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The Farm

at San Benito, Batangas

THE FARM IS one man's vision to turn a family coconut plantation in San Benito (Batangas province) to an alter­native medical center and healing resort. This man is Eckard Rempe, a German who has been living in the Philippines since 1967 and is married to a Filipina, Perla Espino. What makes The Farm different from the other destination spas in Asia? Besides Chiva Som in Thailand, The Farm is the only one in Asia that offers a holistic approach where your medical profile is taken and from which, a program is designed for you that includes mod­ern and alternative medicine, detoxification, introduction to a healthier diet, and even, mental counseling. You may ask, "Yes, but how good are they?"
Considering that it opened only in December 2002, The Farm has won three awards from a selection process that was mainly based from choices of readers of the Spa Asia magazine who frequent spas in the region. A number may grouse that The Farm is expensive; but this is rela­tive. Their lowest 5-day Detoxification Package is $1,272 or roughly $255 a day. But how many shell out a similar amount and actually more for a Prada bag, a Bulgari watch or a new golf set? Can you put a price tag on your health and wouldn't you say it is priceless? So do check out their website; or better yet, take a nice drive (it is only
about 2 hours away from Metro-Manila) and look at their facilities and ask more details about their programs. It may lead you to living a healthier lifestyle.
What is the profile of your guests?
The Farm is popular with foreign business executives, especially those from Hong Kong, who lead very hectic lives; and those who have just come from serious opera­tions and surgeries, and those suffering degenerative dis­eases, such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension. "While The Farm gets a wide range of people," says owner Eckard Rempe. "They are all people whose main priority in life is good health."
What can your guests look forward tor1
All guests undergo a thorough medical consultation upon arrival. After a complete portrait of one's health is assessed, the doctors provide detailed a medical counseling, along with prescriptions for detoxification and lifestyle changes. At the core ofThe Farm's medical program is the Detoxification, a regimen composed of purifying nutritive tonics and supportive cleansing supplements. These pro­grams are engineered to enhance the immune system, and strengthen, and aid the body in doing what it is designed
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Similar almost in aesthetic approach as the Mandala, The Farm combines Filipino architecture and Asian influences with the best that the West can offer in terms of spa and wellness equipment. Retreats are not anymore cold showers and cramp rooms but luxurious resorts like The Farm.
to do: maintain high levels of health. Nutritional coun­seling is offered as part of one's lifestyle education.
What are your other facilities and services?
The Farm also offers a regular menu of pampering options, from massages, like reflexology, therapeutic, Thai, and Balinese; to foot scrub and facials; to healing therapies such as Moxa Ventoza and Reiki; to Traditional Asian body scrubs, and the Filipino "Hilot" massage. There are yoga, meditation, rotational meridian, stretch­ing class, and breathing and walking exercises as well.
There are also a variety of in-house programs and one-day workshops such as Weight Loss, Beauty and Nutrition, Stress Management, Parenting Positively and Natural Therapies for Children. Internationally recog­nized presenters regularly contribute to The Farm's lecture series on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being. There are also Day Tours within the 48 verdant hectares of gardens, ponds, mountains, rivers, lagoons and waterfalls.
Guests have full access to the four outdoor swim­ming, library, and gym; or can even choose to play at the nearby 27-hole championship golf course. The Farm also offers several halls and an amphitheatre for group seminars and intimate gatherings.
Wellness Package
This is a good introduction for those interested in learning more about the full health and wellness offerings at The Farm and a good break for those looking for a sin­gle night and day of pampering and relaxation. Rates range from US$240 to US$420.
Medical Vacation (5 Day Detoxification) Package
This package starts with determining your medical profile with The Farm's own staff of licensed doctors and nurses introducing you to a healthier alternative through a program that includes medical, nutritional, mental and spiritual approaches. Also includes pampering treatments like massage, body salt bath, and a foot scrub. Rates range from US$1,272 to US$1,962.
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