When you are married with children, date night is always something to look forward to. Do you guys agree? I totally do. And so when I was asked to join a few blogger friends in an amazing date night at QiWellness Living Tea House + Bath House in Tagaytay, I was beside myself with excitement.
After weeks of planning, MrC and I almost didn’t make it to our Tagaytay dinner because the kiddo had a slight fever after football class that day! It’s a good thing that after a long nap, a couple of doses of Biogesic and a long bath, Little MrC was feeling better, and was okay to be left at home with my parents. Phew. It would have been really sad missing the QiWellness Living experience. I mean, you get there and you’re just completely blown away by how gorgeous the place is.
(These photos belong to QiWellness Living)
We were greeted by a loud gong right when MrC and I entered the red door. I have to admit, nagulat ako. I actually jumped a little coz I wasn’t expecting it. Waiting for us at the receiving area were the the wonderful owners of the place, Ken Tuason and Rita Sanson, who were both so gracious and accommodating the entire evening. Ken explained that QiWellness Living is made up of two main areas – the Bath House and the Tea House.
The Bath House
We took a short tour of the bath house while waiting for the other bloggers to arrive. This area is described as a sanctuary of relaxation, rejuvenation and renewal, bringing effective traditional and holistic healing practices in a modern setting through massages and hydrotherapy. If you are a massage-lover in search of a quick escape, I think you ought to try it here. You can check out the list and prices of their massage services and other treatments here.
To be honest, I have never had a massage in my life. I think, though, that this would be a great place for my first time. I would love to relax in the hot and cold yin yan pools afterwards! It seems like a great way to enjoy the beautiful the view of Taal Volcano.
The Tea House
In between the top floor receiving area and the bottom floor bath house, you will find QiWellness Living’s Tea House. Here they serve 6-course and 8-course yin yang menus, multi-course degustations that change seasonally over spring, summer, autumn and winter. They also have ala carte items for lunch and dinner, which are served with the soup of the day and a salad. You can also try their dimsum selections in the afternoons. If you wanna check out their menu offerings, click here.
I was (of course) really happy that the ABC girls were complete during our quick Tagaytay escape. I knew that MrC would enjoy himself even more with the other husbands around. I feel so lucky to have met these ladies that I click so well with. Our husbands click, and our kids click, too, so it’s always a great time when we’re together.
The 8-course Summer Yin Yang Set Menu
For our dinner date, we were served the 8-course Summer Yin Yang Menu (PHP2,380 + 10% Service Charge, inclusive of VAT) paired with white and red wines. What an absolute treat. Our meal started off with Toasted Mantou. We usually have this with condensed milk on the side for dipping. This time, it came with a pat of butter on the side. I don’t like butter, but I gave it a try anyway. I think that the bread is better off on its own, thankyouverymuch. Everyone else happily ate theirs with the butter, though, so maybe it’s just me.
(As you can see, I hadn’t quite gotten my camera settings right yet at this point)
Our first course was Money Bag of Foie Gras and Green Apple with Chestnut Purée. This was one of my favorites. There were big enough pieces of foie gras in the dumpling that you could actually taste them, but they weren’t too big to the point of being overwhelming. I liked that the dumpling pastry was thick and chewy.
For our second course, we were given Tuna Tartare with Pineapple and Pickled Shallots. I love raw tuna, so of course this was something I enjoyed, too. You get a little bit of sweet and sour when you pop the little ball of tuna into your mouth. And yes, I really popped the entire thing into my mouth. I did chew slowly and savor every flavor in it, though.
My absolute favorite was the third course, Lettuce Soup with Poached Egg and Shiitake Mushroom Dumpling. At first, I found that the soup was on the acidic side. And then I popped open the poached egg, and once the yolk mixed with the soup, everything became really creamy and velvety and rich. The mushroom dumpling was also really yummy, and went very well with the soup.
Next we had one of the prettiest salads I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. Too bad my photo doesn’t do justice to this Endive, Roquefort, Walnut, Roasted Pear Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette. The vinaigrette dressing was on the sweet side, and totally complemented the bitter greens mixed in with lettuce leaves and flower petals.
