Find your center at Soul Sierra!
(Photo courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
Nothing heals the mind, body, and soul like mother nature. Lush woodlands and a peaceful atmosphere create the perfect ambiance for some much needed R&R.
Many of Cebu’s attractions use the great outdoors to allow guests to rejuvenate and be one with nature. One example is Soul Sierra, a mountainside resort that promotes healthy living.
Nestled in the mountains of Babag in Busay, Soul Sierra has a botanical garden, a farm-to-table restaurant, a camping site, and a luxurious boutique hotel.
It’s also famous for its award-winning yoga studio, with classes teaching holistic techniques like sound baths and spa treatments that aim to heal your mind and body.
The garden hotel is geared at letting guests connect with their souls and find purpose and understanding. It is one venue that will leave you feeling free, grateful, and high on life.
HOW SOUL SIERRA CAME TO BE
Be one with nature at this remote wellness center in the mountains.
(Photo courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
Soul Sierra is located on the Muegos family’s residential lot. They are a group of British-Cebuanos who moved to Cebu in 2011 after living several years abroad.
The daughters, Kymberly and Divine, previously worked in the entertainment industry, with Kym being a blogger and fashion designer in Manila, and Divine participating in the reality show Pinoy Big Brother.
As they grew older, they left show business and moved in with their parents in Busay. After several years, the family grew closer. However, they were about to experience one of the most difficult moments of their lives in 2018.
The sisters and their mother were forced to buy another house in the city when their father had other plans for their mountainside residence. This was not easy, as their new home in the metro was quite expensive.
It only got worse when their father abruptly left the country, leaving their first home abandoned. As a result, Kym went on a “soul-searching” journey where she spent several weeks in Bali, Indonesia.
It was there that she learned many healing techniques, helping her cope and ultimately heal.
The trip sparked the idea to create her own wellness center in Cebu, laying the groundwork for Soul Sierra. She took over their old home, hosted several wellness classes and retreats, and opened it up for the public.
Soon, their home became a full-fledged accommodation, offering several features and amenities that promote wellness and healthy living.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SOUL SIERRA
- Botanical Garden
(Photo courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
Soul Sierra has one of the most beautiful flower gardens along Cebu Transcentral Highway. It is a few meters away from Mountain View Nature Park and the Temple of Leah.
Standing at the top of the mountain, it consists of dozens of different species of orchids, flowers, herbs, shrubs, succulents, and more.
(Photos courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
The garden stands out for retaining natural elements like the surrounding rock formations to give it a unique look. The spacious area also makes it perfect for walking around, sightseeing, and taking pictures.
Statues were installed around the garden to give it some personality. A two-storey structure at the end of the garden is connected to the restaurant and boutique hotel known as The Helix.
- The Helix
(Photo courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
This is Soul Sierra’s very own hotel in the mountains. The luxurious staycation spot sits right in the middle of the property and is designed for a quick escape with friends and family.
The Helix has four bedrooms that can accommodate 25 people in total. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, a complete kitchen, an exclusive swimming pool, a bonfire pit, and a 360-degree viewing deck.
(Photos courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
It is one of the best mountain resorts in Cebu thanks to its several wellness activities like Yoga and Sound Healing, as well as a complimentary massage. You also get your own private chef and a special tour around the area.
You can book a stay at The Helix via Airbnb, at Php 30,000 per night. This rate is for a maximum of 15 guests, with each additional person costing Php 1,000.
Day visits are allowed for Php 500.
- The Garden
(Photo courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
The Garden is their in-house restaurant that offers healthy farm-to-table dishes made by a prominent Cebuano chef, Jillian Reyes. Their menu of delicious comfort food promotes healthy habitual eating and mindful consumption.
Originally, the restaurant only served vegan options, but it has now expanded its menu to include meat dishes like chicken, duck, and tilapia.
(Photos courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
Many of their dishes have a distinctly Filipino taste, made from farm-fresh ingredients to ensure good quality meals.
- Soul Camp
(Photo courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
Soul Sierra also has a popular camping site known as Soul Camp. The spacious lot is perfect for overnight stays in the great outdoors.
The camping fee costs Php 200 per person if you bring your own tent. This rate includes use of the grilling station and the bonfire pit. There is also a free shuttle service to take guests directly to the campsite.
(Photos courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
You can rent out one of their three teepee huts for Php 1,500, all of which have their own bathrooms and complimentary breakfast. You can also rent a tent for Php 650 and add Php 200 for some beds.
The campsite has a total of six tents, so prepare to meet some new friends while camping out at Soul Camp.
- Shala Ma Wellness
(Photo courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
Finally, Shala Ma Wellness is their renowned yoga studio where guests can take part in various therapeutic activities like yoga classes, sound bathing, and cacao circles.
The yoga studio has partner instructors that guide enthusiasts and beginners in this Indian art form. They also frequently hold special events like the Soul Fest, which features workshops and talks from experts on various physical therapy principles.
(Photos courtesy of the Soul Sierra Facebook Page)
One of their main offerings is Reiki, which uses gentle touching and hand placements to heal and improve balance in the body. While it doesn’t treat any conditions, it reduces stress and anxiety by using your internal energy to relax.
Many of their activities are geared towards women, but many men have also joined their therapeutic activities. If you’re curious about any of the activities they offer, you can book a class for less than Php 2,000.
***
Soul Sierra utilizes the great outdoors as a venue for healing, wellness, and self-discovery. With plenty of activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle and wonderful amenities to help you unwind, it emphasizes how important a connection to nature is.
Whether you want to join any of their yoga classes, go sightseeing in their botanical garden, or have a staycation at the hotel, Soul Sierra is a great hideaway spot where you can experience Cebu’s natural wonders.
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
Babag, Busay, Cebu City
Soul Sierra is in a secluded area, so it is recommended that you take a private vehicle to get there. You can also request to be picked up anywhere in the city if you book a stay at The Helix.
