Westwood Farm: Tarlac's BEST Event Venue & Cozy Stay!
Westwood Farm: Tarlac's Best? Hold My Halo, I'm Diving In! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, listen, I'm not a professional travel writer. I'm just a gal who really loves a good escape. And Westwood Farm in Tarlac? Well, let's just say it's officially stolen a piece of my heart… and maybe my sanity, in the best way possible. This is gonna be a long one, folks. Buckle up.
(Metadata - Because, SEO! - but don't tell anyone I actually understand it) :
- Keywords: Westwood Farm, Tarlac, Event Venue, Cozy Stay, Philippines, Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Review, Weekend Getaway, Family-Friendly, Romantic Getaway, Relaxation, Wellness. Plus ALL THE OTHER KEYWORDS BELOW!
- Meta Description: Forget the usual tourist traps! Westwood Farm in Tarlac offers a truly unforgettable experience. Read my honest, unfiltered review of this event venue and cozy stay, complete with spa, pool, delicious food, and more… plus all the important details like accessibility and safety. Get ready for a messy, real, and hilarious account of my visit.
- Categories: Hotels & Resorts, Event Venues, Spa Resorts, Family-Friendly Resorts, Philippines Travel, Weekend Getaways.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Did I Trip? (And Would I Have Even If I Couldn't Walk?)
Pulling up to Westwood Farm, I’ll admit, I felt a little… underwhelmed. The entrance is nice enough, but nothing that screamed "WOW!" But remember, I’m a sucker for a good reveal. And oh boy, did it reveal itself.
Okay, let's talk Accessibility. I'm glad to see they prioritize that. Facilities for disabled guests, Wheelchair accessible, Elevator, and appropriate CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property are definite plusses. I didn't need them, myself, but it's a massive deal knowing everyone can enjoy the beauty. Kudos to the team for thinking that way.
The Rooms: My Cozy Little Fortress (And the Occasional Roaming Cockroach of Doubt)
Alright, let's be real. I'm obsessed with comfortable rooms. That's a non-negotiable part of the perfect getaway. And Westwood Farm? It mostly delivered. My room had Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, (thank GOD, it's hot in Tarlac), a Desk (crucial for pretending I was working!), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Hair dryer (essential, let's face it), and the holy grail: Wi-Fi [free]. Yes, the internet worked! They also had that classic comfort feature, Alarm clock so it gave me some extra assurance to be prepared without relying on my phone.
They also included some cool stuff, with things like, Bathrobes, Slippers, complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, In-room safe box, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Smoke detector, Towels.
Now, for the imperfections (because, remember, this is real life). I was a bit unnerved, in my first room because there was a tiny, TINY cockroach. I freaked out for a solid hour (okay, maybe 30 minutes). I'm not a fan! But then, the staff handled it like pros. Problem solved. I'm human and I'm biased.
They also have Additional toilet, Desk, Interconnecting room(s) available, Laptop workspace, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Reading light, Scale, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Sofa, Toiletries, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Window that opens. Pretty cool stuff!
I really appreciated the effort they put into amenities like Daily housekeeping and Room sanitization opt-out available.
The Spa and Serenity – Found It! (Until I Didn't…Then Found It Again)
This is where Westwood really shines. It's the stuff on the Spa menu. Ohhhhh, the spa. The Body scrub? Divine. Gave me that "I've been reborn" feeling. The Body wrap? Pure bliss. The Massage? I booked one every single day. And that Pool with view? Okay, picture this: a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking rolling hills. I spent hours just staring. It was almost religious. I felt completely refreshed and in-tune with my body.
They have more spa stuff like, Foot bath, Sauna, Spa/sauna, steam room.
But one thing I will mention is that I really wanted a relaxing, quiet spa experience, but the first day, there was a group of really loud people, and I just wanted the peace and quiet. I mentioned it to a staff and they were very accomodating, made sure to put me in a different room.
Food, Glorious Food! (And Maybe I Ate Too Much)
Oh my GOD, the food. Seriously. Get ready for it.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: they have it all. They have A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Breakfast [buffet] was EPIC. I'm talking mountains of bacon, fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit, and everything in between. I definitely ate way too much, every day, but regret nothing. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was phenomenal. The flavors were authentic and the presentation was beautiful. I ordered room service at 2am one night (don't judge!) and it arrived quickly and piping hot – a complete lifesaver.
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Melt into a Sun Lounger!)
Okay, so I'm not exactly an adventurer. But even I found plenty to keep me entertained.
- Things to do: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Terrace.
I did force myself to go to the Fitness center, (even though I really just wanted to nap). They have a Poolside bar so you can chill while you recover.
The Staff: The Real Heroes
Seriously, the staff at Westwood Farm are amazing. From the front desk (Front desk [24-hour], Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]) to the servers (Breakfast service, Room service [24-hour]) to the spa therapists, everyone was genuinely friendly, helpful, and attentive. They went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and happy and addressed all my concerns. They even offered to find a better room! I can't say enough about how welcoming they were.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, 2024!
Look, in these times, this is a non-negotiable. I was super impressed.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
They really took hygiene seriously. I felt incredibly safe and secure. They had all the important bases covered. They really did make me feel safe.
The Event Venue: A Quick Peek (And Probably a Future Birthday Idea)
I got a glimpse of the event spaces, which are gorgeous. They did a really good job. It's a wonderful place for hosting a party. They have: Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Wi-Fi for special events.
Bits and Bobs: The Extra Stuff That Matters
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, **Projector
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get a heaping dose of my Westwood Farm adventure. Forget those pristine, perfectly-planned itineraries. This is the real deal, the messy, beautiful, slightly chaotic truth of my weekend escapade.
Subject: Westwood Farm: Where My Expectations Met Reality… (and then wrestled in the mud)
Day 1: Arrival and the Allure of the "Rustic" (aka, My First Mosquito Bite)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Westwood Farm. Okay, picture this: I pull up, expecting… well, something out of a Pinterest board. Polished wood, carefully arranged succulents, the whole shebang. Instead, I'm greeted by… a charmingly wonky gate. Already, I'm feeling like I've wandered into a Wes Anderson film, but with more carabao dung.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in (and the Realization I’m Not in a Hotel). This is where the "rustic" charm really kicks in. The "reception" is essentially a desk in a repurposed… shed? It's fine. I just expected a room filled with an actual receptionist, not a nice lady who also looks like she helps feed the pigs on occasion. (Love you, pig lady!). The room? Basic, but clean enough. The aircon? Questionable, and it was going to be a hot day. My first mosquito bite occurred while unpacking – already feeling the grit and grime.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch - The "Family" Style Feast. A long table groaning under the weight of dishes. Everything was homecooked, obviously. The food was a mixed bag. Some dishes were heaven sent, like the perfectly grilled liempo - crispy skin, succulent meat. Others? Let's just say I developed a new appreciation for soy sauce. We're talking adobo that could have used a little more zing. Eating with everyone else, it was a bit awkward, and I'll be honest, I felt the need to retreat. I am not good with meeting people. But, in one way, the farm was actually nice because it gave you ample space.
- 3:00 PM - Attempted Relaxation at the Pool (and the Divebombing Ducks). The pool looked inviting, shimmering under the hot sun. I envisioned myself lounging with a book. That quickly evaporated. The ducks. Oh, the ducks. They were everywhere, divebombing, quacking, and generally making a mockery of my peaceful reading plans. It's one thing to be “rustic,” it's another to be terrorized by waterfowl. I lasted maybe 15 minutes before retreating.
- 4:00 PM: Exploring the Farm - The "Photo Opportunity" that Almost Got Me Eaten. Okay, the actual farm part. Seriously, they have a massive field of sunflowers, which I have probably never seen before. I actually started to feel pretty good and took some amazing photos. Then, my path crossed with a very large, VERY vocal goose. I’m convinced it wanted to eat my face. Never have I run so fast in my life.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and the Early Bird Special. I sat in a tiny corner. The power flickered, then died. Candle light dinner, it was. The other guests seemed to be quite the social bunch, laughing and telling stories. Me? I snuck back to my room early, already feeling the exhaustion creeping in.
- 7:00 PM: Bedtime - The Sounds of the Night The mosquitoes weren’t the only things buzzing. There was a chorus of crickets and the constant rustling of… something. My imagination, fueled by the afternoon's goose encounter, ran wild. Sleep did not come easily.
Day 2: Embracing the Mess (and the Unexpected Delights)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast - The Redemption of Eggs. The breakfast was pretty standard, but the eggs were perfect. The coffee was strong. I felt a little better.
- 9:00 AM: Horseback Riding (and the Unexpected Bond). Okay, I’m not much of a “nature person.” But I love horses. The horse was absolutely majestic, and I actually felt a powerful sense of peace as we rode.
- 10:00 AM: The Waterfall Cascade. The waterfall was nice, but the trek there was even better. It's like they built some amazing trails for you, and they are quite well maintained. It felt like a secret paradise, and I truly enjoyed it even with my shoes getting covered in mud
- 12:00 PM: Lunch - The Delicious Overload. The family-style meals continued, and, on this day, the food was just amazing.
- 1:00 PM: The Great Pottery Experience. Oh, this was good. The staff brought out some clay, and we all got to try our hand at creating pottery.
- 3:00 PM: Departure. All in all, the Westwood Farm experience was… a lot. It wasn’t the pristine escape I’d envisioned. It was messier, more chaotic, and definitely more buggy. But it was also, surprisingly, better. The forced (but ultimately fun) communal aspect, the unexpected beauty of the sunflower field, the feeling of genuine escape from the noise of the city. Would I go back? Honestly, yes. Maybe. After I invest in some serious mosquito repellent and develop a better plan for dealing with the local poultry. Because, despite the imperfections, despite the goose-related trauma, I think I secretly loved it. It was… human. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Westwood Farm: Your Tarlac Getaway - Questions & Ramblings!
Okay, Westwood Farm: What *IS* the Big Deal? Everyone's Raving!
Alright, alright, I get it. The hype is real. Westwood Farm, nestled in Tarlac, is… well, it's pretty darn magical. Seriously. They bill themselves as an event venue and cozy stay, and honestly? They deliver. Picture this: open spaces, lush greenery (thank goodness, because Manila’s a concrete jungle!), and that relaxed, slightly-rural vibe that immediately melts away all the stress. My own experience? Let's just say it involved a wedding, a near-disaster with the cake (more on that later!), and a whole lot of happy tears. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you can *breathe*. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Can You ACTUALLY Sleep There? Like, is it a Comfortable Stay?
Yes! And yes, it's comfortable. Now, I’m not talking Ritz-Carlton levels of luxury, okay? (Though I wouldn't complain!). The rooms are charming, clean, and they actually *smell* nice, not like stale air freshener. What I really appreciated was the air conditioning. Seriously, Tarlac gets HOT. The beds? Plush enough that I could actually sleep. I'm a terrible sleeper, but I actually got some decent shut-eye. The only small thing I didn't love? The WiFi wasn’t perfect, but honestly, I didn't miss being glued to my phone *that* much. It’s all good.
And the Events? Specifically, What Kind of Events Can You Actually Throw?
Pretty much anything! I mean… within reason. We’re talking weddings, debuts, corporate events... you name it. The spaces are flexible, which is a huge plus. My friend’s wedding, for example, was absolutely gorgeous. They used the open-air pavilion, and seriously, the photos were stunning. I, personally, would want somewhere that could fit a HUGE party. I have 500+ guests. Check it out, call them, see if you can swing it with all the things you're looking for.
Okay, Let's Talk Food. Is the Catering/Food at Westwood Farm Any Good? Because, You Know, Food is LIFE.
Listen. Food is EVERYTHING. Especially at an event! The food at the wedding I went to was… okay, I’ll be honest. It was not the *best* wedding food I’ve ever had. But it was still good! And plentiful! They have in-house catering options, and you can also bring in your own preferred caterer. My recommendation? Ask for a tasting beforehand, and be SUPER specific about what you want. Food is such a personal thing, you know? Make sure you're happy. This is IMPORTANT.
What About the Staff? Are they Friendly and Helpful? Because Rude Staff Is a HUGE Turn-Off.
YES! The staff at Westwood Farm are genuinely lovely. They’re helpful, friendly, and (this is key) they actually seem like they *want* to be there. The thing I remember the most from the wedding? The panic when the cake almost tipped. It was a whole thing! The staff was utterly amazing. They were on it, super calm, and they saved the day. I mean, seriously, the bride and groom would have killed me if the cake ended up on the floor. Pure professionals!
Tell Me about the Location. Is it Easy to Find? Traffic? Etc.
Tarlac. So, yes, it's a bit of a drive from Manila. Depends on traffic, but plan for at least a few hours. But the drive is worth it, especially once you arrive. The area around Westwood Farm is quiet and peaceful. (You get away from the crazy Manilan congestion). Google Maps will take you where you need to go. It's not *super* remote, so you should be fine. Just… prepare for the journey. Pack snacks. Download some podcasts. You'll be good.
Okay, Back to this Cake Disaster You Mentioned... Spill the Tea! How Did You Recover?
Okay, buckle up. The cake… the cake was this towering monstrosity of fondant and dreams. And, well, it was precariously perched on a table that was maybe… *slightly* wobbly. I saw it start to tilt during the speeches, and I swear, my heart leaped into my throat. I was convinced it was going to topple over at any moment. I remember thinking, "Oh God, this is going viral. I'll be known as the person who ruined the wedding cake."
Then, the staff swooped in. Seriously, they were like a well-oiled machine. They stabilized the table, delicately adjusted the cake (without dropping it!), and somehow, miraculously, saved the day. The bride and groom were completely oblivious (thank goodness!), and the wedding went on. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated *panic* followed by immense relief. I owe those staff members a HUGE debt of gratitude. That's the thing about Westwood Farm… they handle the chaos with grace. It was a reminder of how important the little details are and how a good team can salvage *anything*. It reminded me that some things in life are just... worth it. Even precarious cakes.
What are the Price Ranges? Can You Give Me a General Idea?
Pricing? Right. It’s always the million-dollar question. Honestly, it depends on *so* many things. The type of event, the number of guests, the specific package you choose… The best thing to do is contact them directly for a quote based on your needs. But expect that a large wedding venue will be costly. Be realistic, plan your budget, and don't be afraid to ask questions! They’re usually pretty upfront. You know what? This is what matters, just reach out. The worst that can happen is they say no. You can live with that.
So, Overall, Should I Book Westwood Farm? Give Me the Verdict!
Look, I loved it. I really, *really* did. It has a certain charm. It has a magic quality. And after the events I've been through, it's the best. I think so. It's not perfect, no place is. But the good outweighs the (very minor) bad – assuming youCoastal Inns