After the salad, the first of the main dishes started arriving. The Pan-Seared Sake-Marinated Scallops with Avocado Purée, Radish and Ebiko was really good, to the point that I wanted more. Ging sat next to me at dinner, and her husband is allergic to shellfish so she got to eat his share. Lucky girl hehe!
Dish #6 (and yes, we were counting them down as they were being served) was Pacific Black Cod on Buckwheat Noodles with Orange-Teriyaki Glaze. I like fish, so I liked this. The cod was perfectly cooked, flaky not chewy. The noodles were nice, too. This was sort of like a very sophisticated Chinese pancit.
They obviously saved the best for last where the main dishes of this degustation were concerned. Our 7th course was a Striploin of Wagyu with Sichuan Pepper, Spatzle, Snow Peas and Truffle-Beef Jus. Spatzle isn’t at all something you would expect to find in a Chinese dish, so this was a pleasant surprise.
And finally, my favorite part in any meal – dessert. We were served a bow of Cardamon Custard, Strawberry Sorbet, Crumble and Soil. I love how Chef Jeff Ramirez did his fusion of flavors and textures in every dish. Everything’s so exciting, and this dessert was no exception. The sorbet was a little tart, the custard a little sweet, and the crumble and soil added a bit of crunch in every bite. It was a great way to end an excellent meal.
THANK YOU so very much, Ken, Rita and Jeff for inviting us over, and for treating us all to an amazing dinner. QiWellness Living is so beautiful! MrC and I really enjoyed dinner, and we look forward to coming back for our first-ever couples massage and a dimsum-filled afternoon. Thanks also to the amazing staff who took care of us, accommodated all of our requests, and answered of our questions while taking us around the bath house and tea house.
Qiwellness Living
Aguinaldo Highway, Brgy. Maharlika East
Tagaytay City, Philippines
#/pages/Qiwellness-Living/306850776152706
For TEA HOUSE inquiries or reservations call +63917-5226969 or email teahouse@qiwellnessliving.ph. The Tea House is open from Wednesdays to Sundays 11:30AM to 2:30PM for lunch, 2:00PM to 6:00PM for dimsum selections, and 6:30PM to 10:00PM for dinner. Last order for the 6 and 8 course set menu is at 12:30PM for lunch and 8:00PM for dinner. Mondays and Tuesdays are available for group bookings and functions only.
For BATH HOUSE inquiries or reservations call +63917-5226969 or email bathhouse@qiwellnessliving.ph. The Bath House is open from Tuesdays to Sundays. Operating hours are from 1:00PM to 10:00PM. Last call is at 8:30PM. Special bookings for Mondays and Tuesdays, and morning bookings from 10:00AM may be arranged upon special request.
Overnight accommodations may also be arranged at the GUEST HOUSE. The package includes welcome cocktails, use of bathhouse facilities, reflexology for 2, Silk signature massage for 2, and traditional Chinese congee and dimsum breakfast for 2. Check-in time is at 2:00PM, and check-out time is at 12:00NN. The overnight package is for 2 persons only, and costs PHP15,800.
The place looks amazing!~ I like the environment there!
The place looks very interesting. I love how they paid attention to Asian elements with creating the houses. I hope to visit there when I need a weekend retreat.
Yes, they are very detailed with the design, really infusing a lot of old Chinese elements into the place.
Shocks – wonderful place and what good food, as well!
Yup! It was an amazing experience.
What a beautiful place! Just perfect for a little time away from everything. And the food sounds and looks so delicious!
Yes, it’s the perfect quick getaway!
although the price did surprise me, I must say that it is somehow worth it especially with the bath house alone.. and the 8-course menu looks so delish!
Yes, I feel it’s really worth the price. Something worth saving up for.
OOOOOHHHH Now I’m missing Tagaytay!
I love Tagaytay! I go every few months, even just for a quick day trip.
The place looks amazing!! It’s just great that you were invited to visit such a great place. I am sure the experience must have been one to remember!
Yes it was! So grateful to have been invited.
