tracey l heppner - photographer & lover of life

2 friday’s ago i had the priviledge to work with SCARLET BEGONIA FLOWERS from manila here. the owner, djuna, has become a good friend and when we talked about doing a shoot together, she was on it! she is launching a new line of florals, which i will leave for another blogpost!

the venue, however, was out of this world - literally. we traveled out of the metro to lipa city. every time i drive out of the metro, i’m continually reminded what an INCREDIBLY beautiful country we live in here; the air is clear, the rainforest is so plush, everything is so green. i can’t wait for the day we get our vehicle - one or two day road trips will be in order!

lipa city is in the province of batangas. and just outside the city center is this place called “the farm“. i know what you are thinking - at least i know what i thought, with my western mindset when i heard that term - pigs, cows, barns, you know - a farm.

but this is like no farm you have seen. this is actually one of the few medical and health resort spas in the world. it was a coconut plantation way back, that they have now capitalized on. their award-winning 48 heactares offers a holistic healing for the mind, body and soul. they have their own vegetable farm where they grow everything for their all-vegan only menus. plus they have an incredible clinic there with top-doctors who are completely holistic in their approach and the different treatments for your body is extensive along with on-going yoga classes for all.

it truly is an oasis.

as we shot the florals, i could not help but shoot some photos of the incredible resort. it was one of the most relaxing and refreshing days, not only shooting, but in general, that i have had in a while.

one of the owners, jennifer, was so gracious and let us utilize so many amazing spots throughout the resort for the shoots.

the back of the main lobby..

this floral bowl arrangement greeted us as we walked in.. :)

some of the amazing grounds..

the restaurant patio

one of the pools..

a very lovely, serene courtyard..

the forest near the falls..