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Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort: A Hidden Gem in Santa Maria, Laguna
When it concerns weekend leaves, City Manila residents normally head to Antipolo or Los Baños for a quick dose of fresh air and greenery. However endeavor a little farther, past the familiar haunts, and you’ll discover a tucked-away treasure in Santa Maria, Laguna (yes, spelled exactly as noticable to differentiate it from the more popular Sta. Maria, Bulacan). Here, Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort uses a refreshing mix of adventure, slow living, and farm-to-fork dining, making it worth the extra hour or two on the road.
< img loading=" lazy" class =" size-medium wp-image-162457" src =" https://outoftownblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Shepherds-Ridge-Mountain-Resort-Glamping-Dome-700x933.jpg "alt=" Shepherd's Ridge Mountain Resort Glamping Dome" width= "700 "height=" 933 "/ > Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort Glamping Dome Arriving From Ortigas Extension in Pasig, drive straight through Manila East Road, cruising past the Pililla Wind Farm’s towering turbines, a roadside phenomenon in itself. The journey is marked by winding mountain roads, the sight of occasional local horses grazing on hillsides, and roadside vendors selling seasonal fruits, rattan furniture, and even local moonshine. As the rainy season paints the slopes a lush green, the drive already feels like part of the escape.
The entryway to Shepherd’s Ridge remains in Paang Bundok. A short stretch of rough roadway serves as a prelude to the rustic experience ahead. It’s workable for most lorries, though low-clearance cars and trucks may discover it difficult. What waits for deserves it: visitors are welcomed by the shade of a giant tree, the very first indication of the residential or commercial property’s strong connection to nature.
< figure id=" attachment_162469" aria-describedby= "caption-attachment-162469" class=" wp-caption aligncenter" >< img loading=" lazy" class=" size-medium wp-image-162469" src=" https://outoftownblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Where-to-go-700x933.jpg" alt=" Where to go" width=" 700" height=" 933"/ > Where to go< figure id=" attachment_162476" aria-describedby=" caption-attachment-162476" class=" wp-caption aligncenter" >
Welcome tree at Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort A Place to Detach( Sort Of) Santa Maria’s mountain-side setting makes mobile data signals sparse, however the resort offers Wi-Fi for essential requirements. Households and groups are motivated to “touch some lawn,” reconnect with one another, and take a step back from screens. As the owner discusses, the philosophy is rooted in respect for nature and providing children the possibility to comprehend the origins of their food through a mini farm-to-fork experience.
caption-attachment-162467″ class=” wp-caption aligncenter” > Bonfire with treats Shepherd’s Ridge isn’t just for quiet reflection. It’s likewise a playground for adventure
applicants: Zip-lining and wall climbing Archery, airsoft, darts, and billiards Travelling and ATV rides Bonfires on request
The resort also arranges ATV rides integrated with treks to Mabitac Falls (Three Falls). However, visitors are advised that the city government closes access throughout heavy rains for safety, as the trail can end up being alarmingly slippery and the river present too strong.
LtoR Chef Toto Erfe, Chef Gene Gonzalez, Chef Mayelle Edades, Chef Gino Gonzalez, Chef Francis Roman”
width =” 700 “height=” 525 “/ > LtoR Chef Toto Erfe, Chef Gene Gonzalez, Chef Mayelle Edades, Chef Gino Gonzalez, Chef Francis Roman Dining at Don Genaro’s Restobar Food is at the heart of the Shepherd’s Ridge experience. At Don Genaro’s Restobar, the menu, created in collaboration with the Center for Asian Culinary Studies Research Study & Development and its alumnae, Executive Chef Mayelle Edades, features a no-pork philosophy. Instead, it highlights fresh, locally sourced components, many of which come directly from the resort’s gardens planted three to four years back. Guests can preorder breakfast, and while the kitchen area closes at 9:00 PM, the tastes and farm-to-table quality linger long after.
” class =” size-medium wp-image-162468″ src=” https://outoftownblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Family-Villa-at-Shepherds-Ridge-Mountain-Resort-700×933.jpg”
alt=” Household Rental property at Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort” width=” 700 “height=” 933″/ > Family Rental property at Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort< figure id=" attachment_162473" aria-describedby =" caption-attachment-162473" class=" wp-caption aligncenter" >< img loading=" lazy" class=" size-medium wp-image-162473" src=" https://outoftownblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Tiki-Bungalow-at-dawn-700x933.jpg" alt= "Tiki Cottage at dawn" width =" 700" height =" 933"/ > Tiki Bungalow at dawn Where to Stay Shepherd’s Ridge offers a range of lodgings to fit every sort of traveler. For those yearning something distinct, the Glamping Domes offer a relaxing, Instagram-worthy mountain escape under the stars. Families or groups looking for convenience can go with the Villas, while couples or pals can enjoy the tropical beauty of a Tiki Bungalow. Affordable non-airconditioned spaces are likewise readily available, ideal for visitors who want a more back-to-basics mountain stay.
The resort can host approximately 60 over night visitors easily, however the property is extensive enough to welcome over 100 non-sleeping visitors– ideal for day trippers or bigger gatherings. For those who prefer a rustic experience, outdoor camping in camping tents is also encouraged.
Shepherd’s Ridge likewise uses group building packages developed to combine experience, bonding, and relaxation in one setting. Groups of up to 30 participants can get curated day trip or over night packages, making it a top option for companies, companies, and even huge household reunions.
=” size-medium wp-image-162472″ src= “https://outoftownblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Swimming-Pool-700×525.jpg” alt= “Pool” width= “700” height=” 525″/ > Swimming Pool What to Anticipate (and Embrace) This is not the polished resort experience of Tagaytay or Antipolo. Instead, it’s an immersion into provincial mountain life– complete with mosquitoes, ants, and the occasional spider. The water, fresh from natural springs, is abundant. The air is crisp, the nights peaceful, and the stars vibrant against the dark sky.
Rooted in Community
Managed by Approche Hospitality, Shepherd’s Ridge prides itself on utilizing 80% of its personnel from nearby Mabitac. Beyond using experience, the resort aims to work as an anchor for Santa Maria’s emerging tourist identity. Agriculture is still the town’s backbone, however there is an evident desire to offer tired city-goers “a provincial home away from home”– genuine people, fresh food, and landscapes pristine by heavy commercialization.
The current mayor, who recently honored 6 centenarians in town, enhanced the last night of the resort’s media trip– additional signaling regional support for this effort.
The Essence of Shepherd’s Ridge
Adventure rooted in nature– that’s the viewpoint here. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of a zip-line, the crackle of a bonfire under the stars, or merely a peaceful moment with family surrounded by mountains, Shepherd’s Ridge Mountain Resort delivers a grounded, unforgettable escape.
So next time you plan a weekend away, look past the normal stops. Santa Maria, Laguna might not yet have the name recognition of Antipolo or Los Baños, however maybe that’s precisely what makes Shepherd’s Ridge special– a covert gem awaiting those going to go a little more.