Tagaytay is literally filled with so many amazing places and QiWellness is no exception! I didn’t know there was a place like this in Tagaytay! Definitely showing this to my parents haha! 😀
It’s new! Check it out before it gets crowded 😉
Those pools with the view and the lighting! They got to me the most. Amazing. What a wonderful experience!
Yes, the pools are gorgeous! It wold be so nice to soak in the hot one on a cold Tagaytay evening.
This must be a luxury and pampering place for people to relax and let their hairs down. Do you think with the pricing, are the food and service value-for money and will you ever return for more?
It is on the pricey side, but I feel it’s worth it. Already planning a trip back there for massages and dimsum! 😀
Wow, I think it’s a bit pricey but the ambiance is really relaxing. I think this is a great gift for newly weds.
I agree! An overnight stay here would be great for honeymooners.
Yum yum yum. Looks so high class but I think the serving may not be enough for hubs, we may need to go get a happy meal afterwards . And yeah, it’s so Crouching Tiger!
The meal was quite filling, actually. Although, MrC and I did pick up some McDonalds on the way home because we felt like having a midnight snack.
Oh wow. Yun lang. Ha ha
Ang nice, right!? Super pang romansa hahaha.
You’ll definitely be pampered well here though it’s a bit pricey at P15,800. We need to pamper ourselves from time to time.
Yes, it’s one of those super splurge things.
I particularly like the Yin Yang pool that overlooks Taal. I’m imagining myself dipping in the pool while having a panoramic view of the lake and the volcano. The overnight package is quite expensive though but taking your words for it, for sure it’s worth it.
It’s super worth it because you will have the entire place to yourself 🙂
By merely looking, you guys look so nice and decent. Hope you had a yummy meal.
Yes we did, thank you!
The place is soo dreamy! Will be crossing my fingers for them to put up a promo in Agoda or somewhere. I saw them previously at Deal Grocer, but still, it was a bit expensive for me.
Maybe they will soon. It’s owned by the same people who own Picasso Hotel, and I know that Picasso often has deals.
Had a blast with our tagaytay adventure, dearest Patty! <3 Thank you so much for such a fun & relaxing night. Please!! Let's book our massages already. Maybe the ladies first so we can soak in the baths without the men? 😉 That would be so decadent! Then dinner after. Tara lets naaaa!!!
Yesssss! Cannot wait for us to hang out in Tagaytay again. So much fun!
It seems that you got such an excellent service there, and the atmosphere looks so unique and tranquil, a symbol of high class and luxury. Lucky you to be present there!
Yes, very lucky indeed. It was an excellent experience.
Those pools overlooking the lake look amazing! I could stay soaking there the whole afternoon, haha! Is there a time limit?
I actually think you can stay the whole afternoon if you book a massage there! They only accept a limited number of bookings per day so that guests can really make the most out of the experience.
All in all, the scenes are really romantic and the place to bond with someone you love. Like a resting place for memorable moments.
You’re right, it is quite romantic. Perfect for date night.
Looks very relaxing! I wish me and my fam.can visit this as well!
You should! I bet you’d enjoy.
We are a family who loves receiving massages. This is a great place to travel and bond together. The food all looked delicious!
I’m sure your family will enjoy it here.
Wow, the place looks amazing! The food all look so delicious too! Glad that you’ve enjoyed yourself at such an awesome event!
Thank you, yes, it was a much needed break from every day life.
Really awesome to visit this place for bonding and dealing with everyday headaches. A relaxing place indeed! You really experienced the memorable moments of your life.
Oh so true, you forget your worries while you are here.
Wow, what a beautiful place! The menu and food in the tea house itself is impressive and I can see how one would not want to leave, LOL. But the Bath House?! Oh my word! That view of the volcano is beyond anything I could imagine. I don’t think I would want to leave!
Hahaha yes, I would choose to stay here forever if I could!
If there is one thing that I would love to, that is to do binge eating. really love everything on this post. nice write up too. 🙂
Thanks a lot! Yes, food is love.
This is a really relaxing place. You had great foods, activity and ambiance here.
Isn’t the ambiance amazing? I can’t wait to come back and see it in the daytime.