All grown up: Tagaytay's secret Santorini

When we went to Tagaytay for our workshop, we had no idea that we would be checking in at its secret version of Santorini. We purchased two overnight vouchers for Manos Greek Tavern Hotel good for nine people, and we were not disappointed!

I have been reading about Manos Greek Taverna restaurant famed for the authentic Greek cuisine cooked by Manos Sapountzakis and his wife Estrella. Their charming bed and breakfast branch is located in front of Our Lady of Lourdes Church along the Tagaytay road and you can immediately see the love and effort they've invested to make the place charming and homey.

There are only three suites being offered to guests aptly named Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos. They are strategically located in a cliff overlooking the lake and woods below. It's the perfect setting to breathe in the fresh Tagaytay air and just lounge outside the room while gazing at the lake.

There's a long flight of stone stairs from the main reception to reach the suites below. Another flight of stairs will take you to their restaurant with the charming exposed white stone walls and rustic decor. I have never been to Greece but this place makes you feel as if you're in the Santorini countryside (fron what I've gathered from obsessing over Greece in pictures). Their refreshing homemade yoghurt shake only adds to the illusion.

Each suite comes with a king-sized bed, pull-out couch, toilet and bath, and a garden terrace with an awesome view of Taal. I especially love the little details in the furnishings, such as these door knobs and exposed tree bark as part of the "tv stand".

My favorite suite would be the Santorini suite mainly for the glass walls with an unobstructed view of Taal. It's also on the very edge of the cliff surrounded by trees below so no one can see you from the outside--it feels like you're in a secret paradise.