Enter the realm of Domicillo Design Hotel and discover a tranquil nook in bustling Tagaytay
In recent years, rapid development has bitten away at the allure Tagaytay has built over the decades as the go-to destination for a quick city escape. But despite the congestion that now prevails across the holiday town south of Manila, city folk continue to take the drive down to Tagaytay for its one asset urban development has yet to chew away at – the views.
Geographically blessed by sitting on a ridge that overlooks Taal Lake, Tagaytay will always have a corner that offsets the babel of urbanization. And, if it is breathing in the gorgeous views that one wants, one of the best places to do so is in the stylish seclusion that Domicillo Design Hotel affords.
Birthed from design
Clean, modern lines crafted through a thoughtful mix of concrete, steel and wood environ the eight-room (nine, if you count the lounge) boutique hotel. It doesn’t take long for one to notice the measured sophistication exuded by Domicillo – it is after all, the byproduct of a collaboration between some of the most renowned design minds in the country.

“We talked about [having an] organic feel… raw and natural. Our credo was not to disturb nature, but be one with it. The use and look of cement, wood and metal satisfies the design [of] organic architecture,” owner Rene Alcala shares of the Domicillo’s design concept.
There are three Deluxe rooms, which has the garden view and is next to the mod, yet snug guest lounge; two Superior rooms, with an upper lake view and individual verandas; and three Premiere rooms with lower lake view (absolutely gorgeous), veranda (perfect spot to soak up the views with a bottle of wine) and garden.

The entire hotel is fully furnished using top-shelf materials, while rooms feature furniture pieces from world-class designers like Budji Layug, Milo Naval and Tes Pasola. Domicillo may imbue an unmistakable stylish sophistication in its own minimalistic way, but it is how they’ve seamlessly related that to a welcome seclusion that may very well then be what sets the hotel apart.
“More than design, Domicillo is a haven for relaxation and serenity,” says Alcala. “It’s a place where you can commune with nature without any interference and in a different kind of realm – one where your senses are ignited while your spirit relaxes in a sort of magical zone.”

La dolce vita
For the duration of your stay, there is no need to leave the comforts of Domicillo as it houses two restaurants: La Finca—a restaurant/ café whose menu pays homage to organic and seasonal fresh produce bountiful in its environs; and Aozora—a Japanese bistro on the hotel’s top level that has the draw of authentic fare with the utterly romantic backdrop of Taal Lake.

And, should you wish to take your relaxation up a notch, Domicillo offers a slew of in-room spa services that range from PhP500 to PhP1,050 – quite the steal of a deal.
Domicillo also features a home store where collections of fashion and home décor pieces made by Alcala’s circle of designer friends are exhibited and available for sale.
Domicillo may have begun as a manifestation of the affinity for design, but as it currently
stands, it quite succinctly embodies the good life.
Says Alcala, “It is our desire to pamper guests and customers with excellent service in a carefully cultivated environment of contemporary art, design and architecture. We believe that where these three elements are, good times and great company follow.”

Domicillo Design Hotel is located at Km. 58, E. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City. For inquiries, contact (046) 413-3552, (0917) 672-8182 (0922) 884-1532, email domicillo.tagaytay@gmail.com or visit www.domicillo.com
 
By TIMOTHY JAY IBAY