Sitio Mayagay, Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. To get there, take Marcos Highway and head east, passing the Sta. Lucia Mall and Masinag Market. Follow the road until you reach Tanay. Pranjetto Hills is along the highway before you reach the town proper. For inquiries or reservations, call +632 697-1785 or +632 630-5686, telefax at +632 695-1332, e-mail at info@pranjettohills.com or log on to http://www.pranjettohills.com.