TANA Beach Villas is all about minimalist sophistication and relatable luxury.

Private beach villas are becoming more and more popular now, with luxurious interiors, natural landscapes, and more confined spaces that offer deeper peace and quiet for those who want an internal reset away from the crowds. They create a more relaxed staycation experience that is ideal for those who need a breather that’s minimal with activities but with maximum enjoyment of picturesque sea views.

TANA Beach Villas, under the management of Approche Hospitality, is a mere 2.5-hour scenic drive from Manila. It is the first of its kind, being a private compound of luxurious minimalist beach villas at Lian, Batangas. What started as a passion project by the Tan Family eventually became open to the public, as many of their friends and relatives encouraged them to share the beauty of their property with other beach lovers and eager travelers.

Poolside lounging is a must when in TANA.

Poolside lounging is a must when in TANA.

Upon arrival, our jaws dropped when the gate opened as we saw the attention-grabbing, boxy beach villas with polished landscapes and neat exteriors. One wouldn’t assume such grandeur to exist in a small town in Batangas. Surrounded by other residential cottages and beach resorts with a more native feel, this place instantly enchanted and enthralled us. With the gorgeous blue sea as the focal point of the entire property, it will make guests feel like they’ve been transported to some private island without the stress of catching a flight.

Enjoying the Batangas sun and getting welcomed by the happiest TANA staff

Allan Dollesin, the Operations Manager, eagerly waited for us as we parked, with umbrellas at hand. They gave us a warm and happy welcome and assisted us to our nearby villas. We both were given icy beverages and 5-minute arm and back massages by their therapists as we settled in. Each vacation home boasts of a polished cement finish and spacious, open layouts, complimented by soft neutral color palette interiors that create a soothing and tranquil atmosphere.

The villas are decorated with nature-inspired elements like potted plants, wooden catch trays and bowls, woven throw pillows, and double-lined curtains—a sheer layer and blackout ones to suit our mood, whether for an inside-out ambiance, or total privacy respectively. I loved how the sheer curtains allowed the sunlight to brighten and dance into the living room, as the beach peeked from afar, making us melt into the couch as we swooned at the view. In collaboration with Tayo Architecture and RBSayno Interior Design, TANA Beach Villas has created a good balance of a cozy and lush resort environment that visitors will truly delight in.

The minimalist feel of the whole resort proves that less is more when done right.

“We wanted the villas to be spacious to allow our guests a sense of freedom, hence the high ceilings. In the meantime, we also chose top quality cement and plaster because these are durable against the elements as we are located beachfront while leaving a clean, minimalist feel,” owner, Justin Tan, said.

A total of 10 beach villas are available in TANA, with garden and beach view options.

TANA only has nine villas and one suite as exclusivity in this resort is top of mind. Each is equipped with a Wi-Fi connection, a king-sized bed or two double beds with a 400-thread count cotton bedding, plus premium bathroom essentials made from natural ingredients that are toxin-free. The enclosed space with a rainfall shower head made me take my sweet time while indulging in my personal care routine. The living room has a SMART TV, a mini-fridge, and an espresso machine, perfect for easy mornings and stress-free unwinding.

The villas are equipped and designed for a cozy yet refined staycation.

No vacation is complete without great food, and TANA’s restaurant, Trese, provides just that. Trese takes its name from Tan’s mother who earned the nickname by being the 13th child in her family. With that big of a household, I’m sure they enjoyed many gastronomic feasts that inspired this beach-side resto! The international menu under the leadership of Chef Nilo Candelario is loaded with favorites from many different cuisines, like pizza, different kinds of pasta, grilled meats, and local fare, not to mention delicious concoctions of coffees, fruit shakes, bevies, and cocktails.

My top picks are their grilled bangus and liempo, bulalo, ribeye steak, chicken Caesar salad, pork sinigang, bacon-pepperoni pizza, and the succulently fresh and sweet tropical fruits served on a platter. Each booking comes with a plated breakfast, too (with American and Filipino options).

Trese is TANA’s clubhouse/restaurant.

Across Trese is the infinity pool and deck that suggests lounging for Lian’s breathtaking sunsets. It eased our minds and refreshed our bodies as we soaked in the view and inhaled the fresh sea breeze while sipping on some fresh fruit juices.

Great food is essential when on a vacation. With Chef Nilo’s fresh & delectable creations, you won’t be disappointed.

Great food is essential when on a vacation. With Chef Nilo’s fresh & delectable creations, you won’t be disappointed.

To move the body and enjoy the sun, their infinity pool deck is perfect for laps of swimming and suntanning, and their beach kayak and jet ski are also available for sporty activities at the sea. For those with a penchant for natural encounters, they also have a partnership with local tour guides so guests can visit a turtle pond, and even ride horses.

To revel in the beach further, we had a bonfire set up by the shore underneath the starry night sky so we could roast marshmallows and make s’mores, which is available upon request, too. After a fun-filled afternoon of activities, TANA also offers their signature massage at the guests’ villa for a restorative wind-down session that is sure to lull anyone to sleep. Our therapists, Mary and Lisa, did such a good job in providing relief to our tired and worn-out bodies.

Sunset view from the pool deck

The colors of TANA

On top of all the amenities and astounding environment and vista is the true heart of TANA—affable and charming service that is eager to please. I couldn’t get over our server's (Sab) smiley face every time we requested something, and how Allan would strike up nice and friendly conversations about the property and his personal experiences being in the hospitality industry since I did ask him about it, too. It felt like Allan was a long-lost uncle who checked in on us to ensure the smoothness and flawlessness of our stay.

Although there were some slight hiccups (minor noise issues from the neighbor’s karaoke and the occasional wafting of burnt smells from the neighbor’s bonfire), all's well that ends well. I simply took it as part of its provincial charm being situated in a small town in Batangas where we have to coexist with countryside residents. I did bring it up to Allan’s attention, and he reassured us that they are in talks with the LGU (Local Government Unit) about these challenges, showing commitment to improving their guests’ stay. They did just officially open last October, after all.

In general, our full experience at TANA is refreshing, calming, and undeniably soothing. It was a good reset for me and my twin sister since we had a jam-packed Vietnam trip the week prior and got hit with the flu right after we landed in Manila. The true stars of our overall stay were the excellently trained staff, who made us feel pure and genuine hospitality. I would highly recommend TANA for those looking for a quick escape, away from the hustle and bustle of urban living, with a deep desire to connect with the sea and be surrounded by a pleasantly comforting and relaxing ambiance. Whether it be couples, besties, or families, TANA Beach Villas can surely provide the simple yet profound beauty of rest.

For more information, contact +639150894811. For e-mail inquiries, contact tanabeachvilla@gmail.com. Follow them on Instagram @tanabeachvillas.

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